Research on stem cells and regenerative medicine. Covers engineered T cells, scalable manufacturing, blood-cancer research, and stem-cell training programs.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a synthetic compound called pluripotin that maintains the youthfulness of stem cells without the need for feeder cells. This breakthrough accelerates stem cell research and holds promise for developing new therapies for diseases like cancer and Parkinson's.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are exploring the use of fat-derived stem cells for breast reconstruction, aiming to create durable replacement soft tissue. The study, led by Dr. J. Peter Rubin, may provide a safer option for breast cancer patients, avoiding invasive surgery and potential risks.
Researchers at UC Berkeley used mechanical stretching to guide bone marrow stem cells towards becoming smooth muscle tissue, similar to that found in blood vessels. The study suggests that a combination of chemical and mechanical factors will be needed to achieve efficient cell differentiation.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found that cancer stem cells in brain tumors activate a 'repair switch' that enables them to continue growing unchecked after radiation treatment. A method to block this process has been identified, offering hope for developing therapies to overcome radiation resistance.
Researchers have identified Tcf3, a transcription factor that regulates skin stem cells, as a key repressor switch. Activating this gene can prevent skin stem cells from maturing into adult skin cells, potentially providing insights for lab-grown stem cells and therapies.
Researchers have successfully cloned mice using fully differentiated blood cells, disproving the need for adult stem cells in the process. The study found that these cells were more efficient than stem cells or progenitor cells, paving the way for new approaches to animal cloning.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center identified the SOX2 gene as crucial for taste bud development, revealing its role in stem cell transformation and cellular differentiation. The findings may lead to a better understanding of developmental disorders and provide insights into how stem cells operate in adults.
The University of Rochester Medical Center is establishing a leading program in Cancer Stem Cell Research to discover cures for cancer. By studying the 'master cells' of this deadly disease, scientists aim to find underlying causes and develop therapies to target cancer stem cells.
Researchers at UW-Madison have developed DNA-coated stents that release gene-based therapy to prevent restenosis, a common problem with metal stents. Additionally, they've created microwell arrays to grow undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells with defined sizes and shapes.
Researchers from ISREC discovered that the Nodal protein, involved in embryonic development, maintains stem cells while also providing cues for their differentiation. This understanding is crucial for coaxing stem cells to grow into specific tissues outside the body and may hold the key to controlling cancerous stem cell behavior.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania discovered that adult stem cells depend on physical microenvironment clues to differentiate into various tissue types. By manipulating the firmness of the gel, scientists can guide stem cells towards specific fates.
Researchers have successfully induced differentiated adult cells to behave like embryonic stem cells using only four factors. This breakthrough enables the creation of pluripotent cells directly from a patient's own cells, potentially revolutionizing the treatment of diseases such as Parkinson's disease and diabetes.
Researchers have successfully induced differentiated adult cells to behave like embryonic stem cells using only four factors. The discovery could revolutionize the treatment of diseases such as Parkinson's and diabetes by providing a direct source of pluripotent cells from patients' own cells.
Researchers at UCLA compared neural stem cells grown in the lab to those derived from donated fetal tissue and found the former expressed lower levels of a metabolic gene called CPT 1A. This abnormality may impact the effectiveness of these stem cells in treating diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Using minimally invasive robotic surgery, researchers successfully transplanted stem cells into damaged pig hearts, showing improved function and cell engraftment. The technique offers several benefits for patients with heart failure, including reduced risk and less time under anesthesia.
The Tri-Institutional Stem Cell Initiative has approved $6.7 million in funding for 17 stem cell research projects, exploring basic biology and therapeutic potential of human and model organism-derived stem cells. The grants support collaborative research across three institutions, including Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Researchers from University of California, Irvine, found that transplanted human embryonic stem cells do not cause harm and can be used to treat acute spinal cord injuries. The study confirmed previous findings that replacing a cell type lost after injury improves outcomes in rodents.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute isolated leukemia stem cells from a mouse model, showing they are surprisingly different from normal blood stem cells. This finding may lead to the development of drugs that selectively target these cells, which could improve treatment outcomes for leukemia patients.
University of Illinois researchers found unexpected two-way communication between blood stem cells and T cells, changing their fate. This loop may lead to a strong immune response, increasing the risk of graft-versus-host disease or rejection.
Scientists have successfully produced sperm from embryonic stem cells, paving the way for new treatments for male infertility. The breakthrough, led by Karim Nayernia at Newcastle University, used mice and produced seven babies, six of which lived to adulthood.
Sue J. Gross and William H. Gross have made a $10 million gift to UC Irvine to support stem cell research, enabling scientists to collaborate and advance the field. The donation will facilitate research efforts and build a proposed Stem Cell Research Center building.
Dental stem cells have been characterized for their potential to differentiate into various tooth tissue types. The study aims to define the molecular and differentiation profiles of these cells, enabling ongoing tooth tissue engineering efforts.
Researchers found that marrow stem cells have receptors that detect bacteria and viruses, triggering a response to fight pathogens. This discovery could lead to new treatments for leukemias and autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Egg donation for stem cell research is a contentious issue, with concerns over informed consent, health risks, and distributive justice. Researchers have developed guidelines to balance bioethical principles and reduce risks for donors, exploring alternative sources of eggs and incentivizing participation.
Researchers have identified a signal transduction process regulating stem-cell division, which could lead to drugs stimulating endogenous cell production. The discovery may help treat conditions such as stroke and Parkinson's by promoting the formation of new nerve cells.
Researchers at SickKids have discovered that stem cells found in adult skin can generate Schwann cells that can myelinate demyelinated axons and provide a growth environment for injured central nervous system axons. This breakthrough has the potential to treat nerve injuries, demyelination disorders such as multiple sclerosis, and spin...
Researchers used RNA interference to silence genes regulating muscle cell formation and osteogenic signals. The study found that turning off these inhibitors increased the cells' bone-forming potential, with 60% of mice developing radiologically detectable bone after implantation.
A clinical trial found that injecting stem cells from a woman's own muscle may effectively treat urinary incontinence. Five of seven patients reported significant improvements in bladder control and quality of life with no serious adverse effects. A follow-up study is planned to determine the optimal dose for effective treatment.
The center will support development of new therapies for heart, cancer, and neurological disorders through early patient clinical trials. Non-embryonic stem cell research has been exceptionally strong in Ohio, bringing together academic investigators and industry partners to accelerate moving cutting-edge research into the clinic.
Researchers have discovered that frog proteins can rescue mouse embryonic stem cells from dividing without limit, highlighting an ancient mechanism that may hold the key to understanding human disease. The study also shows that mammals have adopted this function from amphibians, suggesting a long history of stem cell regulation.
Researchers found that suppressing interferon-gamma can prevent damage to myelin-producing cells in the nervous system. Transgenic mice with SOCS1 gene showed reduced symptoms and cell loss compared to those without it.
Researchers developed a new type of immature support cell from embryonic glial stem cells that can regenerate nerve fibers and promote healing. The study showed over 60% of sensory nerve fibers regenerating and more than two-thirds growing through the injury site in rats.
Researchers have successfully isolated and cultured sperm-producing stem cells from mouse testes, providing valuable insights into the development of a culture system for human spermatogenic stem cells. The study also reveals the importance of growth factors GDNF and FGF in enhancing cell growth and survival.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have discovered that bone marrow-derived stem cells can repair damaged kidney tissue in a mouse model of Alport syndrome, leading to improved kidney function and structure. The study offers a promising therapeutic opportunity for children and adults with the disease.
Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center identified the four stages of natural killer cell maturation in secondary lymphoid tissue, such as tonsils and lymph glands. This discovery could lead to new therapies for cancer, infection, and immune deficiencies, advancing our understanding of the human immune system.
The J. David Gladstone Institutes will develop and implement a three-year, stem cell-specific curriculum for 10 postdoctoral fellows using the first third of $2.4 million grant. The program aims to educate scholars from various scientific backgrounds in stem cell biology and disease.
The brittlestar model provides a realistic approach to studying stem cells in living organisms, shedding light on the recovery of the nervous system after regeneration. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers administered stem cells to animals with significant mobility loss after stroke, showing a 25% greater improvement in motor function compared to controls. In another model of cerebral palsy, rodent stem cells improved recovery by at least 25% within two weeks.
Research reveals a significant gap in publications between US and non-US groups, with the US trailing behind in human embryonic stem cell research. The study suggests that federal policies may be contributing to this disparity, which could impact competitiveness in the biotechnology industry.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a novel growth factor that significantly improves the ability of human fat-derived stem cells to be transformed into cartilage cells. The growth factor, BMP-6, stimulates the production of key biochemical markers of cartilage cell proliferation, suggesting potential for tissu...
Researchers have successfully induced neotendon formation in mesenchymal stem cells using the Smad8 signaling pathway. This breakthrough could lead to new cell-based therapeutic approaches for musculoskeletal injuries.
Researchers have discovered two new sources of stem cells with high cardiomyogenic potential, derived from menstrual blood and umbilical cord blood. These findings suggest that these cells may be able to repair or replace damaged cardiac muscle, offering a promising treatment option for heart dysfunctions.
University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers have created a liquid crystal-based cell culture system to control the uncontrolled differentiation of human embryonic stem cells. The system uses mechanical strain to guide stem cells along well-defined lineages, enabling real-time monitoring and reducing the mixture of cells of little medic...
The article highlights the need for researchers to navigate intricate legal, ethical, and political issues surrounding human embryonic stem cell research. The author, Henry T. Greely, emphasizes that these concerns will significantly impact researchers, institutions, and science as a whole.
A radical proposal suggests that California's CIRM could accelerate the development of stem cell therapies by implementing a patent pool and a shared prize system. This approach aims to stimulate innovation, make treatments more affordable, and establish a new medical innovation model for the 21st century.
The Broad Institute will be a pivotal hub for integrative biomedical research, bringing together researchers and biologists in one place. The institute will support the development of novel platforms in imaging, bioengineering, and nanotechnology for stem cell research.
University of Minnesota researchers identify a new population of cord blood stem cells that can regenerate nerve tissue after stroke. The discovery shows promise for treating neurological disorders such as stroke, which affects nearly 750,000 people in the US each year.
A study of 50 patients with treatment-resistant lupus found an overall 5-year survival rate of 84% after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The longest continuous duration of remission was 7.5 years, with a 2% treatment-related death rate.
Researchers discovered that PrP protein plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy human stem cells, particularly in the brain. The findings suggest that PrP's positive function is essential for preventing prion-related neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that genetically engineered muscle-derived stem cells (MDSC-B4) improved cartilage repair in rats, with well-integrated repaired tissue at 8, 12, and 24 weeks after surgery. The study also showed that MDSC-B4 could differentiate into chondrogenic cells depending on the type of medium they grew in.
A master determinant was identified to generate dopamine neurons from embryonic stem cells, promising advances in cell replacement therapy for Parkinson's disease. The discovery also highlights the importance of understanding developmental processes for producing authentic cells from stem cells.
Australian researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in stem cell research, producing the country's first human embryonic stem cell line without using animal products. The new line, named 'Endeavour 1', has the potential to lead to safer treatments for conditions such as diabetes and Parkinson's disease.
Researchers have discovered a way to multiply adult stem cells 30-fold, offering promise for treating blood diseases and gene therapies. This breakthrough could address the limited availability of stem cells from donors.
Treena Arinzeh, a NJIT engineer, has received two new grants to develop stem cell therapies for spinal cord and cartilage injuries. Her research aims to regenerate nerve tissue and promote bone growth using nano-scaffolds.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, administering bone marrow stem cells to patients with acute myocardial infarction resulted in a significant reduction of the infarct size and improved regional left ventricle function. The findings suggest potential benefits for targeted clinical and pre-clinical research.
Wisconsin scientists have developed a culture system free of animal cells, growing two new human embryonic stem cell lines. The new lines survive for over seven months in the defined medium, showing promise for therapeutic use. However, further work is needed to understand chromosome stability during long-term culture.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) have identified a critical gene, Brg-1, that regulates the differentiation of stem cells into neurons and glial cells in the brain. This discovery could lead to new therapies for brain injuries, Parkinson's disease, and other conditions affecting brain function.
Feather stem cells are distributed in a ring configuration around the inner wall of the vase-shaped feather follicle. This unique arrangement allows for continuous growth, shedding, and regeneration of feathers.
Scientists have discovered 142 human disease genes in the flatworm planarian Schmidtea mediterranea, which may provide insights into human diseases. The findings suggest that flatworms could be a valuable complementary model for studying gene function and developing new treatments.
Researchers found that hair follicle stem cells quickly mobilize to generate new cells that migrate into the wound area, contributing to wound healing. The study suggests a therapeutic target for developing drugs to enhance wound healing and treat patients with wounds.