Research on stem cells and regenerative medicine. Covers engineered T cells, scalable manufacturing, blood-cancer research, and stem-cell training programs.
The Xie Lab found that Drosophila ovarian germline stem cells can out-compete normal stem cells for a position in the niche by invading neighboring cells and increasing cellular response to E-cadherin. This mechanism ensures only undifferentiated stem cells remain in the niche.
The article profiles the nine leading US presidential candidates on their stance on critical scientific issues. Hillary Clinton proposes a $50 billion research fund for green energy, while John Edwards aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80%.
Researchers at Imperial College London have successfully matured beating heart cells derived from embryonic stem cells, overcoming two significant obstacles in developing a stem cell heart patch. They also developed a biocompatible scaffold that can hold the new cardiomyocytes in place while they integrate into existing heart tissue.
Researchers have successfully transferred a new gene to cancer patients via their own stem cells, aiming for stronger treatment with less severe side effects. The study found that six out of eight patients had stem cells carrying the MGMT gene in their blood or bone marrow after treatment.
Researchers discovered that a special type of stem cell in the brain is selectively killed by space radiation, raising concerns about cognitive and emotional risks for astronauts. The study's findings suggest that identifying medications or physical shielding to protect these cells will be crucial for future human space missions.
Researchers used PET imaging and bioluminescence to track stem cell behavior in small animal models, determining their fate and potential applications in treating heart diseases, brain disorders, and cancer. The unique combination of these imaging techniques offers a reliable method for labeling stem cells.
Researchers found that nonmyeloablative stem-cell transplant patients have similar outcomes regardless of whether they receive related or unrelated donor cells, with no significant differences in mortality rates. The study suggests that the combination of immunosuppressive drugs and mini-transplant biology may be responsible for the co...
Researchers discovered that blood stem cells can travel to visceral organs to perform reconnaissance missions and produce new immune cells. These cells can synthesize defense mechanisms to counter invading pathogens, indicating a more dynamic role for hematopoietic stem cells.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in deriving functional heart cells from human embryonic stem cells, exhibiting excitation-contraction coupling and handling calcium ions. The finding offers hope for future use of stem cell treatment in patients with end-stage disease, potentially avoiding the need for heart transplants.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have successfully transplanted new blood-forming stem cells into the bone marrow of mice, effectively replacing their immune systems. This technique could potentially treat autoimmune and genetic blood diseases by introducing a healthy immune system.
A team of University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers successfully reprogrammed human skin cells into cells indistinguishable from embryonic stem cells. This breakthrough could revolutionize the field of stem cell biology and provide a new source of stem cells for medical research.
Acclaimed stem cell researcher Shinya Yamanaka successfully reprograms human adult cells into pluripotent stem cells capable of developing into any cell type. This breakthrough accelerates the pace of stem cell research and holds promise for generating alternative sources of human pluripotent stem cells.
Researchers at UW-Madison have successfully reprogrammed skin cells into embryonic stem cells, potentially resolving the ethical controversy surrounding human embryonic stem cell research. This breakthrough could lead to a shift in government funding policies and pave the way for non-embryonic stem cell research.
Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine created a database of molecular profiles for blood cells, identifying unique 'lineage fingerprints' that mark different cell types. They found two genes that, when overexpressed, drove the differentiation of specific blood cells.
A new study identifies netrin-1 as the key molecule responsible for repelling adult stem cells away from spinal cord injuries. This discovery could lead to novel therapies for repairing previously irreversible nerve damage.
A team of researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discovered stem cells in the intervertebral discs of humans and animals, suggesting a potential new approach to treating degenerative disc disease. The discovery could lead to the use of adult stem cells to repair damaged discs and alleviate lower back and neck pain.
A new study from the University of California, Irvine, has found that neural stem cells can enhance memory in mice with brain injuries. The treatment promotes neuronal connections and protects existing cells, suggesting hope for a potential drug to restore memory in patients with neuronal loss.
Researchers at Yale University's Stem Cell Center discovered piRNAs, a recently identified class of tiny RNAs, play a crucial role in regulating gene function and stem cell fate. The study found over 13,000 piRNAs in fruit flies, revealing their importance in controlling chromatin and gene expression.
Scientists at the University of Warwick have identified a crucial signaling pathway that triggers eye development in tadpoles. By introducing a specific enzyme called E-NTPDase2, researchers were able to induce the formation of multiple eyes in frogs, with some individuals developing an additional eye on their sides or abdomens.
Scientists used a genetic tool to study human embryonic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. They found that reducing or increasing the expression of oct4 gene induced differentiation, revealing a key difference in early human development regulation compared to mice.
Dr. Wise Young, a world-renowned expert in spinal cord injury, is being recognized for his groundbreaking research and passionate support of stem cell therapy. He will receive the Melvyn H. Motolinsky Research Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award for his compassionate approach to science.
The study found that aging stem cells in fruit flies experienced a decline in growth factor unpaired (upd), leading to reduced stem cell numbers. Artificially increasing upd levels delayed the loss of germline stem cells, suggesting that the niche's molecular signals govern stem cell behavior.
The Stowers Institute's Xie Lab has discovered that stem cell aging is controlled by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The study found that specific proteins, adhesion between cells, and enzyme activity can influence stem cell lifespan and function, potentially leading to the development of new therapies for age-related diseases.
A study by UC San Diego and HHMI researchers reveals that SMRT protein prevents premature neural differentiation in embryos, highlighting its role in maintaining neural stem cells. The absence of this protein leads to abnormalities similar to vitamin A exposure, suggesting a link between SMRT and retinoic acid-induced differentiation.
A study reveals a new mechanism controlling how stem cells become either skeletal or smooth muscle cells, with implications for treating heart disease and cancer. The discovery of myocardin suggests new ways to treat diseases driven by stem cell replacement programs.
Researchers at A*STAR in Singapore discovered that epigenetic modifications influence gene expression in human embryonic stem cells. The study found that genes modified by H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 contain DNA recipes for protein proliferation and are crucial to sensory processes, immunity, and drug metabolism.
Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical College report a breakthrough in isolating specialized subsets of spermatogonial stem cells that can generate a wide range of cell and tissue types. The study's findings have promising implications for regenerative medicine, offering an alternative to embryonic stem cells.
Scientists have successfully reprogrammed adult stem cells from male mice' testes into functional blood vessels and cardiac tissue. These multipotent adult spermatogonial-derived stem cells may offer an alternative to embryonic stem cells without ethical concerns.
Scientists have developed a novel 3D cell culture technology that more accurately reflects human tissue structure and behavior. This technology can lead to reduced animal testing and improved drug discovery efficiency.
Researchers created methods to study millions of stem cells on devices the size of a microscope slide, enabling thousands of individual stem cell experiments to be carried out quickly. A platform was also developed to understand how different genes impact stem cell function or development, allowing for rapid screening of genetic sequen...
Embryonic stem cells exhibit improved development when subjected to moderate fluid motion, similar to the womb's gentle rocking motions. This phenomenon was discovered by accident using a lab shaker, offering a simpler method for producing healthier cells with reduced clumping and increased cell survival rates.
Scientists have identified unique stem cells within adult tendons that can proliferate and self-renew, regenerating tendon-like tissue in an animal model. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for tendon injuries caused by overuse and trauma.
A UCR plant cell biologist is studying how plant stem cells maintain their identity and specialize into different cell types. He will use two powerful methods, microgenomics and live imaging, to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind stem-cell regulation.
The new journal Stem Cell Research will cover all aspects of stem cell research, including embryonic stem cells, cancer stem cells, and developmental studies. It aims to disseminate the results of ongoing research in this rapidly expanding field, with a focus on high-quality peer-reviewed studies.
The Buck Institute launches Geroscience, a new interdisciplinary field focused on the interface of normal aging and age-related disease. Researchers will employ novel approaches to studying diseases in the context of aging.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh have identified a unique population of adult stem cells derived from human muscle tissue that can be used to treat muscle injuries and diseases. The myoendothelial cells are easily isolated, proliferate rapidly, and can differentiate into muscle, bone, and cartilage cells.
Researchers at University of Michigan dispute the immortal strand hypothesis, which suggests adult stem cells minimize genetic mutations through a non-random DNA segregation process. They found no evidence supporting this idea in blood-forming mouse stem cells.
Researchers identified a protein signal that prevents neural stem cells from becoming neurons, shedding light on the maturation process of stem cells. The discovery could simplify stem cell isolation and potentially have implications for treating nervous system damage.
Researchers developed a method to create cardiac muscle cells from embryonic stem cells, which then survived and thrived in damaged rat hearts. The treatment showed promise in improving heart function and thickness of walls after a heart attack.
HIV/AIDS interferes with stem cells in the adult brain, preventing new nerve cells from forming, which is a key feature of AIDS dementia. The researchers discovered a novel molecular mechanism that inhibits stem cell proliferation, possibly triggered in other neurodegenerative diseases as well.
Researchers found that high-dose chemotherapy and blood stem cell transplantation can result in long-term survival for patients with primary systemic light chain (AL) Amyloidosis. The median survival for all 80 patients was 57 months, with 18 still alive 10+ years after treatment.
Two NIH-approved embryonic stem cell lines were found to generate distinct types of neurons, differing in synapse formation and neurotransmitter usage. The discovery highlights the influence of culture conditions on human ES cells' developmental properties.
A UCF team led by Kiminobu Sugaya has discovered a compound, phenserine, that reduces plaque buildup in Alzheimer's disease. This combination with stem cell transplantation triggers neuron regeneration, offering hope for patients. Further research, including clinical trials, is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Researchers used genetic analysis to determine the origin of a widely disputed stem cell line. The study found that the cell line was derived from a parthenogenetic embryo, not somatic nuclear transfer as previously claimed.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital and the Harvard Stem Cell Institute used genetic techniques to compare embryonic stem cells from different sources. They discovered that parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells have a distinct genetic signature reflecting their biological origins, setting the historical record straight for a now-d...
Researchers are developing a new system to analyze beating heart stem cells, which could lead to more detailed information on their electrical activity and potentially facilitate their use in regenerating damaged hearts. The team aims to engineer a novel system for real-time analysis of cardiomyocytes during early development.
A University of Michigan study has identified the Sox17 gene, which regulates blood-forming fetal stem cells. The discovery may lead to new insights into childhood leukemias and the development of bone marrow transplantation from human embryonic stem cells.
Scientists at McMaster University have made a groundbreaking discovery about human embryonic stem cells, finding they can generate fuel to sustain themselves. This breakthrough has significant implications for future clinical therapy, as it could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases such as Parkinson's and diabetes.
Researchers found that transplanted stem cells triggered the brain's self-repair mechanisms by boosting nerve survival and blood vessel development. The study suggests that stem cells may be more effective at repairing damaged brain tissue than previously thought.
Researchers from Boston University Medical Center successfully treat patients with immunoglobulin-light chain amyloidosis who did not respond to initial treatment. A tandem approach of high-dose chemotherapy and blood stem cell transplantation shows improved overall survival and quality of life for these patients.
A $2.5M NIH grant supports research using adult stem cells to engineer soft tissue for facial reconstruction after injuries or surgery. The Columbia University team aims to develop a process that allows patients to use their own stem cells to create long-lasting implants.
Researchers found that cord blood infusions significantly reduced insulin requirements and improved blood sugar control in children with type 1 diabetes. The treatment also increased regulatory immune cells, suggesting potential immunotherapy benefits.
Nicholas Tan Xue-Wei, an 18-year-old Singaporean student, will present his research paper on stem cells at two international conferences in the US and UK. He was nominated for a Best Paper Award at WCE 2007 for his work on growing Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a serum-free medium.
A study by researchers at Duke University Medical Center and Johns Hopkins University found that 60% of infertile couples would be likely to donate unused embryos for stem cell research. The number of available embryos could be 10 times higher than previous estimates, resulting in a potential 100-fold increase in stem cell lines.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston have found a new way to increase stem cells in blood, suggesting a possible treatment to help patients recover their immune function more quickly. The discovery uses a small-molecule drug that enhances the blood-forming system.
A survey of over 1,000 infertility patients found 60% willing to donate their frozen embryos for stem cell research. This could lead to 2000-3000 new stem cell lines, exceeding initial estimates.
A team of Canadian scientists has identified 1,155 genes under the control of Oct4, a master regulator of the stem cell state. These genes help maintain stem cells in a flexible state by controlling DNA packaging, cell division, and signaling pathways.
Research at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine suggests that chemotherapy must target a subset of cancer stem cells to be effective in treating lung cancers. Cancer stem cells, similar to normal stem cells, can resist multiple drug resistance transporters, making them resistant to conventional therapies.
Researchers developed artificial blood vessels from muscle-derived stem cells and a biodegradable polymer, exhibiting extensive remodeling and blockage-free performance in rat models. The findings have significant implications for treating heart and kidney disorders with 'off-the-shelf' vascular grafts.
Two studies show that defects in the bone marrow microenvironment can lead to pre-cancerous conditions in mice, contradicting previous assumptions about the root cause of myeloproliferative syndromes. The findings highlight the importance of environmental considerations for stem cell therapies.