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Imaging method predicts how well stem cells can differentiate into cardiac muscle cells

A new imaging technique developed by the Skala Lab can predict the efficiency of cardiomyocyte differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells, providing a non-invasive quality control method. The technique uses autofluorescence to measure metabolic activity and has been shown to be accurate in predicting outcome with high consistency.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2021

Muscles retain positional memory from fetal life

Researchers at Kumamoto University discovered that muscles and satellite cells retain positional memory from fetal life, based on the expression pattern of the homeobox (Hox) gene cluster. This finding is expected to provide insights into the pathogenesis of muscle diseases and develop regenerative medicine.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 6, 2021

A new mechanism behind continuous stem cell activity in plants

Researchers identified a novel vascular cell maintenance system where BEH3 competes with other transcription factors to stabilize vascular stem cell multiplication and differentiation. They also found that BEH3 hinders the activity of other BES/BZR transcription factors, indicating its opposing function in regulating vascular stem cells.

SourceKobe University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJun 10, 2021

Scientists find small molecule cocktail to improve stem cell use in research, medicine

Researchers at NIH have devised a four-part small-molecule cocktail, CEPT, that protects induced pluripotent stem cells from stress and maintains normal stem cell structure and function. The cocktail enhances the potential therapeutic uses of stem cells in treating diseases like diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injury.

Five new insights in the fight against COVID-19

Researchers have made significant findings in the fight against COVID-19, including a link between long-term blood vessel problems and an increased risk of heart disease. Studies also suggest promising leads for antiviral treatments and potential therapies using stem cells, as well as changes in science education during the pandemic.

Recreating the earliest stages of life

Researchers successfully generate synthetic mouse embryos containing the three fundamental cell types normally found in pre-implantation embryos. The study provides strong evidence that the system is a good model for studying early embryo development, shedding light on the mechanisms of totipotency and the causes of early pregnancy loss.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 22, 2021

Crnic Institute discovery may explain high risk of leukemia in children with Down syndrome

A new study by the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome identifies a higher-than-expected rate of clonal hematopoiesis in individuals with Down syndrome between the age of one to 20 years old. This precocious clonal hematopoiesis is linked to an increased risk of leukemia, with oncogenic mutations dominating the TET2 gene.

How chronic stress leads to hair loss

Harvard researchers identify how chronic stress impairs hair follicle stem cells, leading to delayed regeneration and hair loss. The study found that the stress hormone corticosterone delays stem cell activation, while Gas6 pathway activation promotes hair growth.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateMar 31, 2021

Chemical cocktail creates new avenues for generating muscle stem cells

A UCLA-led research team identified a chemical cocktail that enables large numbers of muscle stem cells to be produced within 10 days. The approach shows promise for improving muscle regeneration and could lead to the development of stem cell-based therapies for muscle loss or damage due to injury, age, or disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 18, 2021

Tear glands in a dish can cry

Researchers have created stem-cell-derived organoids that can produce mature tear products, shedding light on the biology of crying and dry-eye disease. The organoids can be transplanted into mouse tear glands and form functional duct-like structures, revealing new insights into potential treatments for Sjögren's syndrome.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 16, 2021

Reactivating aging stem cells in the brain

A study by University of Zurich researchers reveals that increasing lamin B1 levels in aging mice stem cell division improves, leading to increased new neurons. The findings offer hope for future therapies targeting neurogenesis in older individuals or those with degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 24, 2021

A recipe for regenerating bioengineered hair

Scientists at RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research have identified a population of hair follicle stem cells and developed a recipe for normal cyclical regeneration. In the study, 81% of bioengineered hair follicles generated in NFFSE medium went through at least three hair cycles and produced normal hair.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 10, 2021

Scientists take important step toward using retinal cell transplants to treat blindness

Researchers successfully transplanted human cadaver-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) into non-human primate models, showing promise for treating macular degeneration and blindness. The study demonstrates the safety and feasibility of this approach, paving the way for potential human clinical trials.

Formula predicts ideal dose of stem cells to cure HIV

A mathematical model developed by researchers predicts that autologous gene-edited stem cell transplants could achieve viral control after antiretroviral therapy withdrawal. The conditions required for this include a sufficient dose of edited stem cells and allowing them to repopulate the blood before ART is stopped.

SourceeLife·DateJan 12, 2021