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Scientists find bone-marrow environment that helps produce infection-fighting T and B cells

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered an osteoblastic niche in the bone marrow that nurtures early lymphoid progenitors, specialized blood-forming cells responsible for producing T cells and B cells. This finding may lead to improved safety and effectiveness of bone-marrow transplants and treatments for illnesse...

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

Stem cell bodyguards

A recent study has revealed the existence of a rare sub-group of activated immune cells that act as bodyguards to protect stem cells from premature differentiation. These macrophage cells secrete prostaglandins, which delay differentiation and preserve the youthful state of the stem cells.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 22, 2012

Platelet drug shows clinical benefits for severe, unresponsive aplastic anemia

A new clinical study by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute found that eltrombopag improved blood cell production in 11 out of 25 participants with severe aplastic anemia. The drug was well-tolerated, with few side effects, and six patients showed significant improvements in all three types of blood cells.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 4, 2012

'Inhabitants of Madrid' ate elephants’ meat and bone marrow 80,000 years ago

Researchers have discovered evidence of humans consuming elephant meat and bone marrow in the Middle Palaeolithic site of Preresa, Madrid. The findings, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, suggest that the practice was not as common as previously thought due to the difficulty of extracting marrow from bones.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateApr 24, 2012

Bone marrow stem cells improve heart function, study finds

A study led by Mayo Clinic researchers found that bone marrow-derived stem cells improved ejection fraction, a measure of the left ventricle's pumping ability, by 2.7% in patients with chronic heart failure. The most significant improvements were seen in younger patients and those with enriched CD34+ and CD133+ type of stem cells.

Drug makes leukemia more vulnerable to chemo

Researchers have found that a new drug called plerixafor can help drive leukemia cells out of the bone marrow and into the bloodstream, making them more vulnerable to chemotherapy. In a clinical trial, 46% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia achieved complete remission after treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalBlood·DateMar 19, 2012

Taking a 'shine' to heart repair

A new treatment developed at Tel Aviv University uses laser-treated bone marrow stem cells to help restore heart function and health. The procedure significantly reduces heart scarring after an ischemic event by up to 80 percent, offering a safer and quicker alternative to existing options.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalLasers in Surgery and Medicine·DateAug 11, 2011

BUSM study identifies new potential approaches to treat myelofibrosis

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a possible new approach to treating myelofibrosis by inhibiting an enzyme that forms scar tissue in the bone marrow. The study found that inhibiting this enzyme resulted in a significant decrease in the burden of myelofibrosis, offering a potential new avenue for treat...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 23, 2011

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

Using bone marrow stem cells to treat critically ill patients on verge of respiratory failure

A team led by Drs. Michael A. Matthay and Jae W. Lee found that bone marrow stem cells secreted a protein that restored the lung barrier, preventing fluid and other elements from entering the lungs. The study suggests that this therapy may be a viable option for preventing respiratory failure in critically ill patients.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 11, 2010

Bone-marrow stem cells in MS show promise

A small trial of bone marrow stem cell therapy in patients with MS found the procedure to be well-tolerated and suggested potential benefits. The study's results, published in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, provide a promising lead for further research into this emerging treatment option.

Age, gender can affect risk to radiation treatment

A new model of the human body is being developed to improve radiation treatment accuracy for cancer patients, especially children. The research found that children have a greater percentage of total mineral bone in direct contact with sensitive bone marrow than do adults, leading to higher radiation doses and increased cancer risk.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalPhysics in Medicine and Biology·DateMar 16, 2010

Anorexics found to have excess fat-- in their bone marrow

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital discovered that people with anorexia nervosa have high levels of fat within their bone marrow. This unexpected finding may help track the effectiveness of hormonal therapies aimed at improving bone mass in individuals with this condition, who often experience bone loss and osteoporosis.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateFeb 8, 2010

No difference in survival between leukaemia patients 10 years after undergoing stem-cell or marrow transplant

Patients who underwent peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSC) had similar overall survival rates as those given bone marrow transplants, with no significant differences in mortality or late effects. However, subgroup analyses revealed improved leukaemia-free survival and overall survival for patients with acute leukaemias

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJan 31, 2010

Researchers decipher blood stem cell attachment, communication

A breakthrough study has revealed that blood stem cells produce chemical signals of their own that influence their attachment to the bone marrow or migration into the circulatory system. This discovery holds implications for improving leukemia treatment and artificially culturing infection-fighting immune cells.

JCI online early table of contents: Feb. 9, 2009

Research suggests mice without AT1A protein have a significantly prolonged lifespan. This is attributed to reduced cellular oxidation, contributing to aging. Additionally, studies investigate the role of MT1-MMP in regulating hematopoietic progenitor cells' release from bone marrow.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 9, 2009

Study uses bone marrow stem cells to regenerate skin

A new study suggests that adult bone marrow stem cells can be used to construct artificial skin, advancing wound healing and potentially pioneering organ reconstruction. The engineered skin containing stem cells showed better healing, less wound contraction, and improved blood vessel development.

SourceWiley·JournalArtificial Organs·DateJan 14, 2009

Dormant stem cells for emergencies

Researchers have identified a group of dormant stem cells in mouse bone marrow that divide only five times throughout their lifespan, equivalent to one cell division in 18 years. These 'sleeping' stem cells can rapidly self-renew and replace damaged bone marrow in emergency situations.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalCell·DateDec 4, 2008