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Adult-like human heart muscle grown from patient-specific stem cells

Columbia University engineers develop a novel approach to growing mature human heart muscle from blood-derived stem cells, achieving critical hallmarks of adult human heart function in just four weeks. The technique involves applying physical conditioning and electromechanical stimulation to drive rapid maturation of the tissue.

Polymers that mimic chameleon skin

Researchers have developed a biocompatible synthetic material that replicates tissue mechanics and alters color when it changes shape, like chameleon skin. The material is composed of a unique triblock copolymer with carefully selected structural parameters, exhibiting flexibility, strain profile, and optical properties.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateMar 29, 2018

A heart made of spider silk

Scientists develop an artificial silk protein that can be used to engineer cardiac tissue, demonstrating its suitability for repairing damaged heart cells. The protein, eADF4(κ16), was produced in large quantities and shown to support the growth of cardiac cells, with potential implications for treating cardiac insufficiency.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 18, 2017

'Origami organs' can potentially regenerate tissues

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a range of bioactive tissue papers made from materials derived from organs, which can potentially be used to support natural hormone production in young cancer patients and aid wound healing. The new biomaterials are thin, flexible, and pliable enough to fold into origami structures.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 7, 2017

Updated AATS guidelines help cardiovascular surgeons navigate the challenges of managing ischemic mitral regurgitation

The updated AATS guidelines offer guidance on managing ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR), a condition associated with increased long-term mortality. For patients with severe IMR, replacement or repair of the mitral valve is considered based on specific criteria.

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateApr 17, 2017

Injured muscles 'shocked' back to health

A recent study in rats suggests that acoustic shock waves can accelerate muscle healing by increasing chemical signaling factors and waking up satellite progenitor cells. This technique, called Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), has promising potential as a non-invasive therapy complementing existing recovery regimes.

Micro heart muscle created from stem cells

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes develop a new method to create three-dimensional human heart tissue from stem cells, addressing limitations of existing techniques. This breakthrough enables scientists to study heart cells in their proper context, enhancing the discovery of treatments for heart disease.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 20, 2016

Growing skin in the lab

Researchers successfully grew skin tissue with hair follicles and sebaceous glands in the laboratory using reprogrammed iPS cells. The tissues formed normal connections with surrounding nerves and muscle fibers, paving the way for potential functional skin transplants.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 1, 2016

Mass. General team develops transplantable bioengineered forelimb in an animal model

A team of Massachusetts General Hospital investigators has developed a bioartificial replacement limb suitable for transplantation using an experimental approach previously used to build bioartificial organs. The researchers successfully engineered rat forelimbs with functioning vascular and muscle tissue, and provided evidence that th...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalBiomaterials·DateJun 2, 2015

Origin of cancer wasting identified in fruit flies

Two independent studies reveal that tumor-secreted molecule ImpL2 causes wasting syndrome, also known as cachexia, in fly cancer models. Researchers found that depletion of ImpL2 levels significantly reduced wasting in flies, suggesting new candidates for mediators of cachexia and novel therapeutic approaches.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateApr 6, 2015

Controlling genes with light

Researchers at Duke University have devised a method to activate genes in specific locations using light, allowing for precise control over genetic expression. This technology has the potential to revolutionize genetic engineering and may lead to breakthroughs in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateFeb 9, 2015

Stem cells from muscle can repair nerve damage after injury, Pitt researchers show

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have made a groundbreaking discovery using human muscle-derived stem cells to repair damaged nerves. The study found that these stem cells could differentiate into neurons and glial support cells, leading to full regeneration of the sciatic nerve in animal models.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 18, 2014

Scientists develop an engineered cardiac tissue model to study the human heart

Researchers have created an engineered cardiac tissue model using human embryonic stem cells, which exhibits significant similarities to human heart muscle. The model displays spontaneous contractile activity and responds to electrical stimulation, providing a promising platform for developing reliable models of the human heart.

A heart of gold

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed gold nanofibers that can mimic the heart's coordinated electrical system, increasing the viability of transplanted cardiac tissues. This innovation could lead to new treatment options for patients with damaged heart tissue after a heart attack.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry B·DateJul 17, 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

Patterned hearts

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a new material called MeTro gel that mimics the elasticity of human tissues. The material was used to create artificial heart tissue with beating muscle cells, which could potentially advance treatments for heart disease.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 29, 2013