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With mini-vessels, mini-brains expand research potential

Scientists have developed mini-brains that can grow blood vessels, enabling the study of neurological diseases such as stroke and concussion. The presence of vasculature makes these mini-brains more realistic models of natural brains, allowing researchers to investigate the interaction between the brain and its circulatory system.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Methods·DateFeb 2, 2017

Five ways bioengineers want to use 3-D printing

Researchers are developing 3D printed tissues, including skin, bone, cartilage, and bladder models. Organs-on-a-chip systems mimic human tissue structure and function, allowing for the study of physiological differences and drug screening.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateAug 11, 2016

Zika virus infects human placental macrophages

Researchers found that Zika virus can infect human placental macrophages, known as Hofbauer cells, which have direct access to fetal blood vessels. This infection may allow the virus to cross the placental barrier and enter the fetal circulation, posing a risk to fetal development.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 27, 2016

Artificial blood vessels

Researchers at Shanghai University developed a tri-layered artificial blood vessel composed of separate materials for mechanical strength and new cell growth. The composite allowed rapid proliferation and integration of rat fibroblast cells, overcoming limitations of existing vascular grafts.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateFeb 3, 2015

JCI online ahead of print table of contents for April 8, 2014

Researchers used multiphoton microscopy to visualize podocyte calcium dynamics in response to glomerular injury, finding a robust calcium wave that spread throughout cells. Additionally, a mutation in the steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) gene was identified as causing asplenia and disorder of sexual development in a pediatric patient.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 8, 2014

Researchers step closer to custom-building new blood vessels

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully grown new blood vessels from pluripotent stem cells and transplanted them into mice, a crucial step towards developing personalized treatments. The new technique could enable genetically matched blood vessels that are less likely to be rejected by patients' immune systems.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2013

Penn researchers improve living tissues with 3-D printed vascular networks made from sugar

Researchers at Penn University have developed a method to rapidly create vasculature using 3D printed templates of filament networks, improving the function of engineered living tissues. They used a material composed of sugar and other compounds to create stable vascular systems that can be easily dissolved and replaced with cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 1, 2012

Making human textiles: Research team ups the ante with development of blood vessels woven from donor cells

A research team has developed a new technique for creating human textiles by weaving donor cells into blood vessels, promising to reduce production costs. The technology uses a combination of cultured cells and medical-textile-making techniques to create strong, biocompatible fibers that can be woven into various structures.

Top Queen's scientist gets UK recognition

Professor Alan Stitt has received a Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award to support his ground-breaking research on vascular stem cells and eye disease treatment at Queen's University. The award aims to retain top researchers in the UK and reflects the excellence of the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science.

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

Cell movements totally modular, Stanford study shows

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have shown that distinct groups of proteins each control one of four simple activities involved in the cells' collective migration. The study overturns an assumption common in genomics and provides a powerful tool for developing new therapeutics.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 30, 2008

Lactic acid found to fuel tumors

Researchers found lactic acid is an important energy source for tumor cells and discovered a way to destroy hard-to-kill cells by preventing lactate delivery. Blocking lactate transport kills oxygenated cells that starve hypoxic cells, offering a novel approach to treating tumors.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 20, 2008

Limbs saved by menstrual blood stem cells

Cells from menstrual blood, known as endometrial regenerative cells (ERCs), have been shown to restore blood flow in a mouse model with advanced peripheral artery disease. This breakthrough discovery holds promise for the treatment of critical limb ischemia, which causes approximately 150,000 amputations per year.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateAug 18, 2008