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Stopping arthritis before it starts

Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC have developed a stem cell-based bio-implant to repair cartilage and delay joint degeneration. The Plurocart implant successfully integrates into damaged articular cartilage tissue and survives for up to six months.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

3D printing of blood plasma may speed up wound healing

Researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have developed a new method to enhance wound healing using 3D printing of platelet-rich plasma. The technique showed promising results in improving vascularisation and reducing fibrosis, leading to faster and more successful wound healing.

SourceRCSI·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 30, 2021

Sugar could help repair artificial human joints

Researchers at Durham University have developed a sugar-containing polymer coating that can repair damaged artificial joint implants by mimicking the way cartilage works to lubricate human joints. The coating uses water to create a slippery surface, protecting the surfaces from wear and tear.

SourceDurham University·JournalChem·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

Taking it easy as you get older? Wrong.

Research from Harvard University reveals that physical activity later in life shifts energy towards mechanisms that extend health, reducing chronic illnesses. The study highlights the importance of staying physically active as we age to allocate energy to physiological processes that slow down deterioration.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 22, 2021

MDI Biological Laboratory scientist advances prospect of regeneration in humans

A recent study by James Godwin, Ph.D. has identified the liver as a primary reservoir for pro-regenerative macrophages essential to limb regeneration in axolotls. The research paves the way for regenerative medicine therapies in humans, potentially treating diseases like heart and lung disease with scar-free healing.

SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021

Simultaneous repair of heart valves may benefit some adults

A two-year follow-up of participants found that those who had both their mitral valve and tricuspid valve repaired at the same time experienced better outcomes, including less progression to moderate or severe leakage. This study provides high-level evidence for surgeons on how to perform tricuspid valve repair in these patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 16, 2021

It takes cellular teamwork to heal the intestine

Researchers uncover intricate cellular response to rotavirus damage in intestinal epithelium, finding tuft cells contribute to repair process through production of immature enterocytes. The study provides new understanding of gut healing mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2021

Adult stem cells transform faster with two lasers

Scientists from the University of Johannesburg found that shining two lasers on adult stem cells accelerates their transformation into different types of cells. The consecutive irradiation increases proliferation and differentiation under laboratory conditions, paving the way for potential therapies to repair damaged tissues.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalBiochimie·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Aided by stem cells, a lizard regenerates a perfect tail for first time in more than 250 million years

A USC-led study has improved lizard tail regeneration through stem cell-based therapy, leading to the creation of tails with skeletal and nerve tissue on both sides for the first time in history. This breakthrough informs efforts to improve wound healing in humans, particularly for injuries that don't naturally regenerate.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Nasal cartilage relieves osteoarthritis in the knee

Researchers from the University of Basel have found that nasal cartilage cells can withstand chronic inflammatory conditions and counteract inflammation in osteoarthritis. The approach involves using engineered cartilage tissue to repair or replace damaged joints, offering a promising alternative to joint prostheses.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2021

Dynamic heart model mimics hemodynamic loads, advances engineered heart tissue technology

Researchers have created a dynamic model that accurately recreates hemodynamic loads on engineered heart muscle tissues, providing unprecedented insights into how genetics and mechanical forces contribute to heart muscle function. This breakthrough model allows for the study of various heart diseases with genetic mutations, development...

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 21, 2021

Skin and bones repaired by bioprinting during surgery

Using bioprinting, researchers successfully repaired traumatic injuries to the skin and bones of the face and skull in a rat model. The technique involved printing both bone and soft tissue layers, achieving 100% closure of soft tissue in four weeks and 80% closure of bone in six weeks.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 26, 2021

Bypassing broken genes

Researchers developed a new approach called Co-opting Regulation Bypass Repair (CRBR) that can correct genetic diseases caused by single gene mutations. The method uses the CRISPR/Cas9 system and non-homologous end joining to insert a functional copy of the gene, enabling treatment in all adult tissues.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateApr 21, 2021

Scientists switch on tissue repair in inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers at KU Leuven and Seoul National University create method to stimulate immune system cells to repair damaged tissues, offering new potential treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. The technique involves targeting specific macrophage cells with liposomes containing a substance that triggers tissue regeneration.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalGut·DateFeb 8, 2021

Study pinpoints target for managing inflammation, promoting tissue repair

A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that targeting the BCAP protein could help control overactive immune responses and promote tissue repair in inflammatory diseases. The researchers suggest that modulating BCAP activity could be used to dampen inflammation and accelerate response against tumors.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2020

Metal-ion breakthrough leads to new biomaterials

Cornell engineers developed a modular process for designing elastomers with metals like iron and calcium, creating a wide range of mechanical properties. The framework allows for the creation of biodegradable and elastic materials for soft tissue reconstruction and regeneration.

SourceCornell University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 30, 2020

How to repair your gut

A strong cellular lining is essential for a healthy gut, and damage to it can cause painful symptoms. Monash University researchers have identified a key biomolecule, Neuregulin-1, that accelerates the repair of damaged tissue by prompting stem cells to regenerate.

SourceMonash University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 20, 2020

Reducing the damage of a heart attack

Cardiology researchers from San Diego State University found that the protein MANF acts as a regulator, minimizing damage after a heart attack. The discovery could lead to the administration of MANF as a drug in ambulances to reduce damage and improve recovery rates.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 23, 2020

ETH researchers deconstruct tissue repair

Researchers from ETH Zurich have deconstructed the complex mechanisms that control tissue repair and scar formation, focusing on a signal molecule called activin. The study reveals how activin affects cell interactions and extracellular matrix composition, promoting wound healing but also causing scarring.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2020

'Lettere patenti' help assess intensity of historic central Italian earthquakes

Researchers used 'Lettere Patenti' documents to calculate intensities for a 1703 earthquake sequence in central Italy, revealing that the main earthquakes were likely intensity V or VI. The study provides a more realistic view of the earthquakes' impact than historical reports, shedding new light on seismic intensity assessment.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateMay 13, 2020

Experimental Biology press materials available now

Recent research studies published in The FASEB Journal cover topics such as the effects of vaping on lung tissue repair, potential treatments for arthritis and indigestion, and insights into why loud noise is bad for health. Other areas of focus include the discovery of new eco-friendly light sources, improved methods for growing plant...

SourceExperimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 27, 2020

Researchers explore spinal discs' early response to injury and ways to improve it

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have made a breakthrough in understanding how spinal discs respond to injury. They found that using drugs like fasudil can calm cells and delay their default healing response, which has potential as a treatment for disc degeneration and back pain. This discovery highlight...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 14, 2019