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Why belly fat isn't all bad

Researchers have found that the omentum's fat cells can suppress the immune system by sequestering activated T cells, a finding that could lead to new drugs with fewer side effects. The omentum also helps regenerate damaged tissues through mesenchymal stem cells.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 6, 2012

Researchers find a way to delay aging of stem cells

Stem cells, essential building blocks of life, gradually lose their ability to maintain tissues and organs as they age. Researchers at the Salk Institute found that the stem cell niche's biological events contribute to this decline, but also discovered a mechanism to reverse it by increasing expression of Imp.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateMay 23, 2012

Bio-hybrid device acts as 'thermostat' to control systemic inflammation in sepsis

Researchers at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine developed a bio-hybrid device that acts as an 'inflammation thermostat' to control systemic inflammation in sepsis. The device loads human liver cells engineered to produce anti-inflammatory proteins, which balance inflammation and immune responses.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalDisruptive Science and Technology·DateMay 14, 2012

JCI early table of contents for March 12, 2012

A study found that bone marrow-derived progenitor cells promote liver regeneration in rats, improving our understanding of how liver tissue can regenerate following damage. Researchers also discovered a new determinant of human breast cancer metastasis, highlighting the potential for new therapeutics targeting this pathway.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 12, 2012

Restoring what's lost: Uncovering how liver tissue regenerates

Researchers at the University of Southern California have identified the role of stem and progenitor cells in liver regeneration. Bone marrow-derived progenitor cells were found to be required for liver regeneration following surgical removal, shedding light on liver complications associated with suppressed bone marrow tissue.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 12, 2012

NPL models the extracellular matrix

Scientists at NPL developed a functional model of the native extracellular matrix, providing structural support for cells to aid growth and proliferation. The model could lead to advances in regenerative medicine by mimicking the complex nano-to-microscale structure of the ECM.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 20, 2011

In third-degree burn treatment, hydrogel helps grow new, scar-free skin

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a hydrogel treatment that promotes new blood vessel formation and tissue regeneration, yielding scar-free skin in mouse tissue tests. The treatment has the potential to greatly improve healing for injured soldiers, home fire victims, and others with third-degree burns.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2011

Stem cells repair lung damage after flu infection

Researchers have identified adult stem cells that can regenerate lung tissue, providing hope for new treatments of acute and chronic airway diseases. The findings suggest that the lungs have a remarkable ability to regenerate after infection, with stem cells proliferating rapidly and assembling into alveolar-like structures.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateOct 27, 2011

A*STAR scientists first to identify stem cell key to lung regeneration

Researchers at A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore and Institute of Molecular Biology identify distal airway stem cells as the key to forming new alveoli, paving the way for novel therapies for respiratory diseases. The discovery provides insight into genes and secreted factors that can be used to enhance lung regeneration.

Mechanical stress can help or hinder wound healing depending on time of application

A recent study found that applying mechanical forces to a wound site immediately after healing began can disrupt vascular growth and prevent bone healing. However, delaying the application of mechanical stress until later in the healing process can enhance functional bone regeneration through adaptive remodeling.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2011

Race to nerve regeneration: faster is better

A team of researchers identified a way to speed up the growth of damaged nerves, restoring muscle function in injured mice. The study suggests that increasing nerve growth rates may enhance functional recovery in patients with peripheral nerve damage.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 3, 2011

From worm to man

Researchers studied flatworms to understand how they regenerate their excretory systems from scratch, providing clues about the evolutionary origin of mammalian kidneys. They found that flatworm protonephridia, a complex epithelial organ, shares structural similarities with mammalian nephrons.

IADR/AADR publish proceedings from Symposium on Tissue Injury and Pulp Regeneration

A symposium on tissue injury and pulp regeneration has published proceedings that highlight the potential of dental pulp engineering for regenerating functional dentin. Researchers present data on stem cells, scaffolds, and differentiation factors, demonstrating proof of principle for pulp/dentin regeneration.

Researchers create nanopatch for the heart

A team of researchers at Brown University and India Institute of Technology Kanpur created a scaffold-looking structure consisting of carbon nanofibers that regenerated natural heart tissue cells and neurons. The approach, if successful, would help millions of people suffering from heart attacks.

SourceBrown University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateMay 19, 2011

Heads or tails?

Planarian flatworms can regenerate their entire body from a small piece of tissue due to the critical role of an ancient gene called notum. Notum determines whether a head or tail will regrow at amputation sites, enabling the worms to restore missing body parts.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 2011

Blood pressure drug shows some muscle

Researchers discovered losartan improves muscle regeneration and prevents wasting away from inactivity in geriatric mice. The study suggests losartan may have broader clinical applications in protecting against immobilization atrophy in older adults.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 11, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: April 18, 2011

Researchers have identified a low-molecular weight TrkB antagonist with potent behavioral effects that suggest it will have antidepressant and anti-anxiety activity in humans. The compound, ANA-12, was discovered through a screen of stable small molecules that could specifically inhibit TrkB action. Additionally, a study on type 1 diab...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 18, 2011