Source: Scientific American
Posted: June 26, 2006
Summary:
Stem cells are commonly known for their potential to treat diseases and injuries. But less well known is their potential to become malignant, forming the root cells for a number of types of cancer. Successfully tracking down and destroying these elusive killer cells could eliminate this life-threatening disease.
Commentary: Hopefully this new theory about cancer cell origination and differentiation could enable cancers to be detected and treated earlier, before they can proliferate and lead to fatal outcomes for patients.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Progress Being Made In Exploring Potential Use Of Stem Cells To Treat Heart Disease
Source: Gladstone Institutes
Posted: June 30, 2006
Summary:
According to a new study published in Nature. scientists are gaining a better understanding of several areas of research and making progress in exploring the potential future use of stem cells to treat heart disease. This story summarizes developments in the different areas of research.
Commentary: Maybe these findings can eventually be turned into effective treatments for heart disease in humans.
Posted: June 30, 2006
Summary:
According to a new study published in Nature. scientists are gaining a better understanding of several areas of research and making progress in exploring the potential future use of stem cells to treat heart disease. This story summarizes developments in the different areas of research.
Commentary: Maybe these findings can eventually be turned into effective treatments for heart disease in humans.
Key Molecule Puts Brakes on Stem-Cell Differentiation
Source: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Posted: June 30, 2006
Summary:
Howard Hughes Medical Institute researchers have identified a protein that could aid development of methods to grow new skin to treat patients with burns or skin ulcers. The protein maintains hair follicle stem cells in their immature, undifferentiated state. The findings, published June 30, 2006 in the journal Science also offer a new perspective on how stem cells are regulated to keep them from differentiating prematurely. The studies could improve the quality and function of stem cells treat burns and chronic skin ulcers.
Commentary: Maybe this advance in understanding cell differentiation will eventually enable researchers to transform embryonic stem cells into specialized cells that will function effectively to treat diseases, injuries and conditions.
Posted: June 30, 2006
Summary:
Howard Hughes Medical Institute researchers have identified a protein that could aid development of methods to grow new skin to treat patients with burns or skin ulcers. The protein maintains hair follicle stem cells in their immature, undifferentiated state. The findings, published June 30, 2006 in the journal Science also offer a new perspective on how stem cells are regulated to keep them from differentiating prematurely. The studies could improve the quality and function of stem cells treat burns and chronic skin ulcers.
Commentary: Maybe this advance in understanding cell differentiation will eventually enable researchers to transform embryonic stem cells into specialized cells that will function effectively to treat diseases, injuries and conditions.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Stem cell revelation
Source: Brisbane Courier Mail
Posted: June 30, 2006
Summary:
STEM cells capable of turning into neurons have been extracted from "virgin birth" embryos. The embryos were produced by a process called parthenogenesis, which allows eggs to develop without being fertilised. The technique could allow embryonic stem cells to be produced without having to destroy an early-stage human embryo made by fertilising eggs with sperm.
Italian researchers from the University of Milan created parthenotes that divided and formed immature embryos called blastocysts, New Scientist magazine reported. They were able to obtain stem cells from these embryos and grow them in the laboratory. The team was able to show that the cells can differentiate into mature neurons.
Commentary: Hopefully this will lead to treatments of neurological conditions in the future and enable physicians to avoid the ethical controversy commonly associated with embryonic stem cells.
Posted: June 30, 2006
Summary:
STEM cells capable of turning into neurons have been extracted from "virgin birth" embryos. The embryos were produced by a process called parthenogenesis, which allows eggs to develop without being fertilised. The technique could allow embryonic stem cells to be produced without having to destroy an early-stage human embryo made by fertilising eggs with sperm.
Italian researchers from the University of Milan created parthenotes that divided and formed immature embryos called blastocysts, New Scientist magazine reported. They were able to obtain stem cells from these embryos and grow them in the laboratory. The team was able to show that the cells can differentiate into mature neurons.
Commentary: Hopefully this will lead to treatments of neurological conditions in the future and enable physicians to avoid the ethical controversy commonly associated with embryonic stem cells.
Italy reports stem-cell achievement
Source: United Press International
Posted: June 29. 2006
Summary:
MILAN, Italy, June 29 (UPI) -- Italian scientists say the stem cells they extracted from "virgin birth" embryos are capable of turning into neurons. The University of Milan researchers said the embryos were produced by a process called parthenogenesis, which allows eggs to develop without being fertilized. The technique might allow embryonic stem cells to be produced without having to destroy an early stage human embryo made by fertilizing eggs with sperm.
Commentary: Hopefully this techique will diffuse the ethical controversy surrounding embryonic stem cells and enable scientists to uitilize their full therapeutic potential to conduct research into treatments and cures for diseases, injuries and health conditions.
Posted: June 29. 2006
Summary:
MILAN, Italy, June 29 (UPI) -- Italian scientists say the stem cells they extracted from "virgin birth" embryos are capable of turning into neurons. The University of Milan researchers said the embryos were produced by a process called parthenogenesis, which allows eggs to develop without being fertilized. The technique might allow embryonic stem cells to be produced without having to destroy an early stage human embryo made by fertilizing eggs with sperm.
Commentary: Hopefully this techique will diffuse the ethical controversy surrounding embryonic stem cells and enable scientists to uitilize their full therapeutic potential to conduct research into treatments and cures for diseases, injuries and health conditions.
Cancer-causing Protein May Heal Damaged Spinal Cord And Brain Cells
Source: Columbia University Medical Center
Posted: June 29, 2006
Summary:
Cancer researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have found that a protein known for driving the growth of cancer also plays a surprising role in restoring the ability of neurons to regenerate, making it an important target for addressing spinal cord damage or neurological diseases like Alzheimer's.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will yield successful human treatments for stroke, spinal cord injury and other neurological diseases and disorders.
Posted: June 29, 2006
Summary:
Cancer researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have found that a protein known for driving the growth of cancer also plays a surprising role in restoring the ability of neurons to regenerate, making it an important target for addressing spinal cord damage or neurological diseases like Alzheimer's.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will yield successful human treatments for stroke, spinal cord injury and other neurological diseases and disorders.
Brain can be made to self-repair - Triggering stem-cell growth could help brain recover after a stroke.
Source: Nature
Posted: June 25, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have foud that stimulating a protein on the surface of the brain's stem cells helps rats recover after a stroke. The discovery suggests that in humans it could be possible to provoke the body's own stem cells into repairing an injury, rather than laboriously growing and transplanting new cells.
The researchers believe that many of the body's tissues contain stem cells capable of dividing to make new tissue. But some of these are resistant and do not naturally divide to repair damage wreaked by severe injuries such as stroke or spinal-cord damage.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding can be translated into effective treatments for central nervous system disorders and injuries.
Posted: June 25, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have foud that stimulating a protein on the surface of the brain's stem cells helps rats recover after a stroke. The discovery suggests that in humans it could be possible to provoke the body's own stem cells into repairing an injury, rather than laboriously growing and transplanting new cells.
The researchers believe that many of the body's tissues contain stem cells capable of dividing to make new tissue. But some of these are resistant and do not naturally divide to repair damage wreaked by severe injuries such as stroke or spinal-cord damage.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding can be translated into effective treatments for central nervous system disorders and injuries.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Ultrasound May Help Regrow Teeth
Source: University of Alberta
Posted: June 28, 2006
Summary:
A team of University of Alberta researchers has created technology to regrow teeth--the first time scientists have been able to reform human dental tissue. Using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), Dr. Tarak El-Bialy from the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and Dr. Jie Chen and Dr. Ying Tsui from the Faculty of Engineering have created a miniaturized system-on-a-chip that offers a non-invasive and novel way to stimulate jaw growth and dental tissue healing.
Commentary: If this procedure can be translated into an effective treatment for patients, maybe it could lessen, or even eliminate, the need for reconstructive surgery for dental health problems.
Posted: June 28, 2006
Summary:
A team of University of Alberta researchers has created technology to regrow teeth--the first time scientists have been able to reform human dental tissue. Using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), Dr. Tarak El-Bialy from the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and Dr. Jie Chen and Dr. Ying Tsui from the Faculty of Engineering have created a miniaturized system-on-a-chip that offers a non-invasive and novel way to stimulate jaw growth and dental tissue healing.
Commentary: If this procedure can be translated into an effective treatment for patients, maybe it could lessen, or even eliminate, the need for reconstructive surgery for dental health problems.
Ultrasound may help regrow teeth
Source: University of Alberta
Posted: June 28, 2006
Summary:
A team of University of Alberta researchers has created technology to regrow teeth--the first time scientists have been able to reform human dental tissue. Using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), Dr. Tarak El-Bialy from the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and Dr. Jie Chen and Dr. Ying Tsui from the Faculty of Engineering have created a miniaturized system-on-a-chip that offers a non-invasive and novel way to stimulate jaw growth and dental tissue healing.
Commentary: If this procedure can be translated into an effective treatment for patients, maybe it could lessen, or even eliminate, the need for reconstructive surgery for dental health problems.
Posted: June 28, 2006
Summary:
A team of University of Alberta researchers has created technology to regrow teeth--the first time scientists have been able to reform human dental tissue. Using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), Dr. Tarak El-Bialy from the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and Dr. Jie Chen and Dr. Ying Tsui from the Faculty of Engineering have created a miniaturized system-on-a-chip that offers a non-invasive and novel way to stimulate jaw growth and dental tissue healing.
Commentary: If this procedure can be translated into an effective treatment for patients, maybe it could lessen, or even eliminate, the need for reconstructive surgery for dental health problems.
Analysis: Stem-cell therapies advance
Source: United Press International
Posted: June 28, 2006
Summary:
Scientists are making progress in the potential to use both embryonic and adult stem cells to treat heart disease, and clinical applications are expected soon. They believe embryonic stem cells hold the greatest promise for regenerating heart tissue and could be in the clinic in the next several years.
Commentary: Hopefully these research advancements will begin clinical trials soon and yield successful therapies to treat a diverse patient population afflicted with diseases, injuries and health conditions.
Posted: June 28, 2006
Summary:
Scientists are making progress in the potential to use both embryonic and adult stem cells to treat heart disease, and clinical applications are expected soon. They believe embryonic stem cells hold the greatest promise for regenerating heart tissue and could be in the clinic in the next several years.
Commentary: Hopefully these research advancements will begin clinical trials soon and yield successful therapies to treat a diverse patient population afflicted with diseases, injuries and health conditions.
Stem Cells Fight Lupus
Source: KFSN-TV 30, Fresno, CA
Posted: June 28, 2006
Here is another feature about a stem cell treatment being used to treat lupus patients.
Posted: June 28, 2006
Here is another feature about a stem cell treatment being used to treat lupus patients.
Progress being made in exploring potential use of stem cells to treat heart disease
Source: Gladstone Institutes
Posted: June 28, 2006
Summary:
Scientists are making advances in investigating the potential future use of stem cells to treat heart disease, according to a review article in the current issue of Nature (June 29, 2006). The article cites a better understanding of several areas of research.
Commentary: These findings may eventually lead to effective stem cell treatments for heart disease.
Posted: June 28, 2006
Summary:
Scientists are making advances in investigating the potential future use of stem cells to treat heart disease, according to a review article in the current issue of Nature (June 29, 2006). The article cites a better understanding of several areas of research.
Commentary: These findings may eventually lead to effective stem cell treatments for heart disease.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Stroke Study Demonstrates The Promise Of Stem Cells
Source: Hartford Courant
Posted: June 27, 2006
Summary:
By activating neural stem cells in a rat's brain, scientists helped restore movement in animals who suffered from simulated strokes, according to a report in the online edition of the journal Nature. The work suggests scientists may be able to use biochemical secrets in stem cells as a basis for treatments, rather than relying on cumbersome and potentially risky transplants to treat a variety of ailments, the scientists said.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will lead to safe and effective stem cell treatments for stroke patients.
Posted: June 27, 2006
Summary:
By activating neural stem cells in a rat's brain, scientists helped restore movement in animals who suffered from simulated strokes, according to a report in the online edition of the journal Nature. The work suggests scientists may be able to use biochemical secrets in stem cells as a basis for treatments, rather than relying on cumbersome and potentially risky transplants to treat a variety of ailments, the scientists said.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will lead to safe and effective stem cell treatments for stroke patients.
Stem Cell Receptors May Fight Autoimmune Diseases: Finding could lead to new treatments for lupus and leukemias, study says
Source: HealthDay News
Posted: June 27, 2006
Summary:
Scientists say new information about the role of bone marrow stem cells could lead to important advances in treating diseases like leukemia, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation in Oklahoma City, in collaboration with the University of Tokyo, Osaka University and Saga University of Japan, studied the purified bone marrow stem cells of laboratory mice. They discovered that these cells -- once thought to be essentially dormant -- can identify the presence of bacteria and viruses in the blood.
Commentary: Hopefully these cells will eventually be able both identify diseases and effectively treat them.
Posted: June 27, 2006
Summary:
Scientists say new information about the role of bone marrow stem cells could lead to important advances in treating diseases like leukemia, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation in Oklahoma City, in collaboration with the University of Tokyo, Osaka University and Saga University of Japan, studied the purified bone marrow stem cells of laboratory mice. They discovered that these cells -- once thought to be essentially dormant -- can identify the presence of bacteria and viruses in the blood.
Commentary: Hopefully these cells will eventually be able both identify diseases and effectively treat them.
New evidence that stem cells contain immortal DNA
Source: EuroStemCell (the European Consortium for Stem Cell Research)
Posted: June 27, 2006
Summary:
EuroStemCell scientists at the Pasteur Institute in Paris have demonstrated one of the body’s most sophisticated ways of regulating the genetic material of stem cells. Their findings, published in Nature Cell Biology, show for the first time the mechanism that adult muscle stem cells use to protect their DNA from mutations. Understanding this has important implications for cancer research, the study of gene regulation, and ultimately growing stem cells of therapeutic potential in the laboratory.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will provide researchers with insights into how to create patient-specific and disease-specific stem cells that will treat disease and injury while avoiding the risk of patient immune system rejection of the stem cells.
Posted: June 27, 2006
Summary:
EuroStemCell scientists at the Pasteur Institute in Paris have demonstrated one of the body’s most sophisticated ways of regulating the genetic material of stem cells. Their findings, published in Nature Cell Biology, show for the first time the mechanism that adult muscle stem cells use to protect their DNA from mutations. Understanding this has important implications for cancer research, the study of gene regulation, and ultimately growing stem cells of therapeutic potential in the laboratory.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will provide researchers with insights into how to create patient-specific and disease-specific stem cells that will treat disease and injury while avoiding the risk of patient immune system rejection of the stem cells.
Finding a cellular Neverland: How stem cells stay childlike
Source: Salk Institute
Posted: June 26, 2006
Summary:
A forthcoming study authored by a team of scientists from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies describes how some embryonic stem cells succeed in recapturing lost cellular innocence and start anew once they begin maturing. The study demonstrates how a DNA-binding protein called Nanog coaxes mouse ES cells trying to differentiate into muscle cells back into an immature state. Nanog is named for the legendary Celtic land Tir nan Og where people remained forever young. For human tissue regeneration to become a viable therapy for conditions like neurodegeneration or diabetes, clinicians will likely need to artificially manipulate factors that return adult brain or pancreatic cells to a cellular "Tir Nan Og" to restore adult cell types.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will advance research into the ability of adult cells to revert to an embryonic-like state that will enable cells destroyed by injury or disease to be replaced and at the same time avoiding the ethical controversy that surrounds embryonic stem cell research.
Posted: June 26, 2006
Summary:
A forthcoming study authored by a team of scientists from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies describes how some embryonic stem cells succeed in recapturing lost cellular innocence and start anew once they begin maturing. The study demonstrates how a DNA-binding protein called Nanog coaxes mouse ES cells trying to differentiate into muscle cells back into an immature state. Nanog is named for the legendary Celtic land Tir nan Og where people remained forever young. For human tissue regeneration to become a viable therapy for conditions like neurodegeneration or diabetes, clinicians will likely need to artificially manipulate factors that return adult brain or pancreatic cells to a cellular "Tir Nan Og" to restore adult cell types.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will advance research into the ability of adult cells to revert to an embryonic-like state that will enable cells destroyed by injury or disease to be replaced and at the same time avoiding the ethical controversy that surrounds embryonic stem cell research.
Engineered Cells Could Control Irregular Heartbeat
Source: HealthDay News
Posted: June 19, 2006
Summary:
A tissue-engineered implant could someday take the place of implanted pacemakers in children with life-threatening heart blocks, researchers report. The researchers found that a tissue-engineered implant could someday take the place of implanted pacemakers in children with life-threatening heart blocks.
Commentary: This finding seems to be promising in its' potential to treat heart conditions.
Posted: June 19, 2006
Summary:
A tissue-engineered implant could someday take the place of implanted pacemakers in children with life-threatening heart blocks, researchers report. The researchers found that a tissue-engineered implant could someday take the place of implanted pacemakers in children with life-threatening heart blocks.
Commentary: This finding seems to be promising in its' potential to treat heart conditions.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Treatment that allows brain to ‘heal itself ’ may aid stroke victims
Source: Belfast Telegraph
Posted: June 26, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have discovered a new way to make the brain repair itself after a stroke. In testing, fewer rats who suffered an induced stroke were left paralysed after the treatment, which activated stem cells in the brain, researchers found. The discovery will raise hopes for new treatments for stroke that use the body’s ability to heal itself. The discovery will raise hopes for new treatments for a stroke that use the body’s own stem cells to aid healing. Other treatments are less successful because implanted cells come under attack from the body’s immune system.
Commentary: Hopefully this discovery will lead to safe and effective treatments for stroke patients that avoid the risk of cellular immune system rejection.
Posted: June 26, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have discovered a new way to make the brain repair itself after a stroke. In testing, fewer rats who suffered an induced stroke were left paralysed after the treatment, which activated stem cells in the brain, researchers found. The discovery will raise hopes for new treatments for stroke that use the body’s ability to heal itself. The discovery will raise hopes for new treatments for a stroke that use the body’s own stem cells to aid healing. Other treatments are less successful because implanted cells come under attack from the body’s immune system.
Commentary: Hopefully this discovery will lead to safe and effective treatments for stroke patients that avoid the risk of cellular immune system rejection.
Finding A Cellular Neverland: How Stem Cells Stay Childlike
Source: Salk Institute
Posted: June 26, 2006
Summary:
A forthcoming study authored by a team of scientists from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies describes how some embryonic stem cells succeed in recapturing lost cellular innocence and start anew once they begin maturing. The study demonstrates how a DNA-binding protein called Nanog coaxes mouse ES cells trying to differentiate into muscle cells back into an immature state. Nanog is named for the legendary Celtic land Tir nan Og where people remained forever young. For human tissue regeneration to become a viable therapy for conditions like neurodegeneration or diabetes, clinicians will likely need to artificially manipulate factors that return adult brain or pancreatic cells to a cellular "Tir Nan Og" to restore adult cell types.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will advance research into the ability of adult cells to revert to an embryonic-like state that will enable cells destroyed by injury or disease to be replaced and at the same time avoiding the ethical controversy that surrounds embryonic stem cell research.
Posted: June 26, 2006
Summary:
A forthcoming study authored by a team of scientists from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies describes how some embryonic stem cells succeed in recapturing lost cellular innocence and start anew once they begin maturing. The study demonstrates how a DNA-binding protein called Nanog coaxes mouse ES cells trying to differentiate into muscle cells back into an immature state. Nanog is named for the legendary Celtic land Tir nan Og where people remained forever young. For human tissue regeneration to become a viable therapy for conditions like neurodegeneration or diabetes, clinicians will likely need to artificially manipulate factors that return adult brain or pancreatic cells to a cellular "Tir Nan Og" to restore adult cell types.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will advance research into the ability of adult cells to revert to an embryonic-like state that will enable cells destroyed by injury or disease to be replaced and at the same time avoiding the ethical controversy that surrounds embryonic stem cell research.
Hopkins Scientists Use Embryonic Stem Cells, New Cues To Awaken Latent Motor Nerve Repair
Source: Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
Posted: June 26, 2006
Summary:
A team of Johns Hopkins scientists reports that they’ve engineered new, completed, fully-working motor neuron circuits -- neurons stretching from spinal cord to target muscles -- in paralyzed adult animals.
The research, in which mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells were injected into rats whose virus-damaged spinal cords model nerve disease, shows that such cells can be made to re-trace complex pathways of nerve development long shut off in adult mammals, the researchers say.
Commentary: Hopefully this will provide scientists with new insights into the functioning of the human nervous system that will enable them to repair damage caused by central nervous system disorders.
Posted: June 26, 2006
Summary:
A team of Johns Hopkins scientists reports that they’ve engineered new, completed, fully-working motor neuron circuits -- neurons stretching from spinal cord to target muscles -- in paralyzed adult animals.
The research, in which mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells were injected into rats whose virus-damaged spinal cords model nerve disease, shows that such cells can be made to re-trace complex pathways of nerve development long shut off in adult mammals, the researchers say.
Commentary: Hopefully this will provide scientists with new insights into the functioning of the human nervous system that will enable them to repair damage caused by central nervous system disorders.
Brain key to stroke cure
Source: Herald Sun
Posted: June 26, 2006
Summary:
SCIENTISTS have discovered a new way to enable the brain repair itself after a stroke, according to new research. Fewer rats that suffered an induced stroke remained paralysed after the treatment, which activated stem cells in the brain, researchers found. A team of scientists stimulated stem cells in the rats' brains after they were starved of oxygen. They used proteins to activate a receptor on the stem cells known as the notch. The receptor caused a "cascade" effect which created new brain cells after the stroke. The treatment also improved the ability of existing cells to survive the lack of oxygen.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will eventually be translated into an effective treatment for stroke in humans.
Posted: June 26, 2006
Summary:
SCIENTISTS have discovered a new way to enable the brain repair itself after a stroke, according to new research. Fewer rats that suffered an induced stroke remained paralysed after the treatment, which activated stem cells in the brain, researchers found. A team of scientists stimulated stem cells in the rats' brains after they were starved of oxygen. They used proteins to activate a receptor on the stem cells known as the notch. The receptor caused a "cascade" effect which created new brain cells after the stroke. The treatment also improved the ability of existing cells to survive the lack of oxygen.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will eventually be translated into an effective treatment for stroke in humans.
Stem Cell Mix Helps Paralyzed Rats Walk: The rodents regained mobility after receiving a combination of drugs and stem cells that rewired their nervou
Source: MIT Technology Review
Posted: June 26, 2006
Summary:
A combination of stem cells, growth factors and other treatments can heal damaged neural circuits, allowing partially paralyzed rats to walk. These findings represent a significant step forward in regenerative medicine, providing new treatment possibilities for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases, as well as some types of spinal-cord injury.
Researchers caution that the work is just a first step, and that human trials are likely several years away. Indeed, the findings highlight just how complex spinal injuries and neurodegenerative disorders are and how complicated successful treatments are likely to be.
Scientists say variations of the technique could ultimately have applications for a wide range of neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease.
Commentary: Hopefully these growth factors will work effectively in humans to treat central nervous system injuries and disorders.
Posted: June 26, 2006
Summary:
A combination of stem cells, growth factors and other treatments can heal damaged neural circuits, allowing partially paralyzed rats to walk. These findings represent a significant step forward in regenerative medicine, providing new treatment possibilities for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases, as well as some types of spinal-cord injury.
Researchers caution that the work is just a first step, and that human trials are likely several years away. Indeed, the findings highlight just how complex spinal injuries and neurodegenerative disorders are and how complicated successful treatments are likely to be.
Scientists say variations of the technique could ultimately have applications for a wide range of neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease.
Commentary: Hopefully these growth factors will work effectively in humans to treat central nervous system injuries and disorders.
Stem cells offer brain damage hope
Source: Guardian Unlimited - UK
Posted: June 26, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have found a way to make the brain reverse the damage it suffers after a stroke, raising hopes for treatment able to exploit the body's ability to heal itself. Their experiments used rats whose brains had been starved of oxygen to simulate the effects of a stroke.
Posted: June 26, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have found a way to make the brain reverse the damage it suffers after a stroke, raising hopes for treatment able to exploit the body's ability to heal itself. Their experiments used rats whose brains had been starved of oxygen to simulate the effects of a stroke.
Stroke-hit brains made to repair themselves
Source: The Scotsman
Posted: June 26, 2006
Summary:
SCIENTISTS have discovered a new way to make the brain repair itself after a stroke, raising hopes that people left paralysed by the debilitating condition could have their mobility restored in the future. Experiments on rats which suffered an induced stroke found that fewer of them were left paralysed after the treatment, which activated stem cells in their brains.
Commentary: Maybe this experiment will eventually be translated into effective treatments for human stroke patients.
Posted: June 26, 2006
Summary:
SCIENTISTS have discovered a new way to make the brain repair itself after a stroke, raising hopes that people left paralysed by the debilitating condition could have their mobility restored in the future. Experiments on rats which suffered an induced stroke found that fewer of them were left paralysed after the treatment, which activated stem cells in their brains.
Commentary: Maybe this experiment will eventually be translated into effective treatments for human stroke patients.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Stanford Doctors Advance In Bid To Turn Mice Stem Cells Into Blood Vessels
Source: Stanford University Medical Center
Posted: June 24, 2006
Summary:
Stanford, Calif. - Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have taken a first step toward growing blood vessels from stem cells that could eventually be transplanted into living organisms. Starting with embryonic stem cells derived from mice, surgical resident Oscar Abilez, MD, and colleagues have successfully differentiated the stem cells into myocytes, one of the building blocks of blood vessels, after placing them in a life-like growth environment that the research team had created. The scientists hope to be able to eventually grow whole blood vessels that can be transplanted back into mice. The ultimate goal of the research is to bring together two of today's most promising areas of medical investigation: stem cell research and tissue engineering.
Commentary: If this technique can be research further and successfully replicated in experiments in other animals, maybe it could eventually lead to improved treatment of cardiovascular disease in a diverse population of humans.
Posted: June 24, 2006
Summary:
Stanford, Calif. - Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have taken a first step toward growing blood vessels from stem cells that could eventually be transplanted into living organisms. Starting with embryonic stem cells derived from mice, surgical resident Oscar Abilez, MD, and colleagues have successfully differentiated the stem cells into myocytes, one of the building blocks of blood vessels, after placing them in a life-like growth environment that the research team had created. The scientists hope to be able to eventually grow whole blood vessels that can be transplanted back into mice. The ultimate goal of the research is to bring together two of today's most promising areas of medical investigation: stem cell research and tissue engineering.
Commentary: If this technique can be research further and successfully replicated in experiments in other animals, maybe it could eventually lead to improved treatment of cardiovascular disease in a diverse population of humans.
Neurons grown from embryonic stem cells restore function in paralyzed rats
Source: NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Posted: June 20, 2006
Summary:
For the first time, researchers have enticed transplants of embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons in the spinal cord to connect with muscles and partially restore function in paralyzed animals. The study suggests that similar techniques may be useful for treating such disorders as spinal cord injury, transverse myelitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and spinal muscular atrophy.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding can be translated into effective clinical applications to treat neurological disorders in the future.
Posted: June 20, 2006
Summary:
For the first time, researchers have enticed transplants of embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons in the spinal cord to connect with muscles and partially restore function in paralyzed animals. The study suggests that similar techniques may be useful for treating such disorders as spinal cord injury, transverse myelitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and spinal muscular atrophy.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding can be translated into effective clinical applications to treat neurological disorders in the future.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Mature sperm and eggs grown from same stem cells: Technological advance could help infertile people to have children.
Source: Nature
Posted: June 23, 2006
Summary:
Stem cells from a mouse embryo have been coaxed into producing both eggs and sperm in the same dish. The eggs and sperm are the most mature yet grown in the lab, and the advance brings researchers closer to their ultimate aim: producing human eggs and sperm from adult body cells so that infertile men and women can have their own children.
Applying the technique to humans would be controversial, not least because it raises the possibility that men might be able to produce eggs, and women sperm. But researchers point out that any human application would be decades away, which would allow time for ethical debate over the technology.
Posted: June 23, 2006
Summary:
Stem cells from a mouse embryo have been coaxed into producing both eggs and sperm in the same dish. The eggs and sperm are the most mature yet grown in the lab, and the advance brings researchers closer to their ultimate aim: producing human eggs and sperm from adult body cells so that infertile men and women can have their own children.
Applying the technique to humans would be controversial, not least because it raises the possibility that men might be able to produce eggs, and women sperm. But researchers point out that any human application would be decades away, which would allow time for ethical debate over the technology.
Ortec Initiates Pre-Clinical Animal Model Study To Evaluate Fibrin Microbead Technology For Stem Cell Regeneration Of Non-Union Bone Defects
Source: Ortec International, Inc.
Posted: June 23, 2006
Summary:
Ortec International, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: ORTN), a company focused on advancing regenerative medicine through the development of cellular technology and advanced biomaterial products, announced that it has begun a pre-clinical study in rabbits to evaluate the capabilities of the Fibrin MB system to accomplish the full cycle of steps required to use a patient's own stem cells therapeutically to regenerate large gaps in long bone tissue.
Commentary: Hopefully this will lead to improved treatment of bone diseases and conditions.
Posted: June 23, 2006
Summary:
Ortec International, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: ORTN), a company focused on advancing regenerative medicine through the development of cellular technology and advanced biomaterial products, announced that it has begun a pre-clinical study in rabbits to evaluate the capabilities of the Fibrin MB system to accomplish the full cycle of steps required to use a patient's own stem cells therapeutically to regenerate large gaps in long bone tissue.
Commentary: Hopefully this will lead to improved treatment of bone diseases and conditions.
Researchers Reverse Parkinson's Symptoms In Animal Models
Source: Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research
Posted: June 23, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have identified a key biological pathway that, when obstructed, causes Parkinson's symptoms. Even more importantly, they have figured out how to repair that pathway and restore normal neurological function in certain animal models. The senior author of the study at the Whitehead Institute says this is the first time dopaminergic neurons have been able to be repaired, the specific cells that are damaged in Parkinson's disease.
Commentary: Hopefully these results can be translated into effective therapies to treat a diverse populaition of Parkinson's Disease patients.
Posted: June 23, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have identified a key biological pathway that, when obstructed, causes Parkinson's symptoms. Even more importantly, they have figured out how to repair that pathway and restore normal neurological function in certain animal models. The senior author of the study at the Whitehead Institute says this is the first time dopaminergic neurons have been able to be repaired, the specific cells that are damaged in Parkinson's disease.
Commentary: Hopefully these results can be translated into effective therapies to treat a diverse populaition of Parkinson's Disease patients.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Cycles Of Cell Death, Proliferation Key To Liver Cancer
Source: University of California - San Diego
Posted: June 22, 2006
Summary:
Research at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine shows that liver cancer is likely caused by cycles of liver cell death and renewal. New findings strongly suggest that the control of tissue renewal through the IKK and JNK pathways plays a key role in liver cancer in mouse models.
Commentary: Maybe this research could eventually lead to improved methods of liver cancer treatment and prevention.
Posted: June 22, 2006
Summary:
Research at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine shows that liver cancer is likely caused by cycles of liver cell death and renewal. New findings strongly suggest that the control of tissue renewal through the IKK and JNK pathways plays a key role in liver cancer in mouse models.
Commentary: Maybe this research could eventually lead to improved methods of liver cancer treatment and prevention.
Can you hear me now? Scientists find previously unknown receptors on adult stem cells
Source: Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
Posted: June 22, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have discovered that marrow stem cells -- undifferentiated cells that eventually give rise to blood cells that fight infection -- possess receptors that recognize bacteria and viruses. When activated, these receptors kick the stem cells and immature blood cells into action, enlisting them to help fight whatever pathogen is attacking the body.
The findings, which appear in the June issue of the journal Immunity, could have important implications for treating leukemias and autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding can eventually be turned into an effective clinical application to treat autoimmune diseases and disorders in humans.
Posted: June 22, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have discovered that marrow stem cells -- undifferentiated cells that eventually give rise to blood cells that fight infection -- possess receptors that recognize bacteria and viruses. When activated, these receptors kick the stem cells and immature blood cells into action, enlisting them to help fight whatever pathogen is attacking the body.
The findings, which appear in the June issue of the journal Immunity, could have important implications for treating leukemias and autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding can eventually be turned into an effective clinical application to treat autoimmune diseases and disorders in humans.
New Stem Cell Treatment Provides Hope for Paralyzed Humans
Source: VOA News
Posted: June 22, 2006
Summary:
A new medical treatment injecting embryonic stem cells and other drugs into paralyzed mice has researchers wondering if it could eventually help humans suffering from Parkinson's and other neurological diseases.
This story includes videos about the embryonic stem cell treatment in mice.
Posted: June 22, 2006
Summary:
A new medical treatment injecting embryonic stem cells and other drugs into paralyzed mice has researchers wondering if it could eventually help humans suffering from Parkinson's and other neurological diseases.
This story includes videos about the embryonic stem cell treatment in mice.
Bay Area news in brief: Research shows stem cells grown in mice have potential to help repair blood vessels
Source: San Jose Mercury News
Posted on Thu, Jun. 22, 2006
Summary:
STANFORD
Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have coaxed embryonic stem cells in mice into becoming baby muscle cells called myocytes.
The researchers intend to use the cells to make blood vessels to potentially replace arteries damaged by cardiovascular disease. They placed the stem cells in a lifelike growth environment that caused them to turn into myocytes.
The stem cells, found in days-old human embryos are special because they are not yet committed to any specific function. With the right conditions, they can be induced to mature into a variety of cells.
Commentary: By creating a tissue-engineered blood vessel grown from a patient's own stem cells, scientists hope to reduce risk of rejection. Hopefully this experiment will eventually yield treatements for blood and heart disease in human, but also have implications for the overall field of stem cell research if the stem cells can be matched to patients' genetic make-up in order to avoid immune system rejection.
Posted on Thu, Jun. 22, 2006
Summary:
STANFORD
Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have coaxed embryonic stem cells in mice into becoming baby muscle cells called myocytes.
The researchers intend to use the cells to make blood vessels to potentially replace arteries damaged by cardiovascular disease. They placed the stem cells in a lifelike growth environment that caused them to turn into myocytes.
The stem cells, found in days-old human embryos are special because they are not yet committed to any specific function. With the right conditions, they can be induced to mature into a variety of cells.
Commentary: By creating a tissue-engineered blood vessel grown from a patient's own stem cells, scientists hope to reduce risk of rejection. Hopefully this experiment will eventually yield treatements for blood and heart disease in human, but also have implications for the overall field of stem cell research if the stem cells can be matched to patients' genetic make-up in order to avoid immune system rejection.
Stem-cell breakthrough at Stanford
Source: Palo Alto Online
Posted: June 22, 2006, 12:29 PM
Summary:
Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have made the first step toward growing blood vessels using stem cells. The blood vessels could eventually be transplanted into living organisms.
Posted: June 22, 2006, 12:29 PM
Summary:
Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have made the first step toward growing blood vessels using stem cells. The blood vessels could eventually be transplanted into living organisms.
GERON ANNOUNCES COLLABORATION TO DEVELOP SYNTHETIC SURFACES FOR GROWTH OF EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS
Source: Geron Corporation
Posted: June 22, 2006
In an official news release, Geron Corporation announced the development and commercialization of synthetic surface matrices for the growth of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs).
Posted: June 22, 2006
In an official news release, Geron Corporation announced the development and commercialization of synthetic surface matrices for the growth of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs).
Bones Hold The Key To Blood Renewal
Source: American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science via Medical News Today
Posted: June 22, 2006
Summary:
A team of scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science has now revealed how cells that work at remodeling the bones play a direct part in the ongoing renewal of another system – the blood. The findings may lead to future improvements in bone marrow transplantation and a better understanding of diseases involving bone or blood renewal.
Commentary: Hopefully this discovery will eventually lead to improved treatments for bone and blood diseases in humans. It may also lead to regeneration of bone and blood cells.
Posted: June 22, 2006
Summary:
A team of scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science has now revealed how cells that work at remodeling the bones play a direct part in the ongoing renewal of another system – the blood. The findings may lead to future improvements in bone marrow transplantation and a better understanding of diseases involving bone or blood renewal.
Commentary: Hopefully this discovery will eventually lead to improved treatments for bone and blood diseases in humans. It may also lead to regeneration of bone and blood cells.
Scientists: Rats partially overcome paralysis in stem cell study
Source: CNN.com
Posted: June 22, 2006,:11:55 a.m. EDT (15:55 GMT)
Summary:
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Paralyzed rats were able to move their hind legs in a study in which scientists injected the rodents with stem cells from mouse embryos, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University.
The scientists said they combined the transplanted stem cells with a "cocktail" of chemicals to help the paralyzed rats regenerate some of their nerve cells, allowing a message from the brain to travel to the spinal cord and then to the legs of the paralyzed rats. Scientists outside the university agreed that the findings were a big step forward in embryonic stem cell research.
Posted: June 22, 2006,:11:55 a.m. EDT (15:55 GMT)
Summary:
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Paralyzed rats were able to move their hind legs in a study in which scientists injected the rodents with stem cells from mouse embryos, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University.
The scientists said they combined the transplanted stem cells with a "cocktail" of chemicals to help the paralyzed rats regenerate some of their nerve cells, allowing a message from the brain to travel to the spinal cord and then to the legs of the paralyzed rats. Scientists outside the university agreed that the findings were a big step forward in embryonic stem cell research.
Stanford Doctors Advance In Bid To Turn Mice Stem Cells Into Blood Vessels
Source: Stanford University Medical Center
Posted: June 22, 2006
Summary:
Stanford, Calif. - Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have taken a first step toward growing blood vessels from stem cells that could eventually be transplanted into living organisms. Starting with embryonic stem cells derived from mice, surgical resident Oscar Abilez, MD, and colleagues have successfully differentiated the stem cells into myocytes, one of the building blocks of blood vessels, after placing them in a life-like growth environment that the research team had created. The scientists hope to be able to eventually grow whole blood vessels that can be transplanted back into mice. The ultimate goal of the research is to bring together two of today's most promising areas of medical investigation: stem cell research and tissue engineering.
Commentary: If this technique can be research further and successfully replicated in experiments in other animals, maybe it could eventually lead to improved treatment of cardiovascular disease in a diverse population of humans.
Posted: June 22, 2006
Summary:
Stanford, Calif. - Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have taken a first step toward growing blood vessels from stem cells that could eventually be transplanted into living organisms. Starting with embryonic stem cells derived from mice, surgical resident Oscar Abilez, MD, and colleagues have successfully differentiated the stem cells into myocytes, one of the building blocks of blood vessels, after placing them in a life-like growth environment that the research team had created. The scientists hope to be able to eventually grow whole blood vessels that can be transplanted back into mice. The ultimate goal of the research is to bring together two of today's most promising areas of medical investigation: stem cell research and tissue engineering.
Commentary: If this technique can be research further and successfully replicated in experiments in other animals, maybe it could eventually lead to improved treatment of cardiovascular disease in a diverse population of humans.
Bones hold the key to blood renewal
Source: American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science
Posted: June 19, 2006
Summary:
A team of scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science has now revealed how cells that work at remodeling the bones play a direct part in the ongoing renewal of another system – the blood. The findings may lead to future improvements in bone marrow transplantation and a better understanding of diseases involving bone or blood renewal.
Commentary: Hopefully this discovery will eventually lead to improved treatments for bone and blood diseases in humans. It may also lead to regeneration of bone and blood cells.
Posted: June 19, 2006
Summary:
A team of scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science has now revealed how cells that work at remodeling the bones play a direct part in the ongoing renewal of another system – the blood. The findings may lead to future improvements in bone marrow transplantation and a better understanding of diseases involving bone or blood renewal.
Commentary: Hopefully this discovery will eventually lead to improved treatments for bone and blood diseases in humans. It may also lead to regeneration of bone and blood cells.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Stem cells, chemicals used to help repair paralysis in rats
Source: Tribune news services
Posted: June 21, 2006
Summary:
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Scientists have combined stem cells with nerve-friendly chemicals to regrow the circuitry to move a muscle, helping partially paralyzed rats walk. Years of additional research is needed before such an experiment could be attempted in people. But the finding is an advancement in stem cell research that could one day help repair damage from nerve-destroying illnesses such as Lou Gehrig's disease, or from spinal cord injuries.
Posted: June 21, 2006
Summary:
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Scientists have combined stem cells with nerve-friendly chemicals to regrow the circuitry to move a muscle, helping partially paralyzed rats walk. Years of additional research is needed before such an experiment could be attempted in people. But the finding is an advancement in stem cell research that could one day help repair damage from nerve-destroying illnesses such as Lou Gehrig's disease, or from spinal cord injuries.
Osteoarthritis patients don't need to come to grinding halt
Source: USA Today
Posted: June 21, 2006 10:44 PM ET
Here is a story about how stem cells could possibly be a future treatment for Osteoarthritis.
Posted: June 21, 2006 10:44 PM ET
Here is a story about how stem cells could possibly be a future treatment for Osteoarthritis.
Stem Cells May Help Reverse Paralysis: Tests Succeed in Paralyzed Rats; Method May Help People, Scientists Say
Source: WebMD Medical News
Posted: June 21, 2006
Summary:
Tests done on paralyzed rats have demonstrated that With some chemical help, embryonic stem cells may help reverse paralysis. Scientists used chemicals to tell embryonic mice stem cells to become motor neurons, nerve cells that control muscles. Researchers then transplanted them into the spinal cords of 120 paralyzed adult rats. After six months, 11 of the 15 rats in the key test group could put weight on the paralyzed hind paw their stem cells had been instructed to target. Those rats could also step off from that paw. In short, embryonic stem cells show promise against paralysis in rats, but it may take extra chemical help to get the biggest benefits.
Posted: June 21, 2006
Summary:
Tests done on paralyzed rats have demonstrated that With some chemical help, embryonic stem cells may help reverse paralysis. Scientists used chemicals to tell embryonic mice stem cells to become motor neurons, nerve cells that control muscles. Researchers then transplanted them into the spinal cords of 120 paralyzed adult rats. After six months, 11 of the 15 rats in the key test group could put weight on the paralyzed hind paw their stem cells had been instructed to target. Those rats could also step off from that paw. In short, embryonic stem cells show promise against paralysis in rats, but it may take extra chemical help to get the biggest benefits.
Goal: Turn mice cells into blood vessels
Source: United Press International
Posted: June 21, 2006
Summary:
STANFORD, Calif., June 21 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers say they have taken a first step toward using stem cells to grow blood vessels that might eventually be transplanted into living organisms. The scientists say they hope to be able to eventually grow whole blood vessels that can be transplanted into mice.
Posted: June 21, 2006
Summary:
STANFORD, Calif., June 21 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers say they have taken a first step toward using stem cells to grow blood vessels that might eventually be transplanted into living organisms. The scientists say they hope to be able to eventually grow whole blood vessels that can be transplanted into mice.
Stem cell study cures paralyzed rats; hope seen for humans
Source: Agence France Presse via Yahoo! News
Posted: June 21, 2006
Summary:
WASHINGTON (AFP) - US scientists have for the first time used embryonic stem cells and a concoction of chemicals to help paralyzed rats walk -- a groundbreaking feat that may help cure ailments such as Lou Gehrig's disease and paralysis from spinal cord injuries and muscular atrophy. Much work still needs to be done before it might be applied to humans. The research was initially conducted with cells from mice and must still be tested on larger animals to see if results are compatible. It marks the first time researchers have used neurons from embryonic stem cells found in the spinal cord to restore some muscle function in paralyzed animals.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will provide researchers with new insights into the development of neurological disorders and enable them to develop new treatment strategies using stem cells.
Posted: June 21, 2006
Summary:
WASHINGTON (AFP) - US scientists have for the first time used embryonic stem cells and a concoction of chemicals to help paralyzed rats walk -- a groundbreaking feat that may help cure ailments such as Lou Gehrig's disease and paralysis from spinal cord injuries and muscular atrophy. Much work still needs to be done before it might be applied to humans. The research was initially conducted with cells from mice and must still be tested on larger animals to see if results are compatible. It marks the first time researchers have used neurons from embryonic stem cells found in the spinal cord to restore some muscle function in paralyzed animals.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will provide researchers with new insights into the development of neurological disorders and enable them to develop new treatment strategies using stem cells.
Teasing out tissue from blood
Source: Newscientist
Posted: June 21, 2006
Summary:
Scientists are working toi revert a patient's blood cells to the stem cell stage and then chemically nudge them to be able to differentiate into particular tissue types that can be implanted to heal damaged tissue.
Commentary: Hopefully this work will eventually be successful in treating patients with diseases and injuries and avoid ethical concerns posed by embryonic stem cell research.
Posted: June 21, 2006
Summary:
Scientists are working toi revert a patient's blood cells to the stem cell stage and then chemically nudge them to be able to differentiate into particular tissue types that can be implanted to heal damaged tissue.
Commentary: Hopefully this work will eventually be successful in treating patients with diseases and injuries and avoid ethical concerns posed by embryonic stem cell research.
Stanford doctors advance in bid to turn mice stem cells into blood vessels
Source: Stanford University Medical Center
Posted: June 21, 2006
Summary:
Stanford, Calif. - Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have taken a first step toward growing blood vessels from stem cells that could eventually be transplanted into living organisms. Starting with embryonic stem cells derived from mice, surgical resident Oscar Abilez, MD, and colleagues have successfully differentiated the stem cells into myocytes, one of the building blocks of blood vessels, after placing them in a life-like growth environment that the research team had created. The scientists hope to be able to eventually grow whole blood vessels that can be transplanted back into mice. The ultimate goal of the research is to bring together two of today's most promising areas of medical investigation: stem cell research and tissue engineering.
Commentary: If this technique can be research further and successfully replicated in experiments in other animals, maybe it could eventually lead to improved treatment of cardiovascular disease in a diverse population of humans.
Posted: June 21, 2006
Summary:
Stanford, Calif. - Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have taken a first step toward growing blood vessels from stem cells that could eventually be transplanted into living organisms. Starting with embryonic stem cells derived from mice, surgical resident Oscar Abilez, MD, and colleagues have successfully differentiated the stem cells into myocytes, one of the building blocks of blood vessels, after placing them in a life-like growth environment that the research team had created. The scientists hope to be able to eventually grow whole blood vessels that can be transplanted back into mice. The ultimate goal of the research is to bring together two of today's most promising areas of medical investigation: stem cell research and tissue engineering.
Commentary: If this technique can be research further and successfully replicated in experiments in other animals, maybe it could eventually lead to improved treatment of cardiovascular disease in a diverse population of humans.
Can stem cells be turned into vessels?
Source: Stanford Report
Posted: June 21, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have taken a first step toward growing blood vessels from stem cells that could eventually be transplanted into living organisms. They have successfully differentiated the stem cells into myocytes, one of the building blocks of blood vessels, after placing them in a life-like growth environment that the research team had created. The scientists hope to be able to eventually grow whole blood vessels that can be transplanted back into mice.
Commentary: Maybe this finding can be developed into an effective treatment for cardiovascular disease.
Posted: June 21, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have taken a first step toward growing blood vessels from stem cells that could eventually be transplanted into living organisms. They have successfully differentiated the stem cells into myocytes, one of the building blocks of blood vessels, after placing them in a life-like growth environment that the research team had created. The scientists hope to be able to eventually grow whole blood vessels that can be transplanted back into mice.
Commentary: Maybe this finding can be developed into an effective treatment for cardiovascular disease.
Neurons Grown From Embryonic Stem Cells Restore Function In Paralyzed Rats
Source: NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Posted: June 21, 2006
Summary:
For the first time, researchers have enticed transplants of embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons in the spinal cord to connect with muscles and partially restore function in paralyzed animals. The study suggests that similar techniques may be useful for treating such disorders as spinal cord injury, transverse myelitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and spinal muscular atrophy.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding can be translated into effective clinical applications to treat neurological disorders in the future.
Posted: June 21, 2006
Summary:
For the first time, researchers have enticed transplants of embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons in the spinal cord to connect with muscles and partially restore function in paralyzed animals. The study suggests that similar techniques may be useful for treating such disorders as spinal cord injury, transverse myelitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and spinal muscular atrophy.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding can be translated into effective clinical applications to treat neurological disorders in the future.
Refined stem cell therapy helps paralyzed rats recover. Treatment may also help humans with paralysis
Source: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Posted: June 21, 2006
Summary:
A therapy that combines differentiated stem cells with myelin inhibitors and a motor axon tropic factor helped paralyzed rats restore functional motor units and gain some physical recovery. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine explored different strategies to restore motor function in paralyzed rats. They hoped to stimulate the formation of functional muscular units. They concluded that functional restoration of motor units with embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons is possible in adult paralyzed rats and the technique, "represents a potential therapeutic intervention for humans with paralysis.
Posted: June 21, 2006
Summary:
A therapy that combines differentiated stem cells with myelin inhibitors and a motor axon tropic factor helped paralyzed rats restore functional motor units and gain some physical recovery. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine explored different strategies to restore motor function in paralyzed rats. They hoped to stimulate the formation of functional muscular units. They concluded that functional restoration of motor units with embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons is possible in adult paralyzed rats and the technique, "represents a potential therapeutic intervention for humans with paralysis.
Paralyzed Mice Move Again With Stem-Cell Therapy
Source: Medical News Today
Posted: June 21, 2006
Summary:
Embryonic stem cells have been used to restore limb movement in paralyzed mice, say scientists at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA. The embryonic stem cells formed new nerve connections in the paralyzed mice. This research is seen as proof by scientists that one day paralyzed humans will be cured as a result of stem-cell grafts. It may be several years away, but the evidence that it will come is much more compelling now.
Posted: June 21, 2006
Summary:
Embryonic stem cells have been used to restore limb movement in paralyzed mice, say scientists at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA. The embryonic stem cells formed new nerve connections in the paralyzed mice. This research is seen as proof by scientists that one day paralyzed humans will be cured as a result of stem-cell grafts. It may be several years away, but the evidence that it will come is much more compelling now.
Stem Cells Fix Paralyzed Rats
Source: Time
Posted: June 20, 2006
Summmary:
Scientists at Johns Hokins took embryonic stem cells from mice, coaxed them to grow into motor neurons--the nerve cells that transmit movement signals to muscles--and implanted them in the spinal cords of rats who had been paralyzed. The result: after six months, 11 out of 15 rats had regained some use of their previously useless legs.
This isn't actually the first time stem cells have been used to treat paralyzed rats; in the earlier experiments, though, they were used to repair existing nerve cells. This time, they literally created new ones, and got them to grow toward and attach to muscles--a major step forward.
Posted: June 20, 2006
Summmary:
Scientists at Johns Hokins took embryonic stem cells from mice, coaxed them to grow into motor neurons--the nerve cells that transmit movement signals to muscles--and implanted them in the spinal cords of rats who had been paralyzed. The result: after six months, 11 out of 15 rats had regained some use of their previously useless legs.
This isn't actually the first time stem cells have been used to treat paralyzed rats; in the earlier experiments, though, they were used to repair existing nerve cells. This time, they literally created new ones, and got them to grow toward and attach to muscles--a major step forward.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Paralyzed rats walk in stem cell study: Hopkins scientists say their method shows potential to help people suffering from neurological disorders
Source: The Baltimore Sun
Posted June 20, 2006, 11:03 PM EDT
Summary:
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have used a new method to enable movement in paralyzed rats they claim shows the potential of embryonic stem cells to restore function to humans suffering from neurological disorders. The results, released Tuesday, are to be published in the journal Annals of Neurology.
Commentary: Maybe if this treatment is replicated enough, it can eventually be applied to treat human neurological disorders.
Posted June 20, 2006, 11:03 PM EDT
Summary:
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have used a new method to enable movement in paralyzed rats they claim shows the potential of embryonic stem cells to restore function to humans suffering from neurological disorders. The results, released Tuesday, are to be published in the journal Annals of Neurology.
Commentary: Maybe if this treatment is replicated enough, it can eventually be applied to treat human neurological disorders.
Hopkins Scientists Make Stem Cell Breakthrough
Source: WJZ TV-13, Baltimore
Posted: June 20, 2006 11:08 pm US/Eastern
Here is a video about researchers at Johns Hopkins University treating paralyzed rats with embryonic stem cells.
Posted: June 20, 2006 11:08 pm US/Eastern
Here is a video about researchers at Johns Hopkins University treating paralyzed rats with embryonic stem cells.
Helping The Paralyzed Walk
Source: KGO/ABC7 News - San Francisco
Posted: June 19, 2006
Here is a feature about using electrical stimulation to regenerate stem cells and help patients' bodies remember how to move who have damaged nerves.
Posted: June 19, 2006
Here is a feature about using electrical stimulation to regenerate stem cells and help patients' bodies remember how to move who have damaged nerves.
Stem Cell Breakthrough?
Source: CBS News
Posted: June 20, 2006
Here is a CBS News Video on the new finding that embryonic stem cells can treat paralysis in rats.
Posted: June 20, 2006
Here is a CBS News Video on the new finding that embryonic stem cells can treat paralysis in rats.
Stem Cell Breakthrough
Source: ABC News
Posted: June 20, 2006
Here is an ABC News video on the new finding that embryonic stem cells can treat spinal cord injury in rats.
Posted: June 20, 2006
Here is an ABC News video on the new finding that embryonic stem cells can treat spinal cord injury in rats.
With stem cell help, paralyzed rats walk: Researchers hope result can one day be applied to human injuries
Source: Bloomberg News
Posted: 11:06 PM CDT on Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Summary:
WASHINGTON – Scientists have used embryonic stem cells to restore function in the legs of paralyzed rats, raising hopes they may some day achieve the same result in humans. Researchers extracted the cells from rat embryos, then used chemicals to coax them into becoming motor neurons, cells that carry impulses from the brain and spinal cord to receptors in the muscles. The neurons were transplanted into the rats, allowing three in every four animals to bear weight on their hind legs and take steps after six months.
Posted: 11:06 PM CDT on Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Summary:
WASHINGTON – Scientists have used embryonic stem cells to restore function in the legs of paralyzed rats, raising hopes they may some day achieve the same result in humans. Researchers extracted the cells from rat embryos, then used chemicals to coax them into becoming motor neurons, cells that carry impulses from the brain and spinal cord to receptors in the muscles. The neurons were transplanted into the rats, allowing three in every four animals to bear weight on their hind legs and take steps after six months.
Stem-Cell Therapy Restores Movement in Paralyzed Mice: Achievement hailed as a breakthrough, but success in humans may still be years away
Source: HealthDay News
Posted: June 20, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have used embryonic stem cells to form new, functional nerve cell connections in formerly paralyzed mice that effectively restored the animals' limb movement.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will give scientists new ideas about how to repair the damaged central nervous system in humans with central nervous system disorders.
Posted: June 20, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have used embryonic stem cells to form new, functional nerve cell connections in formerly paralyzed mice that effectively restored the animals' limb movement.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will give scientists new ideas about how to repair the damaged central nervous system in humans with central nervous system disorders.
Can you hear me now? Scientists find previously unknown receptors on adult stem cells
Source: Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
Posted: June 20, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have discovered that marrow stem cells -- undifferentiated cells that eventually give rise to blood cells that fight infection -- possess receptors that recognize bacteria and viruses. When activated, these receptors kick the stem cells and immature blood cells into action, enlisting them to help fight whatever pathogen is attacking the body.
The findings, which appear in the June issue of the journal Immunity, could have important implications for treating leukemias and autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding can eventually be turned into an effective clinical application to treat autoimmune diseases and disorders in humans.
Posted: June 20, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have discovered that marrow stem cells -- undifferentiated cells that eventually give rise to blood cells that fight infection -- possess receptors that recognize bacteria and viruses. When activated, these receptors kick the stem cells and immature blood cells into action, enlisting them to help fight whatever pathogen is attacking the body.
The findings, which appear in the June issue of the journal Immunity, could have important implications for treating leukemias and autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding can eventually be turned into an effective clinical application to treat autoimmune diseases and disorders in humans.
Stem cells help repair rats' paralysis
Source: Associated Press via Yahoo! News
Posted: June 20, 2006; 1:49 PM ET
Summary:
Scientists have used stem cells and a soup of nerve-friendly chemicals to not just bridge a damaged spinal cord but actually regrow the circuitry needed to move a muscle, helping partially paralyzed rats walk.
Years of additional research is needed before such an experiment could be attempted in people.
The work marks a tantalizing new step in stem cell research that promises to one day help repair damage from nerve-destroying illnesses such as Lou Gehrig's disease, or from spinal cord injuries.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding can eventually be translated into effective treatments for spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders in humans.
Posted: June 20, 2006; 1:49 PM ET
Summary:
Scientists have used stem cells and a soup of nerve-friendly chemicals to not just bridge a damaged spinal cord but actually regrow the circuitry needed to move a muscle, helping partially paralyzed rats walk.
Years of additional research is needed before such an experiment could be attempted in people.
The work marks a tantalizing new step in stem cell research that promises to one day help repair damage from nerve-destroying illnesses such as Lou Gehrig's disease, or from spinal cord injuries.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding can eventually be translated into effective treatments for spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders in humans.
HOPKINS SCIENTISTS USE EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS, NEW CUES TO AWAKEN LATENT MOTOR NERVE REPAIR
Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine
Posted: June 20, 2006
Summary:
A team of Johns Hopkins scientists reports that they’ve engineered new, completed, fully-working motor neuron circuits -- neurons stretching from spinal cord to target muscles -- in paralyzed adult animals. The research, in which mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells were injected into rats whose virus-damaged spinal cords model nerve disease, shows that such cells can be made to re-trace complex pathways of nerve development long shut off in adult mammals, the researchers say.
Posted: June 20, 2006
Summary:
A team of Johns Hopkins scientists reports that they’ve engineered new, completed, fully-working motor neuron circuits -- neurons stretching from spinal cord to target muscles -- in paralyzed adult animals. The research, in which mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells were injected into rats whose virus-damaged spinal cords model nerve disease, shows that such cells can be made to re-trace complex pathways of nerve development long shut off in adult mammals, the researchers say.
Stem Cells Help Repair Rats' Paralysis
Source: Associated Press
Posted: June 20, 2006; 1:49 PM ET
Summary:
Scientists have used stem cells and a soup of nerve-friendly chemicals to not just bridge a damaged spinal cord but actually regrow the circuitry needed to move a muscle, helping partially paralyzed rats walk.
Years of additional research is needed before such an experiment could be attempted in people.
The work marks a tantalizing new step in stem cell research that promises to one day help repair damage from nerve-destroying illnesses such as Lou Gehrig's disease, or from spinal cord injuries.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding can eventually be translated into effective treatments for spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders in humans.
Posted: June 20, 2006; 1:49 PM ET
Summary:
Scientists have used stem cells and a soup of nerve-friendly chemicals to not just bridge a damaged spinal cord but actually regrow the circuitry needed to move a muscle, helping partially paralyzed rats walk.
Years of additional research is needed before such an experiment could be attempted in people.
The work marks a tantalizing new step in stem cell research that promises to one day help repair damage from nerve-destroying illnesses such as Lou Gehrig's disease, or from spinal cord injuries.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding can eventually be translated into effective treatments for spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders in humans.
Neurons Grown from Embryonic Stem Cells Restore Function in Paralyzed Rats
Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Posted: June 20, 2006
Summary:
For the first time, researchers have enticed transplants of embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons in the spinal cord to connect with muscles and partially restore function in paralyzed animals. The study suggests that similar techniques may be useful for treating such disorders as spinal cord injury, transverse myelitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and spinal muscular atrophy.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding can be translated into effective clinical applications to treat neurological disorders in the future.
Posted: June 20, 2006
Summary:
For the first time, researchers have enticed transplants of embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons in the spinal cord to connect with muscles and partially restore function in paralyzed animals. The study suggests that similar techniques may be useful for treating such disorders as spinal cord injury, transverse myelitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and spinal muscular atrophy.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding can be translated into effective clinical applications to treat neurological disorders in the future.
Neurons grown from embryonic stem cells restore function in paralyzed rats
Source: NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Posted: June 20, 2006
Summary:
For the first time, researchers have enticed transplants of embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons in the spinal cord to connect with muscles and partially restore function in paralyzed animals. The study suggests that similar techniques may be useful for treating such disorders as spinal cord injury, transverse myelitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and spinal muscular atrophy.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding can be translated into effective clinical applications to treat neurological disorders in the future.
Posted: June 20, 2006
Summary:
For the first time, researchers have enticed transplants of embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons in the spinal cord to connect with muscles and partially restore function in paralyzed animals. The study suggests that similar techniques may be useful for treating such disorders as spinal cord injury, transverse myelitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and spinal muscular atrophy.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding can be translated into effective clinical applications to treat neurological disorders in the future.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Melanoma Research Progress Suggests Optimism For Future Cures
Source: The Wistar Institute
Posted: June 19, 2006
Summary:
Stem cells are an important tool in melanoma research. While much of the public discussion about stem cells has focused on their potential in repairing diseased or damaged tissue, stem cells are already becoming essential in cancer research. Recent evidence has indicated that cancerous tumors may arise from deviant stem cells lingering in the body. These cancer stem cells seem to help maintain tumors through their remarkable powers of self-renewal. Scientists are conducting research to understand what role melanoma stem cells may plan in that disease.
Commentary: This research is providing scientist with new strategies to treat cancer patients by researching methods to eliminate cancerous stem cells before they become fully differentiated cancer cells that attack and destroy health immune cells.
Posted: June 19, 2006
Summary:
Stem cells are an important tool in melanoma research. While much of the public discussion about stem cells has focused on their potential in repairing diseased or damaged tissue, stem cells are already becoming essential in cancer research. Recent evidence has indicated that cancerous tumors may arise from deviant stem cells lingering in the body. These cancer stem cells seem to help maintain tumors through their remarkable powers of self-renewal. Scientists are conducting research to understand what role melanoma stem cells may plan in that disease.
Commentary: This research is providing scientist with new strategies to treat cancer patients by researching methods to eliminate cancerous stem cells before they become fully differentiated cancer cells that attack and destroy health immune cells.
Stem cells regrow damaged nerves in rats: study
Source: Reuters
Posted: Mon June 19, 2006 8:31pm ET
Summary:
Stem cells taken from mouse embryos have helped paralyzed rats move again, researchers said on Monday. The study was the best evidence so far that controversial embryonic stem cells might be used to treat people with spinal cord and other traumatic injuries, the researchers said.
Commentary: Hopefully this study will lead to effective treatments for spinal cord injuries in humans and be replicated enough to benefit a diverse population of spinal cord-injured patients.
Posted: Mon June 19, 2006 8:31pm ET
Summary:
Stem cells taken from mouse embryos have helped paralyzed rats move again, researchers said on Monday. The study was the best evidence so far that controversial embryonic stem cells might be used to treat people with spinal cord and other traumatic injuries, the researchers said.
Commentary: Hopefully this study will lead to effective treatments for spinal cord injuries in humans and be replicated enough to benefit a diverse population of spinal cord-injured patients.
Stem cells regrow damaged nerves in rats: study
Source: Reuters via Yahoo! News
Posted: Mon June 19, 2006 8:31pm ET
Summary:
Stem cells taken from mouse embryos have helped paralyzed rats move again, researchers said on Monday. The study was the best evidence so far that controversial embryonic stem cells might be used to treat people with spinal cord and other traumatic injuries, the researchers said.
Commentary: Hopefully this study will lead to effective treatments for spinal cord injuries in humans and be replicated enough to benefit a diverse population of spinal cord-injured patients.
Posted: Mon June 19, 2006 8:31pm ET
Summary:
Stem cells taken from mouse embryos have helped paralyzed rats move again, researchers said on Monday. The study was the best evidence so far that controversial embryonic stem cells might be used to treat people with spinal cord and other traumatic injuries, the researchers said.
Commentary: Hopefully this study will lead to effective treatments for spinal cord injuries in humans and be replicated enough to benefit a diverse population of spinal cord-injured patients.
Joslin Study Refutes Recent Report That Bone Marrow Can Replenish Female Oocytes
Source: Joslin Diabetes Center
Posted: June 16, 2006
Summary:
A new study led by investigators at Joslin Diabetes Center and Harvard University has found that ovulated egg cells, or oocytes, in adult female mice are not formed from germ cells in the blood or bone marrow. These findings refute a controversial recent study conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), which itself contradicted the long-held belief that female mammals are born with a finite number of oocytes that cannot be replenished or regenerated if lost to injury or disease by suggesting that transplanted bone marrow or peripheral blood cells were capable of generating new oocytes in the ovaries of recipient mice.
Commentary: This finding illustrates why federal funding of embryonic stem cell research is necessary. This study was replicated and disproved. This should be a model for the federal government to follow by funding research so experiments can be repeated to ensure that results can be proved, or disproved, with the highest degree of scientific accuracy possible.
Posted: June 16, 2006
Summary:
A new study led by investigators at Joslin Diabetes Center and Harvard University has found that ovulated egg cells, or oocytes, in adult female mice are not formed from germ cells in the blood or bone marrow. These findings refute a controversial recent study conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), which itself contradicted the long-held belief that female mammals are born with a finite number of oocytes that cannot be replenished or regenerated if lost to injury or disease by suggesting that transplanted bone marrow or peripheral blood cells were capable of generating new oocytes in the ovaries of recipient mice.
Commentary: This finding illustrates why federal funding of embryonic stem cell research is necessary. This study was replicated and disproved. This should be a model for the federal government to follow by funding research so experiments can be repeated to ensure that results can be proved, or disproved, with the highest degree of scientific accuracy possible.
Summer update: Melanoma research progress suggests optimism for future cures
Source: The Wistar Institute
Posted: June 19, 2006
Summary:
Stem cells are an important tool in melanoma research. While much of the public discussion about stem cells has focused on their potential in repairing diseased or damaged tissue, stem cells are already becoming essential in cancer research. Recent evidence has indicated that cancerous tumors may arise from deviant stem cells lingering in the body. These cancer stem cells seem to help maintain tumors through their remarkable powers of self-renewal. Scientists are conducting research to understand what role melanoma stem cells may plan in that disease.
Commentary: This research is providing scientist with new strategies to treat cancer patients by researching methods to eliminate cancerous stem cells before they become fully differentiated cancer cells that attack and destroy health immune cells.
Posted: June 19, 2006
Summary:
Stem cells are an important tool in melanoma research. While much of the public discussion about stem cells has focused on their potential in repairing diseased or damaged tissue, stem cells are already becoming essential in cancer research. Recent evidence has indicated that cancerous tumors may arise from deviant stem cells lingering in the body. These cancer stem cells seem to help maintain tumors through their remarkable powers of self-renewal. Scientists are conducting research to understand what role melanoma stem cells may plan in that disease.
Commentary: This research is providing scientist with new strategies to treat cancer patients by researching methods to eliminate cancerous stem cells before they become fully differentiated cancer cells that attack and destroy health immune cells.
Bones hold the key to blood renewal
Source: American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science
Posted: June 19, 2006
Summary:
A team of scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science has now revealed how cells that work at remodeling the bones play a direct part in the ongoing renewal of another system – the blood. The findings may lead to future improvements in bone marrow transplantation and a better understanding of diseases involving bone or blood renewal.
Commentary: Hopefully this discovery will eventually lead to improved treatments for bone and blood diseases in humans. It may also lead to regeneration of bone and blood cells.
Posted: June 19, 2006
Summary:
A team of scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science has now revealed how cells that work at remodeling the bones play a direct part in the ongoing renewal of another system – the blood. The findings may lead to future improvements in bone marrow transplantation and a better understanding of diseases involving bone or blood renewal.
Commentary: Hopefully this discovery will eventually lead to improved treatments for bone and blood diseases in humans. It may also lead to regeneration of bone and blood cells.
Scientists progress on livers, stem cells
Source: Associated Press
Posted: June 13, 2006
Summary:
SEATTLE -- Scientists at the University of Washington are optimistic that they've made what they call meaningful progress toward learning how to repair damaged human livers with stem cells.
If the experimental work continues successfully in the years to come, the technique could one day repair livers badly damaged by drug overdoses, hepatitis and alcoholism.
For the first time, a team of UW researchers, led by Fausto, isolated liver stem cells from human fetuses. The researchers grew them in the laboratory for months and infused them in laboratory mice, where they replaced thousands of dead liver cells.
Commentary: Hopefully this will lead to improved treatments for liver diseases.
Posted: June 13, 2006
Summary:
SEATTLE -- Scientists at the University of Washington are optimistic that they've made what they call meaningful progress toward learning how to repair damaged human livers with stem cells.
If the experimental work continues successfully in the years to come, the technique could one day repair livers badly damaged by drug overdoses, hepatitis and alcoholism.
For the first time, a team of UW researchers, led by Fausto, isolated liver stem cells from human fetuses. The researchers grew them in the laboratory for months and infused them in laboratory mice, where they replaced thousands of dead liver cells.
Commentary: Hopefully this will lead to improved treatments for liver diseases.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Mixing animal and human cells gets more exotic
Source: Associated Press
Posted: June 18, 2006
Here's an interesting feature about ethical concerns related to mixing human and animal cells (i.e. injecting human brain cells into an animal to create a chimera).
Posted: June 18, 2006
Here's an interesting feature about ethical concerns related to mixing human and animal cells (i.e. injecting human brain cells into an animal to create a chimera).
Cancer 'switch' linked to repair of brain damage
Scource: The Scotsman
Posted: June 18, 2006
Summary:
New research by a leading Scots scientist has revealed that the early stages of cancer can be used to repair brain damage in stroke victims. Professor Ron McKay, a stem cell expert from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, has found a biological "switch" that triggers cancer growth can also be used to grow brain cells. He believes that by exploiting this process it will be possible to regenerate damaged brain tissue in patients who have suffered a stroke. He claims that by temporarily activating the protein - called Notch - in brain cells, he can get them to grow and multiply to patch damaged areas.
Commentary: Hopefully the results from this finding will enable effective treatments for stroke patients to be developed from stem cells.
Posted: June 18, 2006
Summary:
New research by a leading Scots scientist has revealed that the early stages of cancer can be used to repair brain damage in stroke victims. Professor Ron McKay, a stem cell expert from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, has found a biological "switch" that triggers cancer growth can also be used to grow brain cells. He believes that by exploiting this process it will be possible to regenerate damaged brain tissue in patients who have suffered a stroke. He claims that by temporarily activating the protein - called Notch - in brain cells, he can get them to grow and multiply to patch damaged areas.
Commentary: Hopefully the results from this finding will enable effective treatments for stroke patients to be developed from stem cells.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
First embryonic stem cell trial on the cards
Source: NewScientist.com news service
Posted: 10:03 17 June 2006
Summary
Human clinical trials for a stem cell treatment to repair injured spinal cord tissue may begin soon. The possibility that the recipient's immune system will see the transplanted cells as foreign and attack them has been a major concern with embryonic stem cell (ESC) treatments. Now Geron Corporation in Menlo Park, California, claims to have shown that this might not be a problem, at least for spinal repair treatment. Georon CEO Tom Okarma believes that the first product derived from embryonic stem cells will be in clinical trials in the next year. In the trials, Geron plans to treat patients with acute spinal injuries using oligodendrocyte progenitor cells that support neurons in the brain and spine by sheathing them in myelin, a fat that helps neurons to transmit signals. grown from human ESCs.
Posted: 10:03 17 June 2006
Summary
Human clinical trials for a stem cell treatment to repair injured spinal cord tissue may begin soon. The possibility that the recipient's immune system will see the transplanted cells as foreign and attack them has been a major concern with embryonic stem cell (ESC) treatments. Now Geron Corporation in Menlo Park, California, claims to have shown that this might not be a problem, at least for spinal repair treatment. Georon CEO Tom Okarma believes that the first product derived from embryonic stem cells will be in clinical trials in the next year. In the trials, Geron plans to treat patients with acute spinal injuries using oligodendrocyte progenitor cells that support neurons in the brain and spine by sheathing them in myelin, a fat that helps neurons to transmit signals. grown from human ESCs.
Australian research breakthrough in growing human organs
Source: Agence France Presse via Yahoo! News
Posted: Wed June 7, 2006 1:41 AM ET
Summary:
Australian researchers have grown beating heart tissue in the laboratory in a world-first breakthrough that could lead to the creation of entire human organs. The team of Australian scientists and surgeons said their work aimed to grow organs, including parts of the heart, using patients' own stem cells to avoid the problems of immune system rejection of transplanted organs.
Commentary: Hopefully this procedure will have positive long-term outcomes and eventually enable other types of human tissue to be created in a laboratory for transplantation into patients.
Posted: Wed June 7, 2006 1:41 AM ET
Summary:
Australian researchers have grown beating heart tissue in the laboratory in a world-first breakthrough that could lead to the creation of entire human organs. The team of Australian scientists and surgeons said their work aimed to grow organs, including parts of the heart, using patients' own stem cells to avoid the problems of immune system rejection of transplanted organs.
Commentary: Hopefully this procedure will have positive long-term outcomes and eventually enable other types of human tissue to be created in a laboratory for transplantation into patients.
Friday, June 16, 2006
New Roles For Growth Factors: Enticing Nerve Cells To Muscles
Source: Salk Institute
Posted: June 16, 2006
Summary:
La Jolla, CA - During embryonic development, nerve cells hesitantly extend tentacle-like protrusions called axons that sniff their way through a labyrinth of attractive and repulsive chemical cues that guide them to their target. While several recent studies discovered molecules that repel motor neuron axons from incorrect targets in the limb, scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have identified a molecule, known as FGF, that actively lures growing axons closer to the right destination. Their findings appear in the June 15 issue of Neuron.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will enable nerve cells to reach their intended location-the site of injury or disease-and effectively treat the injury or disease.
Posted: June 16, 2006
Summary:
La Jolla, CA - During embryonic development, nerve cells hesitantly extend tentacle-like protrusions called axons that sniff their way through a labyrinth of attractive and repulsive chemical cues that guide them to their target. While several recent studies discovered molecules that repel motor neuron axons from incorrect targets in the limb, scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have identified a molecule, known as FGF, that actively lures growing axons closer to the right destination. Their findings appear in the June 15 issue of Neuron.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will enable nerve cells to reach their intended location-the site of injury or disease-and effectively treat the injury or disease.
New Stem-cell Findings Can Help The Body To Cure Itself
Source: Karolinska Institutet
Posted: June 16, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified an important mechanism that regulates how many new cells are produced by each intestinal stem cell. The finding could lead to the development of new drugs for conditions such as anaemia, and neurological disorders. The researchers succeeded in showing how mechanism enables the body's own stem cells to regulate the number of new cells produced. They have identified a signal transduction process that regulates the degree of stem-cell division. They hope that the new findings can be used to develop drugs that stimulate, for example, the formation of new nerve cells to treat conditions such as stroke and Parkinson's and skin cells to facilitate the healing of wounds.
Commentary: This study could lead to the development of new drugs and new applications using stem cells to treat diseases and injuries.
Posted: June 16, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified an important mechanism that regulates how many new cells are produced by each intestinal stem cell. The finding could lead to the development of new drugs for conditions such as anaemia, and neurological disorders. The researchers succeeded in showing how mechanism enables the body's own stem cells to regulate the number of new cells produced. They have identified a signal transduction process that regulates the degree of stem-cell division. They hope that the new findings can be used to develop drugs that stimulate, for example, the formation of new nerve cells to treat conditions such as stroke and Parkinson's and skin cells to facilitate the healing of wounds.
Commentary: This study could lead to the development of new drugs and new applications using stem cells to treat diseases and injuries.
U.K. Research Team Identifies Gene That Could Help Reprogram Adult Stem Cell To Embryonic State
Source: Kaiser Health Policy Report via Medical News Today
Posted: June 15, 2006
Summary:
A gene called "nanog" appears to be the most important among several "reprogramming genes" that could transform adult stem cells into an embryonic-like state. This story is a compilation of news coverage from multiple news sources about this scientific discovery.
Posted: June 15, 2006
Summary:
A gene called "nanog" appears to be the most important among several "reprogramming genes" that could transform adult stem cells into an embryonic-like state. This story is a compilation of news coverage from multiple news sources about this scientific discovery.
Stem cell trigger pinpointed
Source: The Register
Posted: June 16, 2006
Summary:
Stem cell scientists have pinpointed a molecule that confers the cells with amazing powers of self-renewal and maintains their ability to develop into any other type of cell in the body. The finding could reshape the ethical controversy surrounding embryonic stem cell research.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will quell ethical qualms about stem cell science and enable the acceleration of research and scientific progress to find cures for diseases, injuries and medical conditions.
Posted: June 16, 2006
Summary:
Stem cell scientists have pinpointed a molecule that confers the cells with amazing powers of self-renewal and maintains their ability to develop into any other type of cell in the body. The finding could reshape the ethical controversy surrounding embryonic stem cell research.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will quell ethical qualms about stem cell science and enable the acceleration of research and scientific progress to find cures for diseases, injuries and medical conditions.
New stem-cell findings can help the body to cure itself
Source: Karolinska Institutet
Posted: June 16, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified an important mechanism that regulates how many new cells are produced by each intestinal stem cell. The finding could lead to the development of new drugs for conditions such as anaemia, and neurological disorders. The researchers succeeded in showing how mechanism enables the body's own stem cells to regulate the number of new cells produced. They have identified a signal transduction process that regulates the degree of stem-cell division. They hope that the new findings can be used to develop drugs that stimulate, for example, the formation of new nerve cells to treat conditions such as stroke and Parkinson's and skin cells to facilitate the healing of wounds.
Commentary: This study could lead to the development of new drugs and new applications using stem cells to treat diseases and injuries.
Posted: June 16, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified an important mechanism that regulates how many new cells are produced by each intestinal stem cell. The finding could lead to the development of new drugs for conditions such as anaemia, and neurological disorders. The researchers succeeded in showing how mechanism enables the body's own stem cells to regulate the number of new cells produced. They have identified a signal transduction process that regulates the degree of stem-cell division. They hope that the new findings can be used to develop drugs that stimulate, for example, the formation of new nerve cells to treat conditions such as stroke and Parkinson's and skin cells to facilitate the healing of wounds.
Commentary: This study could lead to the development of new drugs and new applications using stem cells to treat diseases and injuries.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Researchers Identify Roles Of Gene Mutations Causing Lupus In Mice
Source: UT Southwestern Medical Center
Posted: June 15, 2006
Summary:
In two related studies, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have pinpointed defective genes in mice responsible for triggering the mysterious autoimmune disease lupus, which prompts the body's immune system to mistakenly attack healthy organs and tissues. A research team found that a defect in a gene causes immune cells called B-cells to attack the body's healthy cells, resulting in systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE. Their findings are published in today's issue of the journal Science.
In a separate lupus study published online this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, another team of UT Southwestern researchers describe the role of a mutated gene. The gene interacts with the aforementioned defective gene in triggering the mechanisms leading to a deadly form of lupus in mice by causing another component of the immune system to malfunction. Researchers believe that both studies could produce promising targets for the development of specific drugs to treat or prevent human lupus.
Commentary: Hopefully these studies will be successfully translated in to drugs and therapies that will be effective in treating lupus in humans. Also, if the gene can stop the destruction of the human immune system, stem cell treatments maybe able to restore normal immune function in lupus patients.
Posted: June 15, 2006
Summary:
In two related studies, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have pinpointed defective genes in mice responsible for triggering the mysterious autoimmune disease lupus, which prompts the body's immune system to mistakenly attack healthy organs and tissues. A research team found that a defect in a gene causes immune cells called B-cells to attack the body's healthy cells, resulting in systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE. Their findings are published in today's issue of the journal Science.
In a separate lupus study published online this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, another team of UT Southwestern researchers describe the role of a mutated gene. The gene interacts with the aforementioned defective gene in triggering the mechanisms leading to a deadly form of lupus in mice by causing another component of the immune system to malfunction. Researchers believe that both studies could produce promising targets for the development of specific drugs to treat or prevent human lupus.
Commentary: Hopefully these studies will be successfully translated in to drugs and therapies that will be effective in treating lupus in humans. Also, if the gene can stop the destruction of the human immune system, stem cell treatments maybe able to restore normal immune function in lupus patients.
Growth Factor Triggers Growth Of New Blood Vessels In The Heart
Source: Washington University School of Medicine
Posted: June 15, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have investigated a signaling molecule -- called Sonic hedgehog -- that could overcome problems associated with blood-vessel growth factor therapy. In a report appearing in the June 15 issue of Genes and Development, the team showed that activating hedgehog signals in adult mouse hearts led to an increase in the density of blood vessels in the heart. Their findings suggest that a drug treatment that turned on or increased hedgehog signals could significantly benefit patients suffering from ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarctions and offer an alternative to invasive procedures like surgery or angioplasty.
Commentary: Maybe this research will eventually be able to be translated into effective treatments for heart disease and improve cardiac function in humans.
Posted: June 15, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have investigated a signaling molecule -- called Sonic hedgehog -- that could overcome problems associated with blood-vessel growth factor therapy. In a report appearing in the June 15 issue of Genes and Development, the team showed that activating hedgehog signals in adult mouse hearts led to an increase in the density of blood vessels in the heart. Their findings suggest that a drug treatment that turned on or increased hedgehog signals could significantly benefit patients suffering from ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarctions and offer an alternative to invasive procedures like surgery or angioplasty.
Commentary: Maybe this research will eventually be able to be translated into effective treatments for heart disease and improve cardiac function in humans.
Growth factor triggers growth of new blood vessels in the heart
Source: Washington University School of Medicine
Posted: June 15, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have investigated a signaling molecule -- called Sonic hedgehog -- that could overcome problems associated with blood-vessel growth factor therapy. In a report appearing in the June 15 issue of Genes and Development, the team showed that activating hedgehog signals in adult mouse hearts led to an increase in the density of blood vessels in the heart. Their findings suggest that a drug treatment that turned on or increased hedgehog signals could significantly benefit patients suffering from ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarctions and offer an alternative to invasive procedures like surgery or angioplasty.
Commentary: Maybe this research will eventually be able to be translated into effective treatments for heart disease and improve cardiace function in humans.
Posted: June 15, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have investigated a signaling molecule -- called Sonic hedgehog -- that could overcome problems associated with blood-vessel growth factor therapy. In a report appearing in the June 15 issue of Genes and Development, the team showed that activating hedgehog signals in adult mouse hearts led to an increase in the density of blood vessels in the heart. Their findings suggest that a drug treatment that turned on or increased hedgehog signals could significantly benefit patients suffering from ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarctions and offer an alternative to invasive procedures like surgery or angioplasty.
Commentary: Maybe this research will eventually be able to be translated into effective treatments for heart disease and improve cardiace function in humans.
New roles for growth factors: Enticing nerve cells to muscles
Source: Salk Institute
Posted: June 15, 2006
Summary:
La Jolla, CA - During embryonic development, nerve cells hesitantly extend tentacle-like protrusions called axons that sniff their way through a labyrinth of attractive and repulsive chemical cues that guide them to their target. While several recent studies discovered molecules that repel motor neuron axons from incorrect targets in the limb, scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have identified a molecule, known as FGF, that actively lures growing axons closer to the right destination. Their findings appear in the June 15 issue of Neuron.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will enable nerve cells to reach their intended location-the site of injury or disease-and effectively treat the injury or disease.
Posted: June 15, 2006
Summary:
La Jolla, CA - During embryonic development, nerve cells hesitantly extend tentacle-like protrusions called axons that sniff their way through a labyrinth of attractive and repulsive chemical cues that guide them to their target. While several recent studies discovered molecules that repel motor neuron axons from incorrect targets in the limb, scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have identified a molecule, known as FGF, that actively lures growing axons closer to the right destination. Their findings appear in the June 15 issue of Neuron.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will enable nerve cells to reach their intended location-the site of injury or disease-and effectively treat the injury or disease.
New Developments Improve Safety of Stem Cell Transplantation in the Treatment of Leukaemia
Source: PRNewswire
Posted: June 15, 2006
Summary:
Two pioneering studies in the field of stem cell transplantation demonstrate for the first time that environment-specific cells can play a role in positively influencing rejection reactions following stem cell transplants. The first study, conducted at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), demonstrates for the first time that environment-specific cells can play a role in positively influencing rejection reactions following stem cell transplants. The second study, from the San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan, Italy, shows that a 'suicide' gene can be used to cut short rejection reactions following stem cell transplants. Both discoveries make stem cell transplants safer, and signify a step forward in the treatment of malignant blood conditions such as leukaemia.
Commentary: Hopefully these studies will lead to effective clinical trials and stem cell treatments for Leukemia patients.
Posted: June 15, 2006
Summary:
Two pioneering studies in the field of stem cell transplantation demonstrate for the first time that environment-specific cells can play a role in positively influencing rejection reactions following stem cell transplants. The first study, conducted at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), demonstrates for the first time that environment-specific cells can play a role in positively influencing rejection reactions following stem cell transplants. The second study, from the San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan, Italy, shows that a 'suicide' gene can be used to cut short rejection reactions following stem cell transplants. Both discoveries make stem cell transplants safer, and signify a step forward in the treatment of malignant blood conditions such as leukaemia.
Commentary: Hopefully these studies will lead to effective clinical trials and stem cell treatments for Leukemia patients.
A way around dilemmas of stem cells
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Posted: June 15, 2006
Summary:
Scientists in the United Kingdom annonced they have found a gene known as "nanog" that could take adult cells back to an embryonic state. The discovery could possibly enable diseases to be treated without using controversial human embryonic stem cells or cloning. Eventually embyonic stem cells could be the foundation for a new area of regenerative medicine. The capability to turn adult stem cells into cells that have traits of embryonic stem cells could rerevolutionize the science and politics of stem cell research, which is controversial since embryos must be destroyed in order to obtain embryonic stem cells. Reprogramming could make it possible to generate from a patient's skin cells customized cells of other types that had been destroyed by disease or injury.
Commentary: Hopefully this research will lead to treatments for diseases using cells with embryonic cell qualities and diffuse the ethical controversy surrounding embryonic stem cell research.
Posted: June 15, 2006
Summary:
Scientists in the United Kingdom annonced they have found a gene known as "nanog" that could take adult cells back to an embryonic state. The discovery could possibly enable diseases to be treated without using controversial human embryonic stem cells or cloning. Eventually embyonic stem cells could be the foundation for a new area of regenerative medicine. The capability to turn adult stem cells into cells that have traits of embryonic stem cells could rerevolutionize the science and politics of stem cell research, which is controversial since embryos must be destroyed in order to obtain embryonic stem cells. Reprogramming could make it possible to generate from a patient's skin cells customized cells of other types that had been destroyed by disease or injury.
Commentary: Hopefully this research will lead to treatments for diseases using cells with embryonic cell qualities and diffuse the ethical controversy surrounding embryonic stem cell research.
Human stem-cell work needs the Harvard try
Source: The Republican - Springfield, MA
Posted: June 15, 2006
Here is an editorial about Harvard University's attempt to create cloned, patient-specific stem cells.
Posted: June 15, 2006
Here is an editorial about Harvard University's attempt to create cloned, patient-specific stem cells.
How stem cells can turn back the biological clock: Breakthrough discovery by Edinburgh researchers Finding offers hope of replacing damaged organs
Source: Guardian Unlimited - UK
Posted: June 15, 2006
Summary:
The Guardian Unlimited reports on a new discovery by of an ingredient British scientists which gives stem cells the ability to become any type of human tissue"
"British scientists have discovered a secret ingredient which gives stem cells the power to grow into any tissue in the human body. Stem cells are believed to be unique in their versatility, but the biological machinery that allows them to form anything from nerves to liver and skin cells has until now eluded scientists. The finding paves the way for potentially radical changes in medicine. Ultimately, it could let researchers take skin or other cells from a patient and convert them into stem cells. With further work, these could be grown into tissues and organs to replace those damaged by disease or injury."
Posted: June 15, 2006
Summary:
The Guardian Unlimited reports on a new discovery by of an ingredient British scientists which gives stem cells the ability to become any type of human tissue"
"British scientists have discovered a secret ingredient which gives stem cells the power to grow into any tissue in the human body. Stem cells are believed to be unique in their versatility, but the biological machinery that allows them to form anything from nerves to liver and skin cells has until now eluded scientists. The finding paves the way for potentially radical changes in medicine. Ultimately, it could let researchers take skin or other cells from a patient and convert them into stem cells. With further work, these could be grown into tissues and organs to replace those damaged by disease or injury."
Stem Cell Pioneers Confirm Patents Pending for Two Dramatic Advances in the Efficiency of Cloning Stem Cells
Source: Stem Cell Sciences plc via PRNewswire / Yahoo! Finance
Posted: Wednesday June 14, 2006 2:35 pm ET
Summary:
SAN FRANCISCO, June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Stem Cell Sciences plc (SCS),
the first scientific team to prove therapeutic cloning is possible in
mammalian species, acknowledged two reports, by academic scientists
from the University of Edinburgh and Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT), which validate proprietary SCS technologies for improving the
efficiency of therapeutic cloning, or so-called "cell reprogramming."
In a significant report, published in today's edition [June 14th] of
the journal Nature, Professor Austin Smith and colleagues at the University
of Edinburgh conclusively demonstrate that the candidate pluripotency gene
"Nanog," named after Tir nan Og, the mythological Celtic land of the ever
young, can indeed play a dominant role in reprogramming tissue cells into
an embryonic stem cell state without the need for generating an embryo.
Commentary: Hopefully these results will accelerate the development of successful treatment of diseases using patient-specific stem cells in humans.
Posted: Wednesday June 14, 2006 2:35 pm ET
Summary:
SAN FRANCISCO, June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Stem Cell Sciences plc (SCS),
the first scientific team to prove therapeutic cloning is possible in
mammalian species, acknowledged two reports, by academic scientists
from the University of Edinburgh and Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT), which validate proprietary SCS technologies for improving the
efficiency of therapeutic cloning, or so-called "cell reprogramming."
In a significant report, published in today's edition [June 14th] of
the journal Nature, Professor Austin Smith and colleagues at the University
of Edinburgh conclusively demonstrate that the candidate pluripotency gene
"Nanog," named after Tir nan Og, the mythological Celtic land of the ever
young, can indeed play a dominant role in reprogramming tissue cells into
an embryonic stem cell state without the need for generating an embryo.
Commentary: Hopefully these results will accelerate the development of successful treatment of diseases using patient-specific stem cells in humans.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Stem Cell Pioneers Confirm Patents Pending for Two Dramatic Advances in the Efficiency of Cloning Stem Cells
Source: PRNewswire
Posted: June 14, 2006
Summary:
SAN FRANCISCO, June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Stem Cell Sciences plc (SCS),
the first scientific team to prove therapeutic cloning is possible in
mammalian species, acknowledged two reports, by academic scientists
from the University of Edinburgh and Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT), which validate proprietary SCS technologies for improving the
efficiency of therapeutic cloning, or so-called "cell reprogramming."
In a significant report, published in today's edition [June 14th] of
the journal Nature, Professor Austin Smith and colleagues at the University
of Edinburgh conclusively demonstrate that the candidate pluripotency gene
"Nanog," named after Tir nan Og, the mythological Celtic land of the ever
young, can indeed play a dominant role in reprogramming tissue cells into
an embryonic stem cell state without the need for generating an embryo.
Commentary: Hopefully these results will accelerate the development of successful treatment of diseases using patient-specific stem cells in humans.
Posted: June 14, 2006
Summary:
SAN FRANCISCO, June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Stem Cell Sciences plc (SCS),
the first scientific team to prove therapeutic cloning is possible in
mammalian species, acknowledged two reports, by academic scientists
from the University of Edinburgh and Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT), which validate proprietary SCS technologies for improving the
efficiency of therapeutic cloning, or so-called "cell reprogramming."
In a significant report, published in today's edition [June 14th] of
the journal Nature, Professor Austin Smith and colleagues at the University
of Edinburgh conclusively demonstrate that the candidate pluripotency gene
"Nanog," named after Tir nan Og, the mythological Celtic land of the ever
young, can indeed play a dominant role in reprogramming tissue cells into
an embryonic stem cell state without the need for generating an embryo.
Commentary: Hopefully these results will accelerate the development of successful treatment of diseases using patient-specific stem cells in humans.
Gene called "Nanog" could be key to master cells
Source: Reuters
Posted: June 14, 2006 1:03pm ET
Summary:
Researchers have discovered a gene called Nanog helped to transform adult mouse cells into embryonic stem cells after cell fusion -- when two cells are combined to form a hybrid.
Named after the mythical Celtic land of the ever young, the gene could help explain how to reprogram adult cells into embryonic stem cells to treat diseases.
The scientists fused mouse embryonic stem cells with adult brain cells. They found that inserting Nanog increased the number of hybrid cells which all behaved like embryonic stem cells. The hybrid cells also displayed the capability to form into different cell types.
The lead researcher in the study said that in the future scientists will be able to expose adult stem cells to Nanog and the other genes to reprogram them to an embryonic state without using cell fusion or nuclear transfer, a cellular cloning technique.
Commentary: Hopefully this discovery will eliminate the ethical controversy surrounding embryonic stem cell research and could aid in the development of stem cell lines that are tailored to patients' genetic make-up in order to treat or cure disease while avoiding rejection of the cells by the immune system.
Posted: June 14, 2006 1:03pm ET
Summary:
Researchers have discovered a gene called Nanog helped to transform adult mouse cells into embryonic stem cells after cell fusion -- when two cells are combined to form a hybrid.
Named after the mythical Celtic land of the ever young, the gene could help explain how to reprogram adult cells into embryonic stem cells to treat diseases.
The scientists fused mouse embryonic stem cells with adult brain cells. They found that inserting Nanog increased the number of hybrid cells which all behaved like embryonic stem cells. The hybrid cells also displayed the capability to form into different cell types.
The lead researcher in the study said that in the future scientists will be able to expose adult stem cells to Nanog and the other genes to reprogram them to an embryonic state without using cell fusion or nuclear transfer, a cellular cloning technique.
Commentary: Hopefully this discovery will eliminate the ethical controversy surrounding embryonic stem cell research and could aid in the development of stem cell lines that are tailored to patients' genetic make-up in order to treat or cure disease while avoiding rejection of the cells by the immune system.
Molecule Helps Turn Regular Cells Into Stem Cells: Discovery is important, but clinical success could be years away, experts say
Source: HealthDay News
Posted: June 14, 2006
Summary:
Scientists say a molecule called Nanog could make ordinary cells capable of becoming any type of cell in the body, offering a potential means of replacing or repairing damaged tissues. It may also enable adult cells [from a patient, for example] to be reprogrammed into embryonic stem cells, and from these obtain the cells needed to treat his or her disease. Their study focused on mechanisms that give embryonic stem cells their "pluripotency" -- their ability to develop into any of the body's 200-plus cell types. Scientists thought Nanog might be important in this process, and genetically engineered the new cells to produce extra Nanog, forming almost 200 times more hybrid cells.
In the current study, researchers fused embryonic mouse stem cells with nerve-cell stem cells and with ordinary cells from the thymus -- a technology called "cell fusion." During this process, the hybrid cell that is produced is essentially "reprogrammed" with a different set of instructions, including just what type of cell it can develop into once it divides.
Commentary: Hopefully Nanog will be able to yield pluripotent cells that will be able to be tailored to patients' specific genetic make-up inorder to treat disease while avoiding immune system rejection.
Posted: June 14, 2006
Summary:
Scientists say a molecule called Nanog could make ordinary cells capable of becoming any type of cell in the body, offering a potential means of replacing or repairing damaged tissues. It may also enable adult cells [from a patient, for example] to be reprogrammed into embryonic stem cells, and from these obtain the cells needed to treat his or her disease. Their study focused on mechanisms that give embryonic stem cells their "pluripotency" -- their ability to develop into any of the body's 200-plus cell types. Scientists thought Nanog might be important in this process, and genetically engineered the new cells to produce extra Nanog, forming almost 200 times more hybrid cells.
In the current study, researchers fused embryonic mouse stem cells with nerve-cell stem cells and with ordinary cells from the thymus -- a technology called "cell fusion." During this process, the hybrid cell that is produced is essentially "reprogrammed" with a different set of instructions, including just what type of cell it can develop into once it divides.
Commentary: Hopefully Nanog will be able to yield pluripotent cells that will be able to be tailored to patients' specific genetic make-up inorder to treat disease while avoiding immune system rejection.
Stem Cells Found In Adult Skin Can Be Transplanted And Function In Mouse Models Of Disease
Source: University of Toronto
Posted: June 14, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and the University of Calgary have found that stem cells derived from adult skin (called (called skin-derived precursors, or SKPs) can become neural cell types that can be transplanted into and function in mouse models of disease. This research is reported in the June 14, 2006 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience.
Researchers discovered that SKPs can efficiently generate a type of glial cell, called Schwann cells, that can myelinate demyelinated axons (part of a neuron), and that have been shown to provide a good growth environment for injured central nervous system axons. These types of axons normally do not regenerate.
Commentary: Hopefully these findings can be translated into effective treatments for spinal cord injury, stroke and other central nervous system disorders in humans.
Posted: June 14, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and the University of Calgary have found that stem cells derived from adult skin (called (called skin-derived precursors, or SKPs) can become neural cell types that can be transplanted into and function in mouse models of disease. This research is reported in the June 14, 2006 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience.
Researchers discovered that SKPs can efficiently generate a type of glial cell, called Schwann cells, that can myelinate demyelinated axons (part of a neuron), and that have been shown to provide a good growth environment for injured central nervous system axons. These types of axons normally do not regenerate.
Commentary: Hopefully these findings can be translated into effective treatments for spinal cord injury, stroke and other central nervous system disorders in humans.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Stem cells can fight lupus
Source: News-14 Carolina / Charlotte News Channel
Posted: June 13, 2006
Here is a second news video feature about stem cells being used to treat lupus.
Posted: June 13, 2006
Here is a second news video feature about stem cells being used to treat lupus.
UW scientists make headway with stem cells
Source: The Associated Press
Posted: June 13, 2006
Summary:
SEATTLE - Scientists at the University of Washington believe they have made significant advances toward being able to repair damaged human livers with stem cells isolated from aborted fetuses. They were also used special laboratory cultures to coax the stem cells to become bile duct, cartilage, fat, bone and blood vessel cells. If the experimental work continues successfully in the years to come, the technique could one day repair livers badly damaged by drug overdoses, hepatitis and alcoholism.
Posted: June 13, 2006
Summary:
SEATTLE - Scientists at the University of Washington believe they have made significant advances toward being able to repair damaged human livers with stem cells isolated from aborted fetuses. They were also used special laboratory cultures to coax the stem cells to become bile duct, cartilage, fat, bone and blood vessel cells. If the experimental work continues successfully in the years to come, the technique could one day repair livers badly damaged by drug overdoses, hepatitis and alcoholism.
Research at UW may hold promise for liver damage
Source: Seattle Times
Posted: June 13, 2006
Summary:
University of Washington scientists have made significant progress toward learning how to repair severely damaged human livers with stem cells.
A team of UW researchers for the first time isolated liver stem cells from human fetuses, grew them in the laboratory for months and infused them in laboratory mice, where they replaced thousands of dead liver cells.
If the experimental work continues successfully in the years to come, the technique could one day repair livers badly damaged by drug overdoses, hepatitis and alcoholism.
Commentary: Hopefully these results can be translated into effective treatments for liver ailments in humans and replicated enough in a diverse population to be considered a truly valid and successful experiment.
Posted: June 13, 2006
Summary:
University of Washington scientists have made significant progress toward learning how to repair severely damaged human livers with stem cells.
A team of UW researchers for the first time isolated liver stem cells from human fetuses, grew them in the laboratory for months and infused them in laboratory mice, where they replaced thousands of dead liver cells.
If the experimental work continues successfully in the years to come, the technique could one day repair livers badly damaged by drug overdoses, hepatitis and alcoholism.
Commentary: Hopefully these results can be translated into effective treatments for liver ailments in humans and replicated enough in a diverse population to be considered a truly valid and successful experiment.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Adult Stem Cell Research at UB Targets Damaged Hearts
Source: University at Buffalo
Posed: June 12, 2006
Summary:
A stem cell biologist at the University at Buffalo has received a grant from National Institutes of Health to investigate the potential of bone marrow-derived adult stem cells to treat the serious heart malfunction known as hibernating myocardium.
Hibernating myocardium is a condition where heart cells that have experienced reduced blood flow over an extended period of time due to narrowed coronary arteries adapt to this deprivation by down-regulating metabolism while remaining functionally viable.
The researchers will track the cells' progress, evaluate their feasibility, and determine if cells engineering for enhanced survival, blood vessel regeneration and "homing potential" (the tendency to migrate properly to the heart rather than elsewhere) can better improve blood flow and tissue function in hibernating myocardium.
Commentary: Hopefully this study will prove that stem cells are capable of improving heart function, blood circulation and cardiac tissue function for a genetically diverse patient population.
Posed: June 12, 2006
Summary:
A stem cell biologist at the University at Buffalo has received a grant from National Institutes of Health to investigate the potential of bone marrow-derived adult stem cells to treat the serious heart malfunction known as hibernating myocardium.
Hibernating myocardium is a condition where heart cells that have experienced reduced blood flow over an extended period of time due to narrowed coronary arteries adapt to this deprivation by down-regulating metabolism while remaining functionally viable.
The researchers will track the cells' progress, evaluate their feasibility, and determine if cells engineering for enhanced survival, blood vessel regeneration and "homing potential" (the tendency to migrate properly to the heart rather than elsewhere) can better improve blood flow and tissue function in hibernating myocardium.
Commentary: Hopefully this study will prove that stem cells are capable of improving heart function, blood circulation and cardiac tissue function for a genetically diverse patient population.
Alzheimer's vaccine shows promise
Source: Associated Press
Posted: June 12, 2006
Summary:
An experimental vaccine is showing promise against Alzheimer's disease, reducing brain deposits that are blamed for the disorder.
The deposits have been cut by between 15.5 percent and 38.5 percent in mice, with no major side effects, researchers said Monday in the online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
If the vaccine is proven to be effective, it could be available for people in six or seven years.
Commentary: Hopefully this vaccine will successfully treat a diverse population and have positive long-term results for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Posted: June 12, 2006
Summary:
An experimental vaccine is showing promise against Alzheimer's disease, reducing brain deposits that are blamed for the disorder.
The deposits have been cut by between 15.5 percent and 38.5 percent in mice, with no major side effects, researchers said Monday in the online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
If the vaccine is proven to be effective, it could be available for people in six or seven years.
Commentary: Hopefully this vaccine will successfully treat a diverse population and have positive long-term results for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's vaccine shows success in mice
Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences via NewScientist.com news service
Posted: 22:00 12 June 2006
Summary:
A DNA vaccine has successfully reduced the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in mice. The result could signal the first preventative and restorative treatment vaccine for Alzheimer’s without serious side effects. If these results are replicated in monkeys, scientists believe clinical trials in humans could start within 3 years.
Commentary: Hopefully these results can be replicated in a large, diverse human population and yield a vaccine that is successful for long-term treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's Disease symptoms.
Posted: 22:00 12 June 2006
Summary:
A DNA vaccine has successfully reduced the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in mice. The result could signal the first preventative and restorative treatment vaccine for Alzheimer’s without serious side effects. If these results are replicated in monkeys, scientists believe clinical trials in humans could start within 3 years.
Commentary: Hopefully these results can be replicated in a large, diverse human population and yield a vaccine that is successful for long-term treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's Disease symptoms.
Alzheimer vaccine 'effective and safe'
Source: Daily Telegraph
Posted: June 13, 2006
Summary:
A DNA vaccine has been developed a vaccine that reduces the deposition of plaque, a trigger for symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in mice without causing side-effects. The vaccine did not trigger side-effects such as brain inflammation, even after prolonged treatment, and the team concludes that the approach is "highly effective and safe" and promising for use on patients. The researchers add that DNA vaccines may be inexpensive to produce. Researchers believe these results make enable the vaccine to be tested on humans in the future.
Commentary: Hopefully this vaccine will be able to protect healthy brain cells from being destroyed by the build up of plaque in the brain that can trigger symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease.
Posted: June 13, 2006
Summary:
A DNA vaccine has been developed a vaccine that reduces the deposition of plaque, a trigger for symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in mice without causing side-effects. The vaccine did not trigger side-effects such as brain inflammation, even after prolonged treatment, and the team concludes that the approach is "highly effective and safe" and promising for use on patients. The researchers add that DNA vaccines may be inexpensive to produce. Researchers believe these results make enable the vaccine to be tested on humans in the future.
Commentary: Hopefully this vaccine will be able to protect healthy brain cells from being destroyed by the build up of plaque in the brain that can trigger symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease.
Alzheimer's vaccine 'promising'
Source: BBC News
Posted: June 12, 2006
Summary:
A potential DNA vaccine for Alzheimer's disease has produced promising results in mice. In tests, it helped cut levels of key amyloid proteins thought to cause the disease by up to 50% in some parts of the brain. And unlike alternative vaccines in development, which use viruses, it produced no side effects.
In tests, the latest vaccine reduced the deposition of amyloid proteins by between 15.5% and 38.5% compared with untreated mice. Deposition in specific areas of the brain - the cerebral cortex and hippocampus - was reduced 40%-50%. The researchers suggest that DNA vaccines of the type they have produced could provide a cheap and effective strategy for treating Alzheimer's in future.
Commentary: Hopefully a vaccine for Alzheimer's Disease in humans will have positive outcomes in clinical trials, and successfully treat or prevent the onset of the disease in a genetically diverse patient population.
Posted: June 12, 2006
Summary:
A potential DNA vaccine for Alzheimer's disease has produced promising results in mice. In tests, it helped cut levels of key amyloid proteins thought to cause the disease by up to 50% in some parts of the brain. And unlike alternative vaccines in development, which use viruses, it produced no side effects.
In tests, the latest vaccine reduced the deposition of amyloid proteins by between 15.5% and 38.5% compared with untreated mice. Deposition in specific areas of the brain - the cerebral cortex and hippocampus - was reduced 40%-50%. The researchers suggest that DNA vaccines of the type they have produced could provide a cheap and effective strategy for treating Alzheimer's in future.
Commentary: Hopefully a vaccine for Alzheimer's Disease in humans will have positive outcomes in clinical trials, and successfully treat or prevent the onset of the disease in a genetically diverse patient population.
Gene-Based Vaccines May Fight Alzheimer's: They slowed brain plaque build-up in mice, but success in humans will be real test, experts say
Source: HealthDay News
Posted: June 12, 2006
Summary:
MONDAY, June 12 (HealthDay News) -- In what might prove a breakthrough against Alzheimer's disease, Japanese researchers have created a new gene-based vaccine that effectively treated mice with an animal form of the brain-robbing illness.
The new vaccine may be an important advance because it avoids side effects seen in other vaccines, according to Dr. Yoh Matsumoto, whose team developed and tested the vaccine at the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Neuroscience.
Researchers hope that DNA vaccines will someday be used to prevent Alzheimer's disease in high-risk patients and treat both early and advanced disease.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will lead to a vaccine that prevents the build up of plaque that destroys brain cells, a hallmark symptom of Alzheimers Disease, and prove effective in a diverse Alzheimer's patient population.
Posted: June 12, 2006
Summary:
MONDAY, June 12 (HealthDay News) -- In what might prove a breakthrough against Alzheimer's disease, Japanese researchers have created a new gene-based vaccine that effectively treated mice with an animal form of the brain-robbing illness.
The new vaccine may be an important advance because it avoids side effects seen in other vaccines, according to Dr. Yoh Matsumoto, whose team developed and tested the vaccine at the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Neuroscience.
Researchers hope that DNA vaccines will someday be used to prevent Alzheimer's disease in high-risk patients and treat both early and advanced disease.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will lead to a vaccine that prevents the build up of plaque that destroys brain cells, a hallmark symptom of Alzheimers Disease, and prove effective in a diverse Alzheimer's patient population.
Signs Of Residual Islet Cell Function In People With Long-term Type 1 Diabetes
Source: Joslin Diabetes Center
Posted: June 12, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have discovered that a surprisingly high percentage of people with type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent) who have had the disease for 50 years or longer (The Joslin Medalists) may still have residual functioning, insulin-producing islet cells and/or islet cell antibodies. The findings will be presented June 12 at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 66th Annual Scientific Sessions in Washington, D.C.
Commentary: If functionig islet cells can be multiplied, maybe patients could use their own cells to reverse type 1 diabetes without a risk of the rejection of the cells by the immune System.
Posted: June 12, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have discovered that a surprisingly high percentage of people with type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent) who have had the disease for 50 years or longer (The Joslin Medalists) may still have residual functioning, insulin-producing islet cells and/or islet cell antibodies. The findings will be presented June 12 at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 66th Annual Scientific Sessions in Washington, D.C.
Commentary: If functionig islet cells can be multiplied, maybe patients could use their own cells to reverse type 1 diabetes without a risk of the rejection of the cells by the immune System.
Gene Therapy Injected Into The Brains' Of Mice With Huntington's Disease
Source: Rush University Medical Center
Posted: June 12, 2006
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, and Ceregene Inc., San Diego, have successfully used gene therapy to preserve motor function and stop the anatomic, cellular changes that occur in the brains of mice with Huntington’s disease (HD). This is the first study to demonstrate that, using this delivery method, symptom onset might be prevented in HD mice with this treatment.
“This could be an important step toward a disease modifying therapy,” says co-author Jeffrey H. Kordower, Ph.D., director of the Research Center for Brain Repair at Rush. “We could potentially be stopping the disease process in its tracks, delaying symptoms from ever showing up.”
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will lead to clinical applications and successful treatments for humans with Huntington's Disease.
Posted: June 12, 2006
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, and Ceregene Inc., San Diego, have successfully used gene therapy to preserve motor function and stop the anatomic, cellular changes that occur in the brains of mice with Huntington’s disease (HD). This is the first study to demonstrate that, using this delivery method, symptom onset might be prevented in HD mice with this treatment.
“This could be an important step toward a disease modifying therapy,” says co-author Jeffrey H. Kordower, Ph.D., director of the Research Center for Brain Repair at Rush. “We could potentially be stopping the disease process in its tracks, delaying symptoms from ever showing up.”
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will lead to clinical applications and successful treatments for humans with Huntington's Disease.
Researchers Discover Possible HIV Therapy In An Animal Study
Source: Oregon Health & Science University
Posted: June 9, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have published a new study this week suggesting an important component of the immune system damaged by AIDS can possibly be replaced. Specifically, researchers at the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute (VGTI) at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) have been able to promote T-cell regeneration in a study involving rhesus macaque monkeys.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will eventually have clinical applications to treat immune dieases and disorders in humans.
Posted: June 9, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have published a new study this week suggesting an important component of the immune system damaged by AIDS can possibly be replaced. Specifically, researchers at the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute (VGTI) at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) have been able to promote T-cell regeneration in a study involving rhesus macaque monkeys.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will eventually have clinical applications to treat immune dieases and disorders in humans.
Genes Governing Embryonic Stem Cell "Immortality" Discovered
Source: Scientific American
Posted: June 12, 2006
Summary:
Biologists at Princeton University have used a bent sequence of RNA--so-called short hairpin RNA (shRNA)--to sequentially turn on and off various genes within embryonic stem cells from a mouse. The shRNA, delivered by a virus, allowed the researchers to determine whether a given gene helped control stem cell differentiation. The research offers hope of one day being able to control the renewal and development of stem cells into specific specialized cells.
Commentary: Hopefully ths study will provide researchers and scientists with a model to eventually develop patient-tailored treatments from stem cells that will be able to treat diseases and injuries without posing a risk of patient immune system rejection.
Posted: June 12, 2006
Summary:
Biologists at Princeton University have used a bent sequence of RNA--so-called short hairpin RNA (shRNA)--to sequentially turn on and off various genes within embryonic stem cells from a mouse. The shRNA, delivered by a virus, allowed the researchers to determine whether a given gene helped control stem cell differentiation. The research offers hope of one day being able to control the renewal and development of stem cells into specific specialized cells.
Commentary: Hopefully ths study will provide researchers and scientists with a model to eventually develop patient-tailored treatments from stem cells that will be able to treat diseases and injuries without posing a risk of patient immune system rejection.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Researchers Find Stroke Death Channel
Source: University of British Columbia
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
New therapies for stroke patients may soon be possible, thanks to a discovery made by a team of University of British Columbia neuroscience researchers who have found a new stroke death channel -- the conduit through which key chemicals are lost from brain cells during stroke, causing the cell death that disables stroke victims.
Commentary: Maybe this fnding could enable the prevention of brain cell death, or even enable the reproduction or regeneration of brain cells and brain cell chemicals that are destroyed as the result of a stroke, and provide new strategies for the development of therapies and treatments for stroke patients.
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
New therapies for stroke patients may soon be possible, thanks to a discovery made by a team of University of British Columbia neuroscience researchers who have found a new stroke death channel -- the conduit through which key chemicals are lost from brain cells during stroke, causing the cell death that disables stroke victims.
Commentary: Maybe this fnding could enable the prevention of brain cell death, or even enable the reproduction or regeneration of brain cells and brain cell chemicals that are destroyed as the result of a stroke, and provide new strategies for the development of therapies and treatments for stroke patients.
New Step Toward Treatment For Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Source: Université Laval
Posted: June 11, 2006
Summary:
A researcher with the Human Genetics Department at Quebec City's Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec (CHUQ) and professor with Université Laval's Faculty of Medicine, has taken an important step toward a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. After performing the first successful muscle cell transplant in young patients two years ago, professor Tremblay announced that eight out of the nine patients have shown promising results.
Commentary: Hopefully further trials of this treatment will be effective in treating a genetically diverse population of Muscular dystrophy patients.
Posted: June 11, 2006
Summary:
A researcher with the Human Genetics Department at Quebec City's Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec (CHUQ) and professor with Université Laval's Faculty of Medicine, has taken an important step toward a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. After performing the first successful muscle cell transplant in young patients two years ago, professor Tremblay announced that eight out of the nine patients have shown promising results.
Commentary: Hopefully further trials of this treatment will be effective in treating a genetically diverse population of Muscular dystrophy patients.
Mechanism For Neurodenegerative Diseases Linked To Transport Proteins
Source: University of Illinois at Chicago
Posted: June 11, 2006
Summary:
Slowing the transport of proteins within cells may be connected to several adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington's, ALS and Kennedy disease. Understanding how this cell transport is blocked in these diseases may offer targets for future therapy.
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine showed how a chemical pathway that is obstructed in Kennedy disease interferes with a cellular distribution system called "fast axonal transport" that moves proteins from where they are synthesized to where they are needed in the cell.
Researchers say mechanism for polyQ gene diseases that explains why only nerve cells die and why the terminals die before the cell body. The link to the activation of the JNK enzyme suggests a new therapeutic target that might limit, delay or perhaps prevent progressive neurodegeneration, the researchers conclude.
Commentary: This research seems to povide scientists with new strategies to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
Posted: June 11, 2006
Summary:
Slowing the transport of proteins within cells may be connected to several adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington's, ALS and Kennedy disease. Understanding how this cell transport is blocked in these diseases may offer targets for future therapy.
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine showed how a chemical pathway that is obstructed in Kennedy disease interferes with a cellular distribution system called "fast axonal transport" that moves proteins from where they are synthesized to where they are needed in the cell.
Researchers say mechanism for polyQ gene diseases that explains why only nerve cells die and why the terminals die before the cell body. The link to the activation of the JNK enzyme suggests a new therapeutic target that might limit, delay or perhaps prevent progressive neurodegeneration, the researchers conclude.
Commentary: This research seems to povide scientists with new strategies to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
Gene Discovery Opens Door To Tackling Disease
Source: Western Australian Institute for Medical Research
Posted: June 9, 2006
Summary:
Western Australian researchers have discovered a new gene that could lead to breakthroughs in breast and prostate cancer, as well as diabetes.
The gene, called SLIRP, was discovered by a team at the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research's (WAIMR) Laboratory for Cancer Medicine.
The researchers believe the discovery could open the door to targeted new treatments for the cancers.
If researchers can figure out how SLIRP controls the actions of hormones, they may be able develop so-called 'smart' drugs that zoom in on the gene.
Commentary: Hopefully these findings will lead to early detection of diseases and the development of treatments that are tailored to patients' individual genetic make-up.
Posted: June 9, 2006
Summary:
Western Australian researchers have discovered a new gene that could lead to breakthroughs in breast and prostate cancer, as well as diabetes.
The gene, called SLIRP, was discovered by a team at the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research's (WAIMR) Laboratory for Cancer Medicine.
The researchers believe the discovery could open the door to targeted new treatments for the cancers.
If researchers can figure out how SLIRP controls the actions of hormones, they may be able develop so-called 'smart' drugs that zoom in on the gene.
Commentary: Hopefully these findings will lead to early detection of diseases and the development of treatments that are tailored to patients' individual genetic make-up.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Bone marrow may restore cells lost in vision diseases: UF finding could lead to approaches to treat macular degeneration
Source: University of Florida
Posted: June 8, 2006
Summary:
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - University of Florida scientists conducting experiments with mice have found evidence that the body naturally replenishes small amounts of cells in the eye essential for healthy vision. The finding may shatter the belief that a cell layer vital for eyesight called the retinal pigment epithelium, or RPE, is a nonrenewable resource. With evidence that the body does indeed regenerate these cells in small amounts, scientists can focus on ways to accelerate natural healing processes to treat sight-robbing injuries or diseases. Now, researchers believe it may be possible to also grow new cells in the retina to replace cells lost to injury or disease.
Commentary: This finding could provide scientists with new ideas and strategies for clinical applications of stem cells to treat eye dieases and improve vision.
Posted: June 8, 2006
Summary:
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - University of Florida scientists conducting experiments with mice have found evidence that the body naturally replenishes small amounts of cells in the eye essential for healthy vision. The finding may shatter the belief that a cell layer vital for eyesight called the retinal pigment epithelium, or RPE, is a nonrenewable resource. With evidence that the body does indeed regenerate these cells in small amounts, scientists can focus on ways to accelerate natural healing processes to treat sight-robbing injuries or diseases. Now, researchers believe it may be possible to also grow new cells in the retina to replace cells lost to injury or disease.
Commentary: This finding could provide scientists with new ideas and strategies for clinical applications of stem cells to treat eye dieases and improve vision.
Harvard Embarks on Research Cloning
Source: ScienceNOW Daily News
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
Harvard University researchers have been given the go-ahead to use cloning to create disease-specific lines of human embryonic stem cells.
Experts say research cloning--known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)--will give scientists a far more effective tool for studying diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson's. But some people oppose the technique for religious and philosophical reasons because it involves creating and destroying fertilized eggs, and the procedure is banned in some states.
Commentary: This story gives a clear overview of the procedure and arrangement of these new experiments.
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
Harvard University researchers have been given the go-ahead to use cloning to create disease-specific lines of human embryonic stem cells.
Experts say research cloning--known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)--will give scientists a far more effective tool for studying diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson's. But some people oppose the technique for religious and philosophical reasons because it involves creating and destroying fertilized eggs, and the procedure is banned in some states.
Commentary: This story gives a clear overview of the procedure and arrangement of these new experiments.
Harvard stem cell researchers granted approval: Will attempt creation of disease-specific embryonic stem cell lines
Source: Harvard University Gazette
Posted: June 8, 2006
Summary:
Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) researchers at Harvard and Children's Hospital Boston have been cleared to begin experiments using Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) to create disease-specific stem cell lines in an effort to develop treatments for a wide range of now-incurable conditions afflicting tens of millions of people.
Commentary: Intense public scrutiny of these experiments, while it could possibly be viewed as being obsessive and intrusive, is necessary to ensure results will be valid. In addition, it could benefit the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine in the long run by enhancing its' public credibility.
Posted: June 8, 2006
Summary:
Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) researchers at Harvard and Children's Hospital Boston have been cleared to begin experiments using Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) to create disease-specific stem cell lines in an effort to develop treatments for a wide range of now-incurable conditions afflicting tens of millions of people.
Commentary: Intense public scrutiny of these experiments, while it could possibly be viewed as being obsessive and intrusive, is necessary to ensure results will be valid. In addition, it could benefit the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine in the long run by enhancing its' public credibility.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Gene Therapy Prevents The Onset Of Diabetic Symptoms In Mice
Source: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Posted: June 2, 2006
Summary:
Using state-of-the-art gene therapy techniques, University of Pittsburgh investigators have successfully prevented the onset of elevated blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, in diabetes-prone mice by inserting a gene encoding for a cytokine -- a protein that stimulates or inhibits the proliferation or function of immune cells -- into their insulin-producing cells.
Commentary: Hopefully the same gene in humans can be manipulated by a procedure similar to the one described above in order to prevent the onset of diabetic symptoms in humans.
Posted: June 2, 2006
Summary:
Using state-of-the-art gene therapy techniques, University of Pittsburgh investigators have successfully prevented the onset of elevated blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, in diabetes-prone mice by inserting a gene encoding for a cytokine -- a protein that stimulates or inhibits the proliferation or function of immune cells -- into their insulin-producing cells.
Commentary: Hopefully the same gene in humans can be manipulated by a procedure similar to the one described above in order to prevent the onset of diabetic symptoms in humans.
UCSF Scientists Begin Studies to Create Cloned Human Embryos
Source: UCSF Today
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
UCSF scientists have begun studies aimed at creating cloned human embryos, using the technique known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). If the process proves successful, it ultimately could be used to develop patient-specific human embryonic stem cell lines to study such diseases as Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and heart disease. The technique could also be used to develop patient-specific, cell-based therapies for a variety of diseases, and help to illuminate the first steps of human development.
Commentary: It will be important for these studies to be replicated in order to ensure their scientific validity and eliminate the possibly of scientific fraud as was the case in the 2005 South Korea cloning experiments.
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
UCSF scientists have begun studies aimed at creating cloned human embryos, using the technique known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). If the process proves successful, it ultimately could be used to develop patient-specific human embryonic stem cell lines to study such diseases as Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and heart disease. The technique could also be used to develop patient-specific, cell-based therapies for a variety of diseases, and help to illuminate the first steps of human development.
Commentary: It will be important for these studies to be replicated in order to ensure their scientific validity and eliminate the possibly of scientific fraud as was the case in the 2005 South Korea cloning experiments.
Harvard Researchers Enter Human Embryonic Stem Cell Race
Source: Medical News Today
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Researchers from Harvard University will attempt to create embryonic stem cells. The goal will be to create a human embryo clone, and then extract stem cells from it which identically match a person genetically. The scientists will combine genetic material from the cells of adult humans with egg cells. The egg cells will be donated by women. The new cloned embryos will mature for a few days, after which their stem cells will be extracted.
Commentary: This news release presents a clear and concise oveview of the scientific procedure that will be employed by Harvard scientists in their attempt to create authentic patient-specific stem cells to treat diseases, injuries and conditions.
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Researchers from Harvard University will attempt to create embryonic stem cells. The goal will be to create a human embryo clone, and then extract stem cells from it which identically match a person genetically. The scientists will combine genetic material from the cells of adult humans with egg cells. The egg cells will be donated by women. The new cloned embryos will mature for a few days, after which their stem cells will be extracted.
Commentary: This news release presents a clear and concise oveview of the scientific procedure that will be employed by Harvard scientists in their attempt to create authentic patient-specific stem cells to treat diseases, injuries and conditions.
Harvard starts human cloning work
Source: BBC News
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Researchers from Harvard University have begun efforts to clone human embryos. The scientists say they hope to harvest stem cells to try to fight blood diseases like leukaemia and diabetes.
Commentary: Hopefully these experiments will have successful preliminary outcomes that will lead researchers toward eventually creating patient-specific stem cell lines that will be able to effectively treat diseases, injuries and other medical and health conditions.
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Researchers from Harvard University have begun efforts to clone human embryos. The scientists say they hope to harvest stem cells to try to fight blood diseases like leukaemia and diabetes.
Commentary: Hopefully these experiments will have successful preliminary outcomes that will lead researchers toward eventually creating patient-specific stem cell lines that will be able to effectively treat diseases, injuries and other medical and health conditions.
Harvard plans to make human stem cells
Source: United Press International
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 7 (UPI) -- Harvard University is starting a privately funded program to create cloned human embryos to be used for research into genetically complex diseases.
Harvard says it will create embryos by fusing a cell from a patient's body with a human egg, from which the DNA has been removed. The resulting embryo could be used to generate stem cells to fight specific diseases.
Hopefully this will lead to therapies tailored to patients' genetic makeup in order to avoid immune system rejection and treat dieases and injures.
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 7 (UPI) -- Harvard University is starting a privately funded program to create cloned human embryos to be used for research into genetically complex diseases.
Harvard says it will create embryos by fusing a cell from a patient's body with a human egg, from which the DNA has been removed. The resulting embryo could be used to generate stem cells to fight specific diseases.
Hopefully this will lead to therapies tailored to patients' genetic makeup in order to avoid immune system rejection and treat dieases and injures.
2 New Efforts to Develop Stem Cell Line for Study
Source: New York Times
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at two universities — Harvard and the University of California, San Francisco — will try to develop embryonic stem cells from the adult cells of patients suffering from certain diseases.
Their purposes in creating the cell lines, which require making an early human embryo, are to study how the diseases develop and also to see if replacement cells can be generated to repair the patient's own degenerating tissues. But the field, despite its much emphasized promise, faces many serious uncertainties.
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at two universities — Harvard and the University of California, San Francisco — will try to develop embryonic stem cells from the adult cells of patients suffering from certain diseases.
Their purposes in creating the cell lines, which require making an early human embryo, are to study how the diseases develop and also to see if replacement cells can be generated to repair the patient's own degenerating tissues. But the field, despite its much emphasized promise, faces many serious uncertainties.
Harvard funds human cloning
Source: The Times
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at Harvard University were awarded ethical approval and private funds to pursue therapeutic cloning experiments, which are strongly opposed by the Bush Administration and the Religious Right. Researchers hope that they could lead to cures for conditions such as diabetes and motor neuron disease. The Harvard team will seek to clone embryos using cells from patients with these disorders, and then to create “disease-specific” colonies of embryonic stem cells that can be used to develop new treatments.
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at Harvard University were awarded ethical approval and private funds to pursue therapeutic cloning experiments, which are strongly opposed by the Bush Administration and the Religious Right. Researchers hope that they could lead to cures for conditions such as diabetes and motor neuron disease. The Harvard team will seek to clone embryos using cells from patients with these disorders, and then to create “disease-specific” colonies of embryonic stem cells that can be used to develop new treatments.
Harvard to Begin Private Project to Make Human Stem Cells
Source: Washington Post
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Harvard University announced the launch of a privately funded, multimillion-dollar program to create cloned human embryos as sources of medically promising stem cells.
Commentary: Hopefully these experiments will be successful and give new momentum to the field of regenerative medicine to treat conditions diseases and injuries
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Harvard University announced the launch of a privately funded, multimillion-dollar program to create cloned human embryos as sources of medically promising stem cells.
Commentary: Hopefully these experiments will be successful and give new momentum to the field of regenerative medicine to treat conditions diseases and injuries
Harvard launches effort to clone human stem cells: A troubled field gets a big boost
Source: Boston Globe
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Harvard scientists announced yesterday that they are attempting to create the first cloned human embryonic stem cells. The goal of the research, they said, is to create a powerful new tool to explore the biology of, and hopefully find treatments for, a number of devastating diseases: juvenile diabetes, genetic blood disorders, and ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Commentary: Hopefully this experiment will eventually lead to the development of patient-specific stem cells to treat diseases injuries and conditions.
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Harvard scientists announced yesterday that they are attempting to create the first cloned human embryonic stem cells. The goal of the research, they said, is to create a powerful new tool to explore the biology of, and hopefully find treatments for, a number of devastating diseases: juvenile diabetes, genetic blood disorders, and ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Commentary: Hopefully this experiment will eventually lead to the development of patient-specific stem cells to treat diseases injuries and conditions.
Plan would create lines of human stem cells
Source: Baltimore Sun
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Harvard University researchers announced an ambitious, privately funded plan to create human stem cell lines from cloned embryos, a controversial venture that could lead to treatments for diabetes, sickle-cell anemia and other ailments. The scientists said the stem cell lines, created in part from DNA taken from sick patients, would also enable them to observe how diseases develop at the earliest stages of human life - long before symptoms are evident.
Commentary: Hopefully this experiment will eventually enable both the effective treatment and prevention of diseases and conditions.
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Harvard University researchers announced an ambitious, privately funded plan to create human stem cell lines from cloned embryos, a controversial venture that could lead to treatments for diabetes, sickle-cell anemia and other ailments. The scientists said the stem cell lines, created in part from DNA taken from sick patients, would also enable them to observe how diseases develop at the earliest stages of human life - long before symptoms are evident.
Commentary: Hopefully this experiment will eventually enable both the effective treatment and prevention of diseases and conditions.
Why Harvard is Recruiting Egg Donors for Stem Cell Studies
Source: Time
Posted: Tuesday, June 6, 2006
Summary:
Stem cell research in the US took a big leap forward Tuesday when the Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) announced that it would begin recruiting women to donate eggs that scientists will then use to generate human embryonic stem cells. It's the first reported program launched by an academic institute to use somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) to create stem cells. The goal of the studies will be to create disease-specific stem cells from patients; these cells could eventually lead to new treatments for conditions ranging from diabetes to Alzheimer's.
Posted: Tuesday, June 6, 2006
Summary:
Stem cell research in the US took a big leap forward Tuesday when the Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) announced that it would begin recruiting women to donate eggs that scientists will then use to generate human embryonic stem cells. It's the first reported program launched by an academic institute to use somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) to create stem cells. The goal of the studies will be to create disease-specific stem cells from patients; these cells could eventually lead to new treatments for conditions ranging from diabetes to Alzheimer's.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
U.S. scientists to clone human embryos
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
Two American research teams, one on each coast, said Tuesday they were trying to clone human embryos, then extract stem cells genetically matched to patients.
Scientists at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and the University of California at San Francisco said their goal was to create embryonic stem-cell colonies to model certain diseases. That could lead to stem-cell therapies, perhaps a decade or more from now.
Commentary: Hopefully these experiments will advance the field of stem cell research to a point that will enable the development of treatments for diseases, injuries and conditions.
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
Two American research teams, one on each coast, said Tuesday they were trying to clone human embryos, then extract stem cells genetically matched to patients.
Scientists at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and the University of California at San Francisco said their goal was to create embryonic stem-cell colonies to model certain diseases. That could lead to stem-cell therapies, perhaps a decade or more from now.
Commentary: Hopefully these experiments will advance the field of stem cell research to a point that will enable the development of treatments for diseases, injuries and conditions.
Harvard Scientists Try Cloning to Create Stem Cells
Source: Bloomberg
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
Harvard University researchers have entered the race to do what Korean scientist Hwang Woo Suk falsely claimed to have accomplished last year: clone a human embryo in the lab to create stem cells genetically matched to a living person.
The Harvard researchers said today they have begun an effort to combine egg cells donated by women with the genetic material of mature cells from adults to create human embryos in a dish.
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
Harvard University researchers have entered the race to do what Korean scientist Hwang Woo Suk falsely claimed to have accomplished last year: clone a human embryo in the lab to create stem cells genetically matched to a living person.
The Harvard researchers said today they have begun an effort to combine egg cells donated by women with the genetic material of mature cells from adults to create human embryos in a dish.
Children's Hospital begins creating embryonic stem cells
Source: Boston Business Journal - 1:07 PM EDT
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
Children's Hospital Boston has begun pursuing the cloning of human embryonic stem cells.
The hospital announced on Tuesday that its researchers had begun to try to create embryonic stem cells using a process known as nuclear transfer with human eggs and embryos.
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
Children's Hospital Boston has begun pursuing the cloning of human embryonic stem cells.
The hospital announced on Tuesday that its researchers had begun to try to create embryonic stem cells using a process known as nuclear transfer with human eggs and embryos.
Scientists begin attempts to clone human embryos for stem cells
Source: Associated Press
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
Harvard-affiliated researchers said they have begun efforts to create stem cells by cloning human embryos, joining the race among a small group of scientists in this controversial pursuit.
The work at Children's Hospital Boston, the main pediatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, is aimed at eventually creating stem cells for treating blood diseases like sickle-cell anemia, leukemia and other blood disorders.
Commentary: Hopefully this research will provide scientists with new strategies to apply customized stem cells to treat diseases.
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
Harvard-affiliated researchers said they have begun efforts to create stem cells by cloning human embryos, joining the race among a small group of scientists in this controversial pursuit.
The work at Children's Hospital Boston, the main pediatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, is aimed at eventually creating stem cells for treating blood diseases like sickle-cell anemia, leukemia and other blood disorders.
Commentary: Hopefully this research will provide scientists with new strategies to apply customized stem cells to treat diseases.
Harvard researchers start human stem cell project
Source: Reuters
Posted: June 6, 2006 12:02pm ET
Summary:
BOSTON (Reuters) - Researchers at Harvard University said on Tuesday they had started efforts to clone human embryos as a source of valued stem cells, using all private money to bypass federal restrictions on such work.
Commentary: Hopefully this attempt to clone human embryos will successfully yield custom-made stem cells that are genetically matched to patients.
Posted: June 6, 2006 12:02pm ET
Summary:
BOSTON (Reuters) - Researchers at Harvard University said on Tuesday they had started efforts to clone human embryos as a source of valued stem cells, using all private money to bypass federal restrictions on such work.
Commentary: Hopefully this attempt to clone human embryos will successfully yield custom-made stem cells that are genetically matched to patients.
Key to future stem cell production may lie inside the testicles
Source: Guardian Unlimited - UK
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
The Guardian Unlimited reports on a new study investigating the effectiveness of stem cells found in testicles can have applications in regenerative medicine:
"British scientists have been granted permission to investigate whether stem cells found deep inside testicles can be used to repair damaged tissues and organs. If the scientists succeed in harvesting the cells and keeping them alive, they could pave the way for powerful new therapies for conditions as diverse as heart disease, Parkinson's and spinal cord injuries, without the need to destroy human embryos to collect them."
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
The Guardian Unlimited reports on a new study investigating the effectiveness of stem cells found in testicles can have applications in regenerative medicine:
"British scientists have been granted permission to investigate whether stem cells found deep inside testicles can be used to repair damaged tissues and organs. If the scientists succeed in harvesting the cells and keeping them alive, they could pave the way for powerful new therapies for conditions as diverse as heart disease, Parkinson's and spinal cord injuries, without the need to destroy human embryos to collect them."
Monday, June 05, 2006
Stem Cell Treatment Eliminates Lupus
Source: ABC7/KGO-TV, San Francisco
Posted: June 5, 2006
Here is a feature about a successful treatment of lupus using stem cells.
Posted: June 5, 2006
Here is a feature about a successful treatment of lupus using stem cells.
Monster Tumors Show Scientific Potential in War Against Cancer
Source: The New York Times
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
As clusters of human cells that are not independent organisms, teratomas may prove better test subjects for drugs than lab animals, and they are inspiring ways to grow stem cells without harvesting embryos.
Commentary: If teratomas are better test subjects for drugs than animals, maybe drugs, treatments and therapies could be made available on the market more quickly.
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
As clusters of human cells that are not independent organisms, teratomas may prove better test subjects for drugs than lab animals, and they are inspiring ways to grow stem cells without harvesting embryos.
Commentary: If teratomas are better test subjects for drugs than animals, maybe drugs, treatments and therapies could be made available on the market more quickly.
Natural Born Killers
Source: Salk Institute
Posted: June 5, 2006
Summary:
A collaboration between scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and the Pasteur Institute in Paris has uncovered the molecular signals that trigger maturation of natural killer cells, an important group of immune system cells, into fully armed killing machines.
Commentary: Hopefully this will lead to therapeutic and clinical applications to treat immune disorders and infectious deseases.
Posted: June 5, 2006
Summary:
A collaboration between scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and the Pasteur Institute in Paris has uncovered the molecular signals that trigger maturation of natural killer cells, an important group of immune system cells, into fully armed killing machines.
Commentary: Hopefully this will lead to therapeutic and clinical applications to treat immune disorders and infectious deseases.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Definition Of Embryo Death Criteria May Open Doors For Stem Cell Research
Source: Columbia University
Posted: June 4, 2006
Summary:
A research team from Columbia has, for the first time, identified criteria through which embryo death can be confirmed. The implications for stem cell research are huge - by confirmation of embryo death, embryos could be harvested, just as organs are for transplantation, in order to generate stem cells for research and, ultimately, therapeutic purposes.
Commentary: If this assertion is eventually found to be correct, it could put an end to the ethical controversy surrounding the field of embryonic stem cell research.
Posted: June 4, 2006
Summary:
A research team from Columbia has, for the first time, identified criteria through which embryo death can be confirmed. The implications for stem cell research are huge - by confirmation of embryo death, embryos could be harvested, just as organs are for transplantation, in order to generate stem cells for research and, ultimately, therapeutic purposes.
Commentary: If this assertion is eventually found to be correct, it could put an end to the ethical controversy surrounding the field of embryonic stem cell research.
Gene therapy accelerates healing of damaged skeletal muscle
Source: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Posted: June 4, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to accelerate muscle regeneration in animas with muscle damage. This technique may be a novel and effective approach for improving skeletal muscle healing, particularly for serious sports-related injuries.
Commentary: Hopefully this approach to muscle rengerative will have successful clinical applications for human neuro-muscular diseases such as A.L.S. and Muscular Dystrophy.
Posted: June 4, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to accelerate muscle regeneration in animas with muscle damage. This technique may be a novel and effective approach for improving skeletal muscle healing, particularly for serious sports-related injuries.
Commentary: Hopefully this approach to muscle rengerative will have successful clinical applications for human neuro-muscular diseases such as A.L.S. and Muscular Dystrophy.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Free Radical Cell Death Switch Identified: Molecular Pathway May Contribute To Age Related Diseases
Source: Harvard Medical School
Posted: June 2, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have defined a molecular signaling pathway by which oxidative stress caused by the build-up of free radicals triggers cell death. The finding could pave the way for new drug targets and diagnostic strategies for age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's Disease.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will lead to the development of drug, genetic or cell replacement therapies to treat or cure diseases.
Posted: June 2, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have defined a molecular signaling pathway by which oxidative stress caused by the build-up of free radicals triggers cell death. The finding could pave the way for new drug targets and diagnostic strategies for age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's Disease.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will lead to the development of drug, genetic or cell replacement therapies to treat or cure diseases.
Researchers uncover 'starter hormone'
Source: Associated Press
Posted: June 1, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the University of Southern Maine have identified a "starter hormone" responsible for initiating the process by which caterpillars transform themselves into moths.
The researchers also discovered that by manipulating hormone treatments, they could arrest a caterpillar's growth, a finding they suggest will lead to a better understanding of how hormones can control growth in humans.
The results are providing scientists with new insights into how hormones control growth in animals, including humans. In addition, the findings also have implications for stem cell research and regenerative medicine by affecting how to enable cells to change their fates.
Commentary: This study could provide researchers with new insights into regulation of cell differentiation and new ideas about how to transform stem cells into specific human cell types to treat diseases and injuries.
Posted: June 1, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the University of Southern Maine have identified a "starter hormone" responsible for initiating the process by which caterpillars transform themselves into moths.
The researchers also discovered that by manipulating hormone treatments, they could arrest a caterpillar's growth, a finding they suggest will lead to a better understanding of how hormones can control growth in humans.
The results are providing scientists with new insights into how hormones control growth in animals, including humans. In addition, the findings also have implications for stem cell research and regenerative medicine by affecting how to enable cells to change their fates.
Commentary: This study could provide researchers with new insights into regulation of cell differentiation and new ideas about how to transform stem cells into specific human cell types to treat diseases and injuries.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Gene silencing directs muscle-derived stem cells to become bone-forming cells
Source: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Posted: June 1, 2006
Using a relatively new technology called RNA interference to turn off genes that regulate cell differentiation, researchers have demonstrated they can increase the propensity of muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) to become bone-forming cells. Based on these results, the investigators believe that by turning off specific genetic factors they can control the capacity of MDSCs as a means of treating various musculoskeletal diseases and injuries.
Commentary: This finding seems as if it could provide scientist with insights into neuro-muscular diseases could be used as a basis for development of treatments for such diseases.
Posted: June 1, 2006
Using a relatively new technology called RNA interference to turn off genes that regulate cell differentiation, researchers have demonstrated they can increase the propensity of muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) to become bone-forming cells. Based on these results, the investigators believe that by turning off specific genetic factors they can control the capacity of MDSCs as a means of treating various musculoskeletal diseases and injuries.
Commentary: This finding seems as if it could provide scientist with insights into neuro-muscular diseases could be used as a basis for development of treatments for such diseases.
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