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New in the Hastings Center Report May-June 2017

The Hastings Center Report explores the ethics of opioid treatment agreements, which critics say are ethically suspect. The authors conclude that the purpose of these agreements is to disclose their requirements to patients, promoting mutual decision-making on pain management programs. In contrast, some experts propose replacing agreem...

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateMay 31, 2017

Let there be tissue

UCSB researchers have developed a new method to control gene expression in embryonic stem cells using light, allowing for the precise engineering of tissues. This breakthrough could lead to novel therapeutic applications and insights into tissue development.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 15, 2017

Sniffing out stem cell fates in the nose

UC Berkeley scientists have developed a new technique to track individual stem cells in the nose, uncovering clues that could help restore smell to those who have lost it. The team used single-cell RNA sequencing and statistical analysis to identify the molecules that trigger stem cell differentiation into specific cell types.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 11, 2017

Stem cells edited to fight arthritis

Scientists rewired mouse stem cells using CRISPR to produce biologic anti-inflammatory drugs that protect joints and tissues from chronic inflammation. The engineered cells can sense TNF-alpha and release a protective drug to combat inflammation.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 27, 2017

Stem cell consortium tackles complex genetic diseases

A collaborative effort analyzed iPS cells to understand how individual mutations contribute to polygenetic diseases, revealing that smaller collections of cells can produce results and identifying small changes in gene expression with dramatic effects on cells. The study also found that some effects manifest before cell differentiation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 6, 2017

A tale of 2 states

Human embryonic stem cells exist in two states: naïve and primed. Researchers have identified molecular flags on these cells, allowing them to track and investigate their transition. This approach has revealed new insights into the timing and coordination of gene activity changes during reprogramming.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 23, 2017

Major breakthrough in the manufacture of red blood cells

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a technique to manufacture immortalized red blood cells, which can be cultured indefinitely and differentiated into mature red blood cells. This breakthrough could potentially provide a safe source of transfusions for people with rare blood types and areas with inadequate blood su...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 2017

Study shows stem cell therapy is safe for stroke patients; may aid recovery if given early

Researchers found that a single dose of millions of adult stem cells can aid stroke recovery if given early, reducing destructive inflammation and the risk for serious infections. Early treatment within 36 hours after stroke symptoms surface also showed benefits in physical recovery and reduced disability one year out.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateMar 20, 2017

Some genetic variations difficult to evaluate using current stem cell modeling techniques

A recent study conducted at The Mount Sinai Hospital found that certain genetic mutations are challenging to recreate in laboratory-produced stem cells. This limitation may hinder neuropsychiatric research, highlighting the need for researchers to carefully check for retained genetic elements in newly created stem cells.

How blood can be rejuvenated

Researchers at Lund University successfully reprogrammed old blood stem cells to function like those of younger individuals, revealing a potential new approach to treating age-related diseases. This breakthrough suggests that epigenetic changes, rather than DNA mutations, underlie the decline in blood cell function with age.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2017

A nanofiber matrix for healing

A new nanofiber-on-microfiber matrix enables the scalable expansion of human pluripotent stem cells, resulting in high-quality cells with robust growth. The innovative system allows for easy exchange of nutrients and reduces stress on the cells, making it suitable for large-scale production.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 14, 2017

The origin of stem cells

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have discovered how shoot stem cells form in plants, a process similar to animals. The transcription factor WOX2 regulates the balance between plant hormones cytokinin and auxin, allowing stem cells to maintain their unlimited potential for development.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 8, 2017