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Fat cells become useful stem cells in tissue reconstruction

Researchers have isolated and characterized adult fat cell-derived stem cells, which maintain their stem cell characteristics and could aid in tissue regeneration. The study's findings suggest that these cells may be useful for cell-based therapies and represent a promising area of research for plastic surgery applications.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is ultimately a stem cell disease

Researchers found that Duchenne muscular dystrophy symptoms emerge when skeletal muscle stem cells can no longer keep up with repairs, leading to progressive muscle weakening and respiratory failure. Successful treatments targeting muscle stem cells may alleviate symptoms and offer new hope for managing the disease.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 9, 2010

Jefferson study determines bone marrow stromal stem cells may aid in stroke recovery

A study by Thomas Jefferson University found that bone marrow stromal stem cells can significantly recover motor behavior in laboratory rats after a simulated stroke. Early administration of the stem cells was more effective than late administration, with profound changes in brain structure and long-lasting motor function improvement.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalCell Transplantation·DateDec 1, 2010

Bioengineers provide adult stem cells with simultaneous chemical, electrical and mechanical cues

UC San Diego undergraduate bioengineers develop a new microenvironment that provides all three types of cues necessary for stem cell growth and differentiation. The system uses a gelatin-like hydrogel bathed in an electrolyte solution, mimicking the natural environment to steer stem cells towards specific cell types.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 16, 2010

Researchers 'grow Rett syndrome' in a Petri dish

A team of researchers has developed a human cell-based model of Rett syndrome, overcoming the main limitation of accessing live neurons from patients. The study provides evidence of functional rescue using human cells and opens up new avenues for drug development and high-throughput screening.

SourceRettsyndrome.org·JournalCell·DateNov 15, 2010

McMaster scientists turn skin into blood

Scientists at McMaster University have discovered how to make human blood directly from adult skin cells, bypassing the need for a pluripotent stem cell conversion. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for patients in need of blood transfusions, reducing reliance on donor matches and increasing access to life-saving therapies.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature·DateNov 7, 2010

Stem cells shape up to their surroundings

Research in the Journal of Tissue Engineering reveals that stem cells detect surface features with mechanosensors, which modulate gene expression through biochemical signaling cascades. This understanding opens doors to develop improved clinical prostheses with topographies that directly modulate stem cell fate.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalJournal of Tissue Engineering·DateOct 7, 2010

Keeping stem cells from changing fates

A study published in Cell Stem Cell reveals that NURF, an enzyme that regulates DNA packaging, allows specific genes to be turned on and off in stem cells. This dynamic structure enables stem cells to maintain their potency and prevent differentiation into other cell types.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateSep 9, 2010