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Ryk needs a chaperone

Researchers discovered Ryk's chaperone, Smek, which regulates key genes transforming stem cells into brain cells. The study sheds light on the mechanisms of brain development and may lead to new therapies for neurological diseases and brain cancer.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 27, 2017
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Quest for new medicines could be helped by cell discovery

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have identified two molecules, SMAD2 and SMAD3, that enhance cellular reprogramming efficiency. This breakthrough could accelerate production of induced pluripotent stem cells for studying diseases like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 27, 2017

Investigating patterns of degeneration in Alzheimer's disease

A study published in Stem Cell Reports reveals that DNA-encoded factors influence the vulnerability of brain cells to Alzheimer's disease. Brain regions with higher Aβ protein levels are more susceptible to damage, while protected areas have a less toxic response.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateNov 17, 2017

UW scientists create a recipe to make human blood-brain-barrier

Researchers from UW-Madison detail a defined process to make an exact mimic of the human blood-brain barrier in a laboratory dish. This breakthrough allows for more robust exploration of cells and their properties, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 8, 2017
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Inner ear stem cells may someday restore hearing

A Rutgers-led study has shown promise in using inner ear stem cells to reverse deafness, but also poses a risk of increased cell division, which could lead to cancer. The researchers discovered that controlling the chromatin state can reduce unwanted stem cell proliferation.

SourceRutgers University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateNov 7, 2017

How do adult brain circuits regulate new neuron production?

Researchers have discovered a long-distance brain circuit that controls the production of new neurons in the hippocampus, a critical area for learning and memory. The circuit, involving the medial septum and PV interneurons, regulates stem cell activity and maintains healthy neurogenesis.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 2, 2017

Method of accelerating the maturation of stem cells to form neurons discovered

A new technique has been developed to accelerate the maturation of stem cells into neurons, enabling faster brain tissue regeneration. The method uses a hydrogel scaffold that mimics the elasticity and adhesive properties of the human brain, promoting neurogenesis and neural cell differentiation.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateOct 25, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Does stem cell therapy offer the best hope for neurodegenerative diseases?

Researchers review the effectiveness of stem cells and emerging agents in preventing and treating neurodegenerative pathologies. They discuss potential advantages and obstacles of using different types of stem cells and present evidence for further study of certain compounds.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalRejuvenation Research·DateOct 24, 2017
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Multiple sclerosis: Oligodendrocytes from stem cells

Researchers have found that interaction between mesenchymal and adult neural stem cells can strongly promote oligodendrogenesis, potentially leading to improved treatment options for Multiple Sclerosis. The study's results demonstrate conservation across species, offering hope for clinical translation.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalGlia·DateOct 18, 2017

Growing human brain cells in the lab

Researchers have developed a new, simplified technique to produce homogeneous human brain cells in the lab, accelerating drug screening and disease study. This breakthrough allows for cost-effective production of large quantities of brain cells within weeks, enabling wider adoption in basic science and industry.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateOct 10, 2017

Better mini brains could help scientists identify treatments for Zika-related brain damage

Researchers developed improved mini brain organoids from stem cells, closely mimicking human brain structure. They found critical similarities between the organoids and real brain tissue and identified effective drugs to block Zika's entry into the brain, offering new avenues for studying neurological disorders

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 10, 2017
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Human skin cells transformed directly into motor neurons

Researchers at WashU Medicine convert skin cells from healthy adults into motor neurons, retaining their age and potential for studying neurodegenerative diseases. The technique eliminates ethical concerns and allows for the study of human motor neurons in the lab.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateSep 7, 2017

Zika virus could be used to treat brain cancer patients, study suggests

Researchers have found that Zika virus preferentially infects and kills glioblastoma stem cells compared to other cell types. A mutant strain of the virus shows promise in slowing tumor growth and extending lifespan when combined with chemotherapy, offering a new potential treatment for brain cancer.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateSep 5, 2017
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Zika virus kills brain cancer stem cells

Researchers found that Zika virus can kill glioblastoma stem cells, which are resistant to standard treatments. The virus targets these cells without harming noncancerous brain cells, making it a promising potential treatment option.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateSep 5, 2017

Monkeys with Parkinson's disease benefit from human stem cells

Scientists have successfully transplanted human stem cells into monkeys with Parkinson's disease, showing long-term benefits. The quality of donor cells, particularly the Dlk1 gene, played a crucial role in determining cell survival. This study brings iPS cell-based therapy closer to clinical trials.

SourceCenter for iPS Cell Research and Application - Kyoto University·JournalNature·DateAug 30, 2017

Using donor stem cells to treat spinal cord injury

A new study in mice found that transplantation of donor stem cells from human brain tissue can help repair an injured spinal cord. However, the effectiveness of these stem cells is hindered by the body's immune response to injury. Immune cell depletion can improve the recovery outcome for animals receiving transplanted stem cells.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateAug 28, 2017

It's not a rat's race for human stem cells grafted to repair spinal cord injuries

Researchers found that human neural stem cells retained an intrinsic human rate of maturation despite being placed in a traumatic rodent environment. The study's findings suggest that clinical outcome measures for future trials need to focus on long time points after grafting, as success may take time.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 28, 2017

Scientists give star treatment to lesser-known cells crucial for brain development

A new study published in Neuron confirms that lab-grown astrocytes mature at the same rate as human brains, providing a valuable technique to investigate their role in brain development and disease. The findings have significant implications for understanding the roots of neurological disorders such as schizophrenia and autism.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNeuron·DateAug 16, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Neural stem cells steered by electric fields in rat brain

Scientists at the University of California - Davis have discovered a way to steer neural stem cells transplanted into the rat brain towards specific locations using electric fields. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for effectively guiding stem cells to repair brain damage and treat diseases such as stroke and injuries.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJul 11, 2017

Large-scale production of living brain cells enables entirely new research

Researchers at Lund University have developed a method to produce diseased, aging brain cells on a large scale in a cell culture dish. This enables experiments that were previously not possible, opening up research areas linked to new drug testing, accurate disease models, and earlier diagnostics.

SourceLund University·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateJun 26, 2017
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Rare cells are 'window into the gut' for the nervous system

Researchers have discovered that specialized gut cells called enterochromaffin (EC) cells sense potentially noxious chemicals and trigger electrical impulses in nearby nerve fibers. This finding could lead to new approaches for treating gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateJun 22, 2017

Distant brain regions selectively recruit stem cells

Researchers have found that brain regions can target specific pools of stem cells in the subventricular zone, stimulating them to divide and produce particular types of olfactory bulb neurons. This allows for the on-demand generation of specific neuron subtypes in the adult brain.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience·DateJun 16, 2017

Epigenetic signaling axis regulates proliferation and self-renewal of neural stem/progenitor cells

Researchers discovered a novel epigenetic signaling axis involving PRC1, microRNA, and PRC2 that regulates the self-renewal and proliferation of neural stem/progenitor cells. The study found that Ezh2 represses miR-203 expression, which negatively regulates self-renewal and proliferation but promotes neuronal differentiation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJun 12, 2017

New insights into how the Zika virus causes microcephaly

Researchers found that Zika virus hijacks Musashi-1 protein to replicate in and kill neural stem cells, leading to microcephaly. The study suggests that MSI1 is essential for normal brain development and its presence increases the vulnerability of these cells to Zika infection.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalScience·DateJun 1, 2017
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Sniffing out stem cell fates in the nose

UC Berkeley scientists have developed a new technique to track individual stem cells in the nose, uncovering clues that could help restore smell to those who have lost it. The team used single-cell RNA sequencing and statistical analysis to identify the molecules that trigger stem cell differentiation into specific cell types.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 11, 2017

How neurons and glia cells are created in the developing brain

Researchers find Lgl1 controls neural stem cell proliferation, producing neurons and glia cells in the developing cortex. The study reveals two mechanisms of Lgl1 function: one for embryonic development and another for postnatal brain growth.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNeuron·DateMay 3, 2017

Dr. Li-Ru Zhao receives 2017 Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award from ASNTR

Li-Ru Zhao, PhD, MD, receives the 2017 Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for her research contributions in acute and chronic stroke, vascular dementia, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer's disease. Her work has significantly advanced our understanding of SCF and G-CSF in slowing Alzheimer's progression.

SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·DateMay 1, 2017

It's all in the math: New tool provides roadmap for cell development

Researchers created a new tool that analyzes RNA sequencing data using topology, providing insights into cellular differentiation and development. The approach identifies connections between cellular states and genes active during development, offering potential discoveries in understanding cell identity and guiding cellular development.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 1, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Peptide acts as mediator for learning

Researchers have discovered a key peptide called DBI that promotes the production of new neurons in the hippocampus, a region critical for learning and memory. DBI binds to GABA receptors, suppressing its inhibitory effect and allowing neural stem cells to proliferate.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNeuron·DateApr 7, 2017

Mini brains from the petri dish

Researchers developed organoids that resemble human brain structure, investigating rare congenital brain defect Miller-Dieker syndrome. The study reveals disrupted stem cell division leading to poor organization and early differentiation of nerve cells.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 4, 2017
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Parasitic fish offer evolutionary insights

A team of scientists from Caltech has found that lamprey gut neurons originate from cells called Schwann cell precursors, challenging the long-held theory that these cells give rise to vagal neural crest cells. This discovery offers insights into the evolutionary origins of vertebrates and their digestive systems.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateMar 20, 2017

From skin to brain: Stem cells without genetic modification

A University at Buffalo research team has successfully reprogrammed adult skin cells into neural crest cells, a type of stem cell, without adding foreign genetic material. These cells can differentiate into various cell types found in the spinal cord and brain, holding promise for studying genetic diseases and generating regenerative t...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalStem Cells·DateMar 15, 2017

Researchers create model of anorexia nervosa using stem cells

A team of scientists at the University of California San Diego has created a cellular model of anorexia nervosa using induced pluripotent stem cells, revealing a potential genetic link to the disease. The study identified a novel gene, TACR1, that may contribute to the development of eating disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMar 14, 2017

Study shows stem cells fiercely abide by innate developmental timing

A recent study published in Developmental Biology reveals that stem cells adhere strictly to their unique species' developmental clocks. The research paves the way for accelerated stem cell differentiation and faster cell growth, potentially solving various diseases such as Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, and Alzheimer's.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateFeb 27, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Some neurons choose mom's gene and others choose dad's

Research reveals that individual neurons or specific types of neurons can silence genes from one parent or the other, particularly during brain development. As the brain matures, these differences tend to decrease, but some genes continue to exhibit differential expression in adult brains.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 23, 2017

UTMB scientists uncover how Zika virus causes microcephaly

Researchers at UTMB have discovered that the Asian lineage of the Zika virus halts brain stem cell proliferation and hinders their ability to develop into brain nerve cells. This finding provides insight into the mechanisms behind Zika-induced microcephaly, a serious birth defect characterized by small brain and head development.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateFeb 17, 2017

New clues on the base of Parkinson's disease and other 'synucleinopathies'

Researchers have shed light on the relationship between misfolded alpha-synuclein protein and Parkinson's disease, identifying key genes and cellular processes involved. The study provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms of synucleinopathies, paving the way for developing patient-specific treatments.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell Systems·DateJan 25, 2017
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Transplanted neurons incorporated into a stroke-injured rat brain

Researchers at Lund University successfully incorporated transplanted neurons into a stroke-injured rat brain, showing they formed normal connections with the host brain. The study used human skin cells reprogrammed to become healthy neurons and demonstrated functionality in response to touch.

SourceLund University·JournalBrain·DateJan 23, 2017

New findings about stem cells in the brain of patients with epilepsy

Scientists have discovered neural stem cells in epileptic brain tissue outside normal regions, suggesting greater plasticity in damaged brain areas. The study provides new knowledge about molecular characteristics of these cells and may lead to improved treatments for epilepsy.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateDec 15, 2016

Research identifies a molecular basis for common congenital brain defect

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have discovered that sorting nexin 27 (SNX27) is required for the formation of cells that maintain normal flow of fluid out of the brain. The study found that deleting SNX27 causes hydrocephalus, and gave hope for potential non-surgical treatments.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·DateDec 13, 2016

How to make a motor neuron

Researchers found a dynamic, multi-step process in which multiple independent changes converge to transform stem cells into motor neurons. The study outlines challenges facing current cell-replacement technology but also highlights potential pathways for enhanced gene-therapy methods.

SourceNew York University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 8, 2016
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

TET proteins drive early neurogenesis

Researchers have discovered that TET proteins, which modify methyl groups attached to cytosine, influence gene expression and facilitate the removal of these marks. This dynamic modulation is critical for driving developmental gene expression programs in early embryos, particularly in neural tissue formation.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2016

What makes a neuron a neuron?

Researchers have identified the functions of two sibling RNA-binding proteins in neural stem cells and neurons. PTBP1 and PTBP2 serve both redundant and unique roles in brain development, contributing to neuronal differentiation. This discovery has implications for fine-tuning stem cell therapeutic strategies for neurologic disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 6, 2016

Neural stem cells serve as RNA highways too

Researchers discovered that neural stem cells serve as RNA highways, transporting proteins and messenger RNAs to the endfeet. FMRP was found to be responsible for controlling mRNA movement and is linked to autism-related disorders.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 1, 2016