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The source of stem cells points to two proteins

Researchers at Michigan State University have identified YAP1 and WWTR1 as crucial proteins in regulating the balance between pluripotent cells and placenta formation. This discovery sheds light on the natural process of creating embryonic stem cells, which could lead to advances in regenerative medicine and organoid technologies.

SourceMichigan State University·DateDec 11, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Potential seen for tailoring treatment for acute myeloid leukemia

Researchers developed a rapid screening method to evaluate drug responses of leukemia stem cells and blast cells from individual patients. The study revealed unique drug susceptibility patterns, with promising targets identified for patient-specific therapies.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·DateDec 7, 2018

A sobering conclusion: Adult hearts contain no stem cells

Researchers at the Hubrecht Institute found that adult hearts do not have stem cells that can regenerate lost heart muscle after a heart attack. Instead, connective tissue cells produce scar tissue to replace the lost cardiac muscle, which helps maintain heart integrity.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2018

Some blood cells have a surprising source: Your gut

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that circulating white blood cells from donors contain matured cells that educate recipients' immune system to be tolerant of donated tissues. The study suggests new strategies for managing organ transplantation and reducing immunosuppression.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 29, 2018
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Next step towards replacement therapy in type 1 diabetes

Scientists have mapped the signal determining pancreatic progenitor cell fate, enabling the manufacturing of insulin-producing beta cells from stem cells. The research facilitates combating type 1 diabetes by understanding how extracellular matrix interactions influence cell destiny.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature·DateNov 28, 2018

Healthy blood stem cells have as many DNA mutations as leukemic cells

Healthy blood stem cells exhibit a similar number of DNA mutations as those found in leukemic cells, suggesting that the location of these mutations is more relevant than their quantity. This study's findings have implications for understanding the origins of leukemia and developing targeted treatments.

SourcePrincess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 28, 2018

How invading jumping genes are thwarted

Researchers found that reproductive stem cells boost production of non-coding RNA elements to suppress jumping gene activity and activate DNA repair processes, enabling normal egg development. Temperature influences sterility in fruit flies, with a specific temperature range controlling jumping gene invasion intensity.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 1, 2018
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Twenty years on, measuring the impact of human stem cells

The discovery of human embryonic stem cells in 1998 revolutionized regenerative medicine, with 29 clinical trials underway globally. The field has grown exponentially, enabling large-scale production of pure cells for research, and nearly $1.43 billion spent on NIH stem cell research over the past 20 years.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 1, 2018

A new environment for repairing eyes

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new environment for repairing eyes using hyaluronic acid. By creating an ideal substrate layer with high concentrations of hyaluronic acid, they aim to improve the treatment of patients with limbal stem cell deficiency, which can lead to opaque corneas.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 30, 2018
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

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How sleeping mammary stem cells are awakened in puberty

A team of scientists has identified a key protein that triggers the activation of mammary stem cells during puberty, leading to the rapid expansion of the mammary gland. FoxP1 plays a crucial role in switching off proteins that keep mammary stem cells dormant, allowing them to divide and drive growth.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 25, 2018

Skeletal stem cells regress when tasked with extensive regeneration

Researchers at Stanford University discovered that adult mouse skeletal stem cells revert to an earlier developmental stage when tasked with regenerating large portions of bone and tissue. This process, called de-differentiation, allows the cells to become more primitive and express genes typically found in early embryonic development.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature·DateOct 24, 2018

Helping blood cells regenerate after radiation therapy

A new method developed by MIT researchers helps blood cells regenerate faster after radiation therapy, which can help leukemia and lymphoma patients recover from bone marrow irradiation. The technique involves stimulating stem cells to secrete growth factors that aid in the differentiation of precursor cells into mature blood cells.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·DateOct 24, 2018
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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

How communication among cells affects development of multicellular tissue

A study published in Nature Communications sheds light on how intercellular communication influences the differentiation of embryonic stem cells. Researchers discovered a potential mechanism to control the rate of differentiation without affecting the overall patterning of resulting multicellular tissues.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 15, 2018

Thyroid hormone regulates development of color vision

Researchers used human retinal tissue grown from stem cells to discover how cone photoreceptors develop, leading to insights into eye diseases like color blindness. Thyroid hormone signaling regulated the growth of blue-detecting cones first, followed by red- and green-detecting ones.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 11, 2018

Scientists mimic the earliest stages of human development

Researchers at the Gladstone Institutes have developed a new method to study the earliest stages of human development, mimicking how cells self-organize into distinct populations. By silencing specific genes in human pluripotent stem cells, they created ring patterns that influence cell behavior and future identity.

SourceGladstone Institutes·DateOct 9, 2018
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Uncovering the exquisite choreography of the developing human heart

Researchers report on the most in-depth study to date of how human stem cells can be turned into heart cells, revealing unique patterns of gene activity associated with cardiac cell development. The findings provide new insights into how the heart builds itself and may lead to new approaches for repairing damaged hearts.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateOct 4, 2018

UMN researchers use 3D technology to identify optimal stem cells for transplantation

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have discovered a subset of muscle stem cells that are located close to blood vessels and are likely to be the more potent stem cell population in maintaining muscle health. This groundbreaking study uses 3D technology to study the interaction between stem cells and blood vessel...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateOct 4, 2018

Elusive stem cells could help repair damaged blood vessels

A unique source of stem cells in blood helps build blood vessels in embryos, contradicting previous theories. This finding brings scientists closer to using stem cells to repair damaged blood vessels and treat heart and circulatory diseases.

SourceBritish Heart Foundation·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 2018

Novel method produces highest-ever signals for human embryonic stem cell detection

Researchers developed a novel method to enhance native stem cell bioelectric signals, achieving ultra-high current levels two-orders of magnitude higher than previous methods. The new method uses 2D-molybdenum disulphide sheets, demonstrating improved commercialization and therapeutic safety for future stem cell-based therapies.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·DateSep 25, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Researchers identify human skeletal stem cells

Human skeletal stem cells have been isolated from fetal and adult bones, providing a breakthrough in understanding the molecular diagnosis and treatment of skeletal diseases. The discovery enables researchers to create a detailed lineage map of stem-cell-mediated formation of skeletal tissues in humans.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateSep 20, 2018

Scientists grow human esophagus in lab

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center successfully grew human esophageal organoids using pluripotent stem cells, enabling the study of diseases like esophageal cancer and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The bioengineered tissues were compared to patient biopsies and showed striking similarities in composition.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateSep 20, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

A joint effort to understand cartilage development

Researchers identified unique cell populations in human joint cartilage, crucial for cushioning and often lost in arthritis. Stem cell-derived cartilage can be transplanted into arthritic rats to regenerate the superficial zone, potentially leading to better treatments.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 7, 2018

Family tree of blood production reveals hundreds of thousands of stem cells

A new study approach reveals that healthy adults have between 50,000 and 200,000 blood-creating stem cells in their bone marrow. This finding opens up new opportunities for studying how stem cells change during ageing and disease, and may lead to insights into cancer development and effective stem cell therapies.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateSep 5, 2018
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Colorectal cancer: Tipping the scales

A new study reveals that c-MYC induces the production of a transcription factor, increasing the numbers of stem cells in the intestinal epithelium and contributing to adenoma formation. The loss of Ap4 protein leads to reduced tumors and longer survival, indicating its role in controlling intestinal homeostasis.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 4, 2018

Huntington disease and histone deacetylase inhibition

Studies with rodent models show reduced anxiety and improved brain function with early treatment using the histone deacetylase inhibitor LBH589. This approach may offer a new therapeutic strategy for Huntington disease.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2018

Cellular pumps protect the gut from toxins

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School discovered that gut stem cells have a unique population of cells with intrinsic toxin resistance, enabling them to withstand drugs and spicy foods. These 'drug efflux pumps' protect the gut from toxic compounds, promoting intestinal regeneration and overall health.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 26, 2018
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

New method grows brain cells from stem cells quickly and efficiently

A new method allows for rapid generation of functional brain cells, known as astrocytes, from embryonic stem cells in just two weeks. This breakthrough enables researchers to study the role of astrocytes in various diseases, including neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia and ALS.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 22, 2018

Double time limit for embryo research say ethics experts

Experts believe extending the current 14-day limit would allow scientists to study embryonic development and improve IVF procedures. This could also enable research into 'organoids' - miniature human organs created in labs.

SourceLancaster University·JournalMolecular Medicine·DateAug 7, 2018

New research opens door to expanding stem cells available for transplants

Researchers have identified a way to expand blood-forming adult stem cells from human umbilical cord blood, increasing their availability for transplant patients. This breakthrough could lead to more people being able to receive life-saving treatments without a suitable bone marrow match.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalCell Research·DateAug 3, 2018
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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Stem cell research for cystic fibrosis leaps forward

Researchers at the University of Adelaide successfully applied cell transplantation therapy to replace damaged cells in CF patients, providing a potential cure. The innovative method involves harvesting adult stem cells from the lungs, correcting them with gene therapy, and reintroducing them back into the patient.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·DateAug 2, 2018

Active substance raises hopes of curing hepatitis E

Researchers have found a possible active substance against the hepatitis E virus in naturally occurring silvestrol, which inhibits pathogen replication in cell cultures and mice. Silvestrol is formed by mahogany plants and has been shown to be effective against the virus in both lab tests and animal models.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAntiviral Research·DateAug 1, 2018
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Electricity sparks neuronal diversity during brain development

UNIGE researchers found that bioelectrical potential is a driving force for stem cells to generate different types of neurons during embryogenesis. This discovery reveals an unexpected role for electrical charge in generating neuronal diversity, which could help explain how neurological disorders affect brain development.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell·DateJul 26, 2018

Study show PD-1 role in maintaining stem cell function

A recent study found that Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD-1) is crucial for the self-renewal and differentiation of dental pulp stem cells. Removal of PD-1 from these cells led to reduced proliferation rates, highlighting its importance in maintaining stem cell function.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJul 25, 2018

A new milestone in laboratory grown human brain tissue

Researchers have successfully generated brain tissue with all major cell types using organoid technology, providing a more accurate representation of human brain development. This breakthrough enables the study of neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease in laboratory-dish models.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 25, 2018

New method adds missing functionality to brain organoids

Researchers have developed a new procedure to generate human brain 'organoids' capable of myelination, modeling the brain's structure and function more closely than ever. This breakthrough could lead to better understanding and treatment of neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease.

SourceNew York Stem Cell Foundation·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 25, 2018
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

A 3D model of a human heart ventricle

Harvard researchers create a scale model of a beating heart ventricle using human heart cells and nanofiber scaffolds. The model can be used to study heart function and test new treatments for arrhythmia and other conditions.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 23, 2018

NUS researchers confine mature cells to turn them into stem cells

Researchers at NUS have successfully reprogrammed mature cells into pluripotent stem cells by confining them in a defined geometric space for an extended period. By the 10th day, the cells expressed genes associated with embryonic stem cells and iPSCs, indicating complete transition into re-deployable stem cells.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2018

New form of wound healing revealed by parasitic gut worms

Researchers found that adult stem cells in the intestines are replaced by fetal growth genes after parasite injury, enabling rapid wound repair. This discovery could lead to new treatments for internal wounds and improve understanding of mammalian body repair mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateJul 3, 2018
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Researchers identify mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in human arteries

Researchers identified adventitial CD90+ and mesenchymal stem cells in human arteries for the first time, providing a clear link to vascular diseases like coronary artery disease. These cells appear to play a key role in mediating vascular diseases.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJun 28, 2018

New insight into how Autism might develop in human brain

A team of scientists from McGill University discovered a key role for the GRIN2B gene in early neural stem cell development and autism. They used genetic engineering to reprogram skin cells into brain cells with the patient's mutation, showing how improper protein production leads to impaired brain development.

SourceMcGill University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJun 26, 2018

Fluorescent molecules reveal how cancer cells are inhibited

Lund University researchers have developed a fluorescent variant of salinomycin to understand its mechanism against cancer stem cells. The molecule rapidly passes through the outer cell membrane and acts as an ion transporter in the endoplasmic reticulum, leading to a reduction in cancer stem cells

SourceLund University·JournalACS Central Science·DateJun 25, 2018

Why we make blood cells in our bones

Researchers at Harvard University have discovered that the 'blood stem cell niche' evolved to protect blood stem cells from ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight. This finding has significant implications for improving the safety of blood stem cell transplants, a procedure used to treat patients with blood diseases and cancers.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateJun 13, 2018

How stem cells move

Researchers from Newcastle University discovered that human embryonic stem cells travel back and forth in a line, revealing subtle patterns to their movement. This finding has important implications for the development of computer models to predict and control stem cell evolution.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalPhysical Biology·DateJun 12, 2018
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Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.