Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is ultimately a stem cell disease

Researchers found that Duchenne muscular dystrophy symptoms emerge when skeletal muscle stem cells can no longer keep up with repairs, leading to progressive muscle weakening and respiratory failure. Successful treatments targeting muscle stem cells may alleviate symptoms and offer new hope for managing the disease.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 9, 2010

Mathematical model of the life cycle of red blood cells may predict risk of anemia

A mathematical model developed by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University can predict the risk of anemia in individuals. The model reflects how red blood cells change in size and hemoglobin content during their four-month lifespan, allowing for early detection of iron-deficiency anemia.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2010

OHSU research suggests compound administered during some bone marrow transplants elevates risks

Research at OHSU's Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute suggests that G-CSF, a hormone stimulating stem cell growth, can reactivate human cytomegalovirus in bone marrow recipients, increasing their risk of infection. The study highlights the need for factoring in the risks associated with G-CSF use during transplants.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateSep 21, 2010

Keeping stem cells from changing fates

A study published in Cell Stem Cell reveals that NURF, an enzyme that regulates DNA packaging, allows specific genes to be turned on and off in stem cells. This dynamic structure enables stem cells to maintain their potency and prevent differentiation into other cell types.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateSep 9, 2010

Single cell injections

Researchers at Duke University have developed a method for injecting substances into single cells using sharp fluid jets, which may revolutionize stem cell research and cellular-level studies. The technique allows for the introduction of live cells to nontoxic substances without significantly damaging them.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 9, 2010

Gene therapy breakthrough heralds treatment for beta-thalassemia

Italian scientists have successfully completed preclinical trials for a gene transfer treatment that can correct the lack of beta-globin in patients' blood cells, a major step towards treating beta-thalassemia. The treatment uses genetically corrected stem cells to restore haemoglobin production and overcome the disorder.

SourceWiley·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateJul 13, 2010

A new spin on drug delivery

A new DNA delivery method has been discovered by Virginia Tech chemical engineers, which enhances the delivery of genetic material into cells. The method uses hydrodynamic effects to uniformly deliver DNA over the entire cell surface, resulting in a greatly enhanced transfer of genetic material.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature·DateJul 9, 2010

Plant growth hormones: Antagonists cooperate

A recent study published in Nature found that auxin and cytokinin, two previously thought-to-be antagonistic plant growth hormones, actually cooperate to regulate plant growth. The international team of researchers discovered that auxin boosts the effect of cytokinin by suppressing genes that limit its activity.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJun 24, 2010

Stem cell therapy to tackle HIV

A novel stem cell therapy has been developed to arm the immune system against HIV, potentially improving quality of life and life expectancy for those who have failed antiviral drugs. The therapy involves delivering antiviral DNA to patient immune cells, which can block viral gene production using RNA interference.

Researchers characterize stem cell function

Researchers at Northwestern University characterized a special type of stem cell, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), to see if they can behave as endothelial cells in the body when cultured on a bioengineered surface. The study shows promise for improving surgery success rates for peripheral arterial disease.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalStem Cells·DateMar 11, 2010

Predicting the fate of stem cells

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new method to predict the fate of stem cells using advanced computer vision technology. With up to 99 percent accuracy, this method can forecast how cells will divide and what characteristics their daughter cells will exhibit.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 1, 2010

Offering hope for tissue regeneration

Scientists at Rhode Island Hospital have discovered a novel mechanism of cell-to-cell communication using microvesicles, which can reprogram stem cells to behave like healthy cells. This finding offers hope for tissue regeneration and potential treatments for diseases such as cancer.

SourceLifespan·JournalExperimental Hematology·DateFeb 26, 2010

Cells send dirty laundry home to mom

Scientists have discovered a mechanism by which yeast cells transport damaged proteins to mother cells using conveyor-like structures called actin cables. This process ensures that newly formed daughter cells are born without age-related damage, paving the way for potential treatments of age-related diseases.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalCell·DateJan 31, 2010

Gene therapy and stem cells save limb

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed therapies using gene therapy and stem cells to increase blood flow, improve movement, and decrease tissue death. The findings hold promise for developing clinical therapies to save limbs from amputation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 2009

Improving the odds

Scientists at Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a new method for transplanting bone marrow-based stem cells from mismatched donors, restoring the immune system faster and improving cure rates for leukemia patients. The procedure involves infusing regulatory T cells into cancer patients before receiving donor stem cells, lead...

Brown fat cells make 'spare tires' shrink

Scientists at the University of Bonn have discovered a way to turn on the 'natural heating system' in brown fat cells, which can lead to increased energy expenditure and reduced body weight. By activating this mechanism, it may be possible to fight obesity with fat.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Signaling·DateDec 1, 2009

Protecting the future: How plant stem cells guard against genetic damage

Research by Nick Fulcher and Robert Sablowski found that plant stem cells are sensitive to DNA damage and can detect defects, triggering cell death to prevent them from being passed on. This mechanism helps protect plants against genetic damage caused by environmental stresses such as drought, high salinity, and hazardous chemicals.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2009

Tendon, ligament repair in horses focus of research

Researchers at Virginia Tech's Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center are studying the best ways to treat lameness in horses through tendon and ligament repair. Dr. Jennifer Barrett is investigating regenerative medicine techniques, including stem cell therapy, to regenerate damaged tendons and cartilage.