Research on stem cells and regenerative medicine. Covers engineered T cells, scalable manufacturing, blood-cancer research, and stem-cell training programs.
Researchers have purified Wnt protein, a potent trigger of development and cell proliferation, to activate blood-forming stem cells. The discovery offers novel ways to enhance stem cells for cancer patients whose immune systems are compromised by chemotherapy.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have successfully isolated a key protein that helps maintain the youthful state of hematopoietic stem cells. The discovery, led by Irving Weissman and Roeland Nusse, reveals how this protein, Wnt, triggers stem cell division and expansion.
Researchers successfully transplanted adult stem cells into mice, which then developed into various brain cell types, including nerve cells and glial cells. This breakthrough study suggests that these cells can potentially be used to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Researchers have identified a new source of stem cells in human teeth, known as SHED (Stem cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth), which can grow rapidly in culture and differentiate into specialized cells. This discovery may lead to breakthroughs in tooth repair, bone regeneration, and neural injury treatment.
Researchers found that bone marrow stem cells from healthy mice contribute to regeneration of nervous and muscle tissue affected by ALS. A five-fold increase in newly generated neuronal cells was observed in the central nervous system of ALS mice.
Scientists have discovered that bone marrow-derived stem cells can fuse with liver cells to form healthy, functional cells. This process, called cell fusion, reverses liver damage in mice with a genetic disease, paving the way for potential human treatments.
A team of scientists at the National Institutes of Health reports finding cheek cells with a male Y chromosome, indicating that some transplanted stem cells had differentiated into cheek cells. The study provides strong evidence for transdifferentiation and offers insights into its potential therapeutic applications.
Scientists have discovered two signaling molecules, Wnt and noggin, that influence immature stem cells to form hair follicles. These findings may lead to new ways to promote or inhibit hair growth, as well as insights into the development of other tissues like teeth and lungs.
Researchers have identified two natural proteins, Wnt and noggin, that promote the development of hair follicles in stem cells. These proteins work together to change the stem cell's shape and separate from adjoining cells, a crucial step for hair growth.
Argonne researchers have created powerful stem cells that can morph into various cell types, offering a practical alternative to embryonic stem cells. The breakthrough allows for the production of pluripotent stem cells from adult blood cells, which can potentially treat diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory develop a new method to set the level of gene activity in stem cells using RNA interference, revealing distinct forms of lymphoma based on p53 levels. The study establishes RNAi as a convenient alternative to traditional gene knockout strategies.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found that oxygen levels play a crucial role in transforming adult stem cells from fat into cartilage cells. Under low-oxygen conditions, the stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes, which can potentially repair damaged cartilage.
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases has awarded five new grants to researchers studying stem cells and their potential in treating various musculoskeletal diseases. These studies aim to investigate growth factors, muscle regeneration, connective tissue repair, bone disease treatment, and the develo...
Researchers successfully differentiated stem cells from whole adult bone marrow into central nervous system cells. These cells may be used to treat various neurological conditions by replacing damaged brain cells.
The AAAS Top Ten Science Policy List for 2002 highlights concerns over new American security policies impacting scientific research. Human cloning, stem cell science, and sustainable development are among the top issues, with scientists facing a balancing act between global security and scientific progress.
Researchers found that bone marrow cells can repair damaged vessels to reduce atherosclerosis in mice. The study suggests a potential new approach to treating coronary artery disease and could lead to the development of stem cell-based therapies.
Researchers have successfully restored sperm production in infertile mice by transplanting healthy Sertoli cells. The technique, developed by Dr. Ralph L. Brinster, may provide a new way to replace defective Sertoli cells and initiate normal spermatogenesis.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia achieved immune tolerance in mice through prenatal stem cell transplants, enabling donor cells to multiply without toxic side effects. The technique could greatly broaden the use of cell and organ transplants for genetic diseases detected before birth.
Researchers discussed potential breakthroughs in understanding Alzheimer's disease, with one expert suggesting genetic testing could aid early diagnosis. Another speaker addressed the need for public education on vaccine risks and the challenges of bioterrorism preparedness.
A study published by University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals the Foxd3 gene plays a vital role in maintaining stem cells' pluripotency. The findings suggest that Foxd3 is essential for embryonic development and has diagnostic significance for human embryonic stem cells.
Researchers at Princeton University identified a core set of genes responsible for regulating stem cell behavior and unique activities. The study also uncovered over 4,000 genes active in surrounding tissues that influence stem cell behavior.
Researchers identified 216 'stemness' genes that are active in embryonic, neural, and hematopoietic stem cells. These genes are involved in coping with stress, signaling, and self-renewal, and can aid in developing techniques to induce stem cells to differentiate into specific adult cells.
A Stanford study found that a single adult stem cell could only repopulate blood and immune cells in mice, casting doubt on its ability to form all adult tissues. The research suggests that embryonic stem cells remain the most promising option for tissue formation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have successfully created cartilage-like tissue using adult stem cells in a minimally invasive procedure. The technique involves injecting a fluid filled with stem cells and nutrients into damaged tissue, where it hardens into a stable gel that can be replaced by new bone or cartilage.
Researchers created four new mouse embryonic germ cell lines to investigate imprinting and its control. They found that the mother's copy of a paternally imprinted gene was active instead of the expected father's copy.
Researchers found that human embryonic germ cells and their specialized daughter cells maintain correct 'imprinting,' a way cells determine gene expression. This is critical information for the safe clinical use of these cells in treating diseases.
Researchers discovered that degradation of SDF-1 protein is crucial for stem cell mobilization in bone marrow transplants. G-CSF growth factor triggers this process by reducing SDF-1 levels, allowing stem cells to flow into the bloodstream. The findings may lead to improved collection of stem cells for clinical transplantations.
Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to treat two young children with ADA-SCID, a rare form of SCID that requires regular injections of the bovine form of ADA enzyme. The new method involves removing bone marrow cells and engineering them to produce healthy immune cells, offering a potentially lower-risk alternative to bone ...
A new program will bring together experts to discuss criteria for selecting stem cell lines and address concerns over safety, transplant rejection, privacy, genetic diversity, and public access. The project aims to anticipate emerging issues and provide a reasoned backdrop for policy decisions.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have developed a germ cell line derived from spermatogonia, offering a basic tool for studying male infertility and testicular cancer. This cell line exhibits characteristics of normal adult spermatogonial stem cells and differentiates into advanced germ cell types upon stimulation.
Scientists have identified a crucial protein called DE-cadherin-mediated cell adhesion, or 'cell glue', which enables stem cells to locate their niche and receive essential instructions for survival. The discovery sheds light on the importance of microenvironment in determining stem cell fate.
Researchers have discovered that adult blood stem cells can function to make blood vessels, a breakthrough that could lead to new treatments for circulatory diseases. The discovery was made using genetically engineered mice with green glowing stem cells, which were able to form new capillary beds in the eyes.
Duke University researchers have successfully transformed adult stem cells taken from fat into cells that resemble nerve cells. The new cells were grown in the laboratory using chemicals and growth factors, and showed promise as a potential treatment for central nervous system disorders. While further research is needed to determine th...
A new bioreactor-based technique has improved stem cell cultivation, allowing for large-scale production and higher efficiency. This breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
A recent study published in JCI Journals reveals that a versatile stem cell can be repurposed to enhance tissue repair and regeneration in various tissues. The researchers discovered that the stem cell can differentiate into multiple cell types to facilitate the healing process.
The NIH has granted $3.5 million in funding to four institutions to enhance their human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research infrastructure. The funds will support the expansion, testing, quality assurance, and distribution of existing cell lines, enabling basic scientists to access these cells for research.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have successfully transplanted stem cells into laboratory animals with stroke, restoring brain function. The study demonstrates that bone marrow-derived stem cells can differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendroglia, offering hope for future clinical trials.
Scientists have successfully generated primate stem cells from an unfertilized embryo through parthenogenesis, demonstrating the ability to produce various cell types, including midbrain dopamine neurons. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for diseases such as Parkinson's and Huntington's, heart disease, and diabetes.
Researchers found that adult bone marrow stem cells can differentiate into blood vessels, potentially treating cancer tumors, wounds, and atherosclerosis. The discovery of multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) may lead to new clinical therapies.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that stem cell transplants performed within the first 28 days of life have a 95 percent success rate in treating newborn babies with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). The early transplants also stimulate a more robust and effective immune system, with reduced stresses on the th...
Researchers found that proliferating germline stem cells, which divide continuously, affect aging by influencing a steroid hormone. The discovery suggests that these stem cells are master control cells controlling both reproduction and aging.
Scientists have successfully genetically altered human blood stem cells to selectively activate genes in developing immune cells, providing a potential breakthrough for gene therapy. The research uses a lentivirus to transfer a fluorescent protein gene into stem cells, which then express the gene only in specific immune cells called an...
Scientists discover that the Math1 gene triggers the differentiation of three types of intestinal cells from stem cells, including goblet, enteroendocrine, and Paneth cells. This finding provides significant insights into the regulatory control of intestinal stem cells and their role in disease treatment.
Carl Picconatto, a chemist from Wisconsin, has been named a congressional fellow by the American Chemical Society to work in Rep. Connie Morella's office on science and technology issues. He previously interned at the National Academy of Sciences and holds degrees from Columbia University and the University of Notre Dame.
Researchers have successfully converted adult human bone marrow stem cells into functional brain cells in the lab, using a combination of growth factors and nutrients. The breakthrough could potentially lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease.
A unique gene has been identified as a regulator of stem cell growth, suggesting that embryonic and adult stem cells share key genes and properties. This discovery could lead to the development of new therapies for cancer patients in need of stem cell transplants.
Researchers at McGill University have isolated novel stem cells from the dermis of adult rodents that can differentiate into various cell types, including neurons and muscle cells. These multipotent stem cells, known as SKPs, hold promise for treating Parkinson's disease and other neural disorders.
John D. Gearhart praises the policy as a good starting point for expanding stem cell research, despite limitations in funding and oversight. He emphasizes the potential of federal funding to accelerate progress and improve human health through advances in understanding and treating various diseases.
The use of embryonic stem cells is a contentious issue, with proponents arguing that they hold promise for medical breakthroughs. However, opponents claim that destroying an embryo is tantamount to infanticide. Scientists generally favor the use of embryonic stem cells due to their versatility.
Gene expression is found to be highly variable in cloned mice, with imprinted genes showing widespread aberrant regulation. This variability may contribute to the large offspring and respiratory problems commonly seen in clones.
Researchers at Harvard University have created a powerful new tool to combat diabetes, identifying crucial genes responsible for pancreatic development. The discovery sheds light on the role of NGN3 and Pdx-1 in pancreatic development, offering hope for potential therapeutic usage.
A study led by Dr. William Bensinger found that patients undergoing stem-cell transplantation lived longer than those receiving marrow transplants, especially for high-risk blood cancers. The study also showed lower rates of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease with stem cells.
A team of researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children has discovered two distinct types of stem cells within the blood system, short-term repopulating and long-term repopulating stem cells. These stem cells have different functions and could lead to improved cancer treatment and gene therapy outcomes.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have engineered a new type of cell that can develop into various tissues, overcoming drawbacks that limited hPSCs for disease therapy. The embryoid body derived cells (EBDs) reproduce readily and are easily maintained, eliminating the need for fetal tissues.
Two new studies show that bone marrow cells transplanted into mice can migrate into the brain and develop into cells resembling neurons. These findings have significant implications for treating conditions such as Parkinson's disease and traumatic brain injury, potentially using patients' own cells that would not be rejected by the imm...
Researchers at Imperial College will examine the science behind stem cells and their potential for regenerative medicine, including treatments for various diseases. The symposium will feature world leaders in stem cell science, providing a comprehensive background to the field.
The conference will examine the latest research efforts towards understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases. Novel approaches using stem cells, vaccines, gene therapy and hormone modulation will be discussed.
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) has awarded five new grants to support research on osteogenesis imperfecta. These grants will focus on developing treatments, such as gene therapies and drug treatments, to improve diagnosis and treatment options for people with OI.
OHSU researchers successfully used bone marrow stem cells to repair liver damage in mice with genetic disease Tyrosinemia. The study shows that hematopoietic stem cells are required for liver cell regeneration, offering hope for new therapies using stem cells.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine used stem cells to treat paralysis in rodents infected with an animal virus that damages motor neurons. Fifty percent of treated rodents regained hind leg function, suggesting potential for improved treatments for ALS and spinal motor atrophy.