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UCLA scientists make strides toward an ‘off-the-shelf’ immune cell therapy for cancer

Researchers produce large quantities of powerful cancer-fighting iNKT cells using stem cell engineering and organoid technology, offering a potential solution for mass-producing an off-the-shelf immune cell therapy. The therapy, which uses hematopoietic stem cell-engineered iNKT cells, has been shown to be effective in killing multiple...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2021

Businesses selling non-FDA-approved stem cell products grew four-fold in five years, UCI study says

A US study found that businesses selling non-FDA-approved stem cell products grew four-fold in five years, with California, Texas, and Florida leading the nation. Patients spend thousands of dollars on unproven treatments, posing significant risks to their health, while the industry's lack of regulation endangers public health.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 4, 2021

Researchers identify core genetic networks driving human embryonic stem cell behavior

A genome-wide screening technique reveals the interrelated activities of genes controlling pluripotency and apoptosis in human embryonic stem cells. The study provides new insights into cancer genetics and a novel approach for regenerative medicine research, enabling the systematic mapping of genetic networks involved in tissue formation.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 28, 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

A decade after gene therapy, children born with deadly immune disorder remain healthy

Researchers report that 90% of patients who received gene therapy between 2009 and 2012 remain disease-free, with significant immune system differences observed among those treated. The therapy is most effective in younger children, but further work is needed to achieve high levels of gene correction in all patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalBlood·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 15, 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

What makes us human? The answer may be found in overlooked DNA

Researchers at Lund University discovered a previously overlooked part of our DNA that appears to contribute to the development of human and chimpanzee brains. The study found that humans and chimpanzees use a structural variant of DNA in different ways, which plays a significant role in brain evolution.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2021

Nerve repair, with help from stem cells

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers uses human gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells to guide nerve growth and regeneration, achieving similar results as traditional autograft procedures. The approach has potential for treating larger nerve gaps, including those resulting from oral cancer surgery.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

TTUHSC technology leads successful clinical trial to treat dry eye disease

A clinical trial conducted by TTUHSC researchers found that corneal epithelial stem cell-derived eye drops significantly improved symptoms of severe dry eye disease, with patients experiencing a 23% improvement in SPEED questionnaire scores and a 17.1% improvement in OSDI scores. No adverse reactions were reported during the 12-week tr...

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Ophthalmology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 28, 2021

Researchers report on new way to deliver healing stem cells to kidney injury patients

A new ex vivo drug delivery system has been shown to keep MSCs viable longer and reprogram the peripheral immune response toward organ repair. The study's results suggest that SBI-101 can impact a peripheral immune response that can be transmitted to local tissue damage in vital organs, including the kidney.

SourceAlphaMed Press·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 28, 2021

Repeated injury to airway stem cells could be major factor in chronic lung disease

Researchers link repeated injury to airway stem cells with chronic lung disease, suggesting that biological aging of these cells may contribute to the development of this condition. The study found that injury caused activation of a subset of stem cells, leading to their premature aging and loss of functional capacity.

SourceAlphaMed Press·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2021

Researchers explore promising treatment for MRSA ‘superbug’

A new study from Cornell University has found that the antimicrobial properties of certain stem cell proteins can effectively reduce the viability of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in skin wounds. The treatment also stimulates the surrounding skin cells to build up a defense against the bacterial invader.

SourceCornell University·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateSep 16, 2021

Building the ovarian environment from stem cells

Researchers at Kyushu University successfully reconstitute the ovarian follicle from mouse stem cells, generating functional egg cells and growing viable mice. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for infertility and help conserve endangered animals through egg cell production.

SourceKyushu University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Stem cell model for early human embryo development

Researchers at KAUST have developed an in vitro model of early human embryogenesis using extended pluripotent stem cells, overcoming ethical concerns. The model, called EPS-blastoids, is a faithful representation of the earliest moments of human development and holds promise for studying developmental defects and regenerative medicine.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalCell Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

Babies wanted: Males need not apply

Researchers at Kyoto University have made a groundbreaking discovery by creating functional sperm cells from mouse pluripotent stem cells. The breakthrough has significant implications for male fertility and reproduction, providing a new model for generating male germ cells in a test tube.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis treated with implanted cells that release drug

Researchers have genetically engineered cells that can deliver a biologic drug in response to inflammation, reducing inflammation and preventing bone damage in mice with rheumatoid arthritis. This approach could provide personalized treatments for arthritis patients, limiting side effects associated with current therapies.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2021

The flower clock: How a small protein helps flowers to develop right and on time

Researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology and Nanjing University discovered a small protein, KNUCKLES, that plays multiple roles in ensuring the correct timing of floral development. This discovery reveals a regulatory pathway where KNUCKLES supports the completion of floral meristem development within a short time window.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2021

Scientists develop brain organoids with complex neural activity

Researchers at UCLA developed brain organoids that mimic human brain structure and function, allowing for the study of neurological disorders like Rett syndrome. The organoids showed organized waves of activity similar to those found in living brains and responded to treatment with an experimental drug.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Phase 1 clinical study reveals how stem cells alleviate COPD inflammation in humans

A new clinical study reveals that treatment with mesenchymal stromal cells reduces inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study provides insights into the therapeutic potential of MSCs as a novel treatment for COPD, which is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

SourceAlphaMed Press·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 18, 2021

Brain organoids develop optic cups that respond to light

Researchers generated brain organoids containing functional optic cups from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), demonstrating intrinsic self-patterning ability. The optic cups exhibited light sensitivity, diverse retinal cell types, and connectivity to brain regions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

New information on the early stages of human development – Basic research involving embryos provides a solid basis for developing better infertility treatments

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have identified short non-coding RNA molecules in human ova and embryos, shedding light on embryonic development. The study's findings may lead to improved infertility treatments and a deeper understanding of early miscarriages.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalGenome Research·DateAug 3, 2021