Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Building heart tissue that beats

Researchers at Harvard Medical School and University of Sydney develop elastic hydrogel-based cardiac tissue that beats in synchrony with natural heart muscle. The breakthrough could lead to repairing damaged hearts without organ transplants, revolutionizing the treatment for millions worldwide.

Immune cells may heal an injured heart

A study in mice reveals two major pools of immune cells that promote healing and drive inflammation in the heart. Healthy hearts maintain a population of embryonic macrophages, while adult macrophages are recruited during cardiac stress, leading to inflammation. The findings provide new insights into the complex interplay between these...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalImmunity·DateJan 16, 2014

MS research could help repair damage affecting nerves

A study published in Nature Neuroscience has identified a compound called activin-A that helps trigger the regeneration of protective sheaths around nerve fibers in the brain. This finding could lead to new drug targets for enhancing myelin regeneration and restoring lost function in patients with multiple sclerosis.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 21, 2013

Stem cell clues uncovered

Lamins are essential proteins supporting the organization of stem cell niches, which regulate proliferation and differentiation of germline stem cells. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of diseases caused by lamin mutations and their impact on tissue degeneration.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 12, 2013

Cells make costume changes for cardiac regeneration

Scientists have identified a novel mechanism of cardiac regeneration in zebrafish, where muscle cells from the atrium actively migrate into damaged parts of the heart muscle in the ventricle. This process, known as transdifferentiation, results in the formation of new ventricular tissue and restoration of cardiac function.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJul 11, 2013

Do salamanders hold the solution to regeneration?

Researchers from Monash University found that macrophages play a crucial role in salamander regeneration. Without them, salamanders lose their ability to regenerate and form scar tissue instead. The study brings scientists closer to understanding the conditions needed for human regeneration.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2013

Turning old hearts

Harvard Stem Cell Institute researchers have identified a protein, GDF-11, that reverses the effects of aging on mouse hearts. The protein was found to reduce heart size and thickness, similar to healthy younger mice.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell·DateMay 9, 2013

Healing by the clock

Researchers found that intestinal stem-cell regeneration in fruit flies varies with the time of day, with gut healing being more effective at certain times. This study sheds light on how circadian rhythms control daily functions and has potential applications for human health, including optimizing chemotherapy timing.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 11, 2013

Bone marrow cells used in bladder regeneration

Researchers at Northwestern University are using bone marrow cells to recreate bladder muscle, vasculature, and nerve tissue, potentially replacing traditional surgery. This approach aims to address complications associated with bowel-based augmentation cystoplasty, a common surgical option for bladder dysfunction.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2013

This is why it takes so long to get over tendon injuries

Researchers discovered that Achilles tendons retain high levels of carbon-14 from the Cold War era, indicating limited renewal and a slow healing process. This finding explains why tendon injuries often persist for years, but also opens up opportunities for developing new treatments to provoke dormant cells into repairing the tendon.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 15, 2013

Inspiration from a porcupine's quills

Researchers have developed a new class of adhesive materials modeled on the unique properties of porcupine quills. These quills can easily penetrate tissue but are difficult to remove, and studying their mechanism could lead to less-painful needles and adhesives that bind internal tissues securely.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2012

Injectable sponge delivers drugs, cells, and structure

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a biocompatible gel-based sponge that can be molded to any shape, loaded with drugs or stem cells, and delivered via injection. The sponge pops back to its original shape once inside the body, gradually releasing its cargo before safely degrading.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2012

Bringing measuring accuracy to radical treatment

Researchers at Ghent University have developed a simplified model to measure the absolute density of OH radicals in plasma, improving the accuracy of radical treatment for medical applications. This breakthrough could stimulate tissue regeneration and induce targeted antiseptic effects without harming neighboring tissues.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateNov 12, 2012