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New method for producing precursor of neurons, bone and other important tissues from stem cells

Scientists at the University of Georgia have developed a new method to create neural crest cells, precursors of bone cells, smooth muscle cells, and neurons, using a single-step process that reduces production time by half. The method uses small molecules to activate specific signaling pathways, increasing consistency and reducing costs.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2011

Neural stem cell transplant may tackle diabetes

Researchers have discovered a method to harness patient-derived neural stem cells as an alternative source of insulin-producing beta cells for regenerative treatments. This breakthrough could potentially overcome the shortage of donor pancreatic beta cells and provide a safer, more accessible way to treat diabetes.

SourceWiley·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateOct 6, 2011

Cell Transplantation study shows bone growth from implanted tooth and dental pulp stem cells

Researchers successfully grafted deciduous canine teeth and dental pulp stem cells into parent canines, demonstrating bone regeneration after four weeks. The study found increased immunosuppressive activity of these stem cells, paving the way for potential clinical applications in allogenic in vivo stem cell transplantation.

The brain grows while the body starves

Researchers have identified a key gene that enables the brain to continue growing while other organs shut down in fetal development. This genetic link may hold clues for understanding intra-uterine growth restriction and its potential links to metabolic disease later in life.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateAug 4, 2011

Sniffing out a new source of stem cells

Researchers have found that adult stem cells from the human olfactory system can provide a new source of cells to treat brain disorders. These cells, known as OE-MSCs, have been shown to migrate to damaged areas and stimulate nerve cell growth, improving learning and memory in mice.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 13, 2011

Cell brings multimedia to life

The latest issue of Cell journal features QR codes connecting readers to author-narrated figure walks and hidden treasures of animated figures, videos, podcasts, and more. This innovative approach improves the reader's experience and conceptualization of scientific content.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMay 26, 2011

The sweet mysteries of the nervous system

A new antibody called 5750 has been developed by researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum to label specific stem cells in the nervous system. The antibody targets a sugar residue on the cell surface called LewisX, which is found on different types of neural stem cells.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 10, 2011

What decides neural stem cell fate?

A study by Dr. Alexey Terskikh and colleagues found that the SOX2 gene maintains the potential for neural crest stem cells to become neurons in the peripheral nervous system. This discovery could help inform therapies for neurocristopathies, diseases caused by defects in the neural crest or neurons.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 5, 2011

Scientists create stable, self-renewing neural stem cells

Researchers at University of California - San Diego School of Medicine and colleagues report a game-changing advance in stem cell science: the creation of long-term, self-renewing neural precursor cells from human embryonic stem cells that can be directed to become many types of neuron. The new process promises to have broad applicatio...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 25, 2011

Dopamine controls formation of new brain cells

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that dopamine controls the formation of new neurons in the adult brain by acting as a switch for stem cells. The study used salamanders, which can recover from Parkinson's-like conditions, to understand how dopamine regulates neural regeneration.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 8, 2011

Research may lead to new treatments for Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders

A team of researchers at Marshall University has identified and analyzed unique adult animal stem cells that can transform into neurons, which could pave the way for novel therapies for slowly progressing diseases like Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis. The discovery is especially interesting as it involves using readily available and...

SourceMarshall University Research Corporation·JournalJournal of Cellular Physiology·DateMar 25, 2011

Transplanting umbilical cord and menstrual blood-derived stem cells offer hope for disorders

Researchers have found that stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood cells and menstrual blood may offer therapeutic benefits for disorders such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These cells can differentiate into various types of cells and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Neural stem cells maintain high levels of reactive oxygen species, UCLA study finds

Researchers at the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research found that neural stem cells maintain high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to help regulate normal self-renewal and differentiation. The findings may have significant implications for brain repair and abnormal brain development.

Human umbilical cord blood cells found to enhance survival and maturation of key brain cells

USF researchers discovered that human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCB) promote the growth and differentiation of hippocampal neurons in both young and old laboratory animals. HUCBs have been found to enhance survival, maturation, and arborization of key brain cells, potentially benefiting treating brain injury and degenerative disease...

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalAging and Disease·DateDec 14, 2010

Jefferson study determines bone marrow stromal stem cells may aid in stroke recovery

A study by Thomas Jefferson University found that bone marrow stromal stem cells can significantly recover motor behavior in laboratory rats after a simulated stroke. Early administration of the stem cells was more effective than late administration, with profound changes in brain structure and long-lasting motor function improvement.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalCell Transplantation·DateDec 1, 2010