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Scientists successfully awaken sleeping stem cells

Researchers at Schepens Eye Research Institute have identified a chemical compound that can awaken dormant Müller cells in the eye, transforming them into progenitor cells capable of generating new retinal cells. This breakthrough discovery offers new potential for treating diseases such as macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.

SourceSchepens Eye Research Institute·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateMar 18, 2008

Why don't we get cancer all the time?

A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that the inefficient process of replacing worn-out cells is a defense against cancer. The researchers found that multicellular organisms use a complex system to replace lost cells, which suppresses mutations that could lead to uncontrolled cell growth.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 19, 2007

Menstruation proves more than a curse

Researchers discovered a novel type of stem cell in menstrual blood that can rapidly replicate and develop into various cell types, including heart, liver, and lung cells. This breakthrough could lead to innovative treatments for damaged tissues and diseases such as diabetes and liver failure.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateNov 14, 2007

Stem cell therapy to prevent heart attacks

Researchers explored the use of autologous cells derived from bone marrow cells (BMC) to strengthen cardiac function and prevent heart attacks. The study found a significant reduction in clinical events, including death, heart attack, or revascularization, in patients who received BMC infusion compared to placebo.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 28, 2007

2-protein team would be lost without each other

A team of scientists has discovered a key mechanism by which plant proteins, Scarecrow and Short-root, regulate water and nutrient uptake in plants. This complex system ensures that plants can control the amount of water and nutrients they take in through their roots, enabling them to thrive in various environments.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateApr 19, 2007

News tips from the Journal of Biological Chemistry

Researchers provide new insights into how a key protein used to fight viruses works, raising hopes for improved treatments against viral infection. Additionally, heart stem cells are shown to be unaffected by acute heart failure, making them available for cardiac recovery. A chemical called thioredoxin also helps prevent loss of neuron...

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 10, 2007

The sturdier sex? -- Study by Pittsburgh scientists finds female stem cells work better

A study by Pittsburgh scientists found that female stem cells have a greater ability to regenerate skeletal muscle tissue than male cells. The researchers isolated female and male muscle-derived stem cells and tested their regenerative capabilities in dystrophic mice. Female stem cells were more efficient at regenerating skeletal muscl...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateApr 9, 2007

Treating male infertility with stem cells

Researchers transplanted bone marrow stem cells into testes of infertile mice, showing potential for treating male infertility. The stem cells differentiated into germ cells and supporting cells, suggesting a new approach to replacing nonfunctioning cells involved in sperm production.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMar 1, 2007

Cells passed from mother to child may be first step in developing new treatments for type 1 diabetes

Scientists discovered that cells passed from mother to child during pregnancy can differentiate into functioning islet beta cells producing insulin. Higher levels of maternal DNA were found in the blood of children and young adults with Type 1 diabetes, suggesting a beneficial role for microchimerism.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2007

Newts which regrow their hearts

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute discovered that newt heart cells can re-differentiate after damage, allowing for complete repair and restoration of function. The researchers found that Phospho-H3 protein marks the G2 phase of cell cycle and indicates regeneration without stem cells.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateDec 5, 2006

Signaling for cartilage

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that SOX9 and RUNX2 are two master transcription factors involved in differentiating skeletal progenitor cells into bone or cartilage. The researchers found that SOX9 appears to be the dominant player, suppressing RUNX2 activity to promote cartilage formation.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 27, 2006

When Gleevec is not enough

Researchers discovered a new 'helper' compound, dasatinib, that effectively treats some leukemias by targeting both BCR-ABL and SRC kinases. The findings suggest addressing both pathways is crucial for optimal treatment outcomes.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2006

Diabetes research yielding breakthrough success

A University of Calgary bioengineering team has successfully grown insulin-producing cells in a lab, which could lead to the production of human tissue for transplantation. The breakthrough brings the team one step closer to addressing the serious condition that requires multiple daily insulin injections.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateMar 16, 2006

Administering stem cells to patients with myocardial infarction leads to a reduction of the infarct

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, administering bone marrow stem cells to patients with acute myocardial infarction resulted in a significant reduction of the infarct size and improved regional left ventricle function. The findings suggest potential benefits for targeted clinical and pre-clinical research.

A little telomerase isn't enough

Researchers found that mice with half the normal amount of telomerase can't maintain their stem cells' chromosome ends, leading to early demise. The study suggests that inherited disease may be caused by inherited telomere length, not the status of the telomerase gene.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateDec 22, 2005

Million dollar life savers

Melbourne-based researchers Dr Anthony Hannan and Dr Stephen Nutt have won $1 million Pfizer Fellowships to investigate environmental factors affecting brain diseases and blood cell development. Their work aims to develop new therapeutic approaches for devastating conditions like Huntington's disease, schizophrenia, and leukaemia.

Hair-raising stem cells identified

Researchers at EPFL discover that stem cells within hair follicles can develop into various cell types needed for hair growth and follicle replacement. This breakthrough has significant implications for regenerative medicine and could potentially be used to regenerate hair on patients with severe burns.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2005