Source: BBC NEWS
Posted: 8 November 2006, 16:48 GMT
Summary:
Cell transplants have successfully restored vision to mice which had lost their sight, leading to hopes people could benefit in the same way. UK scientists treated animals which had eye damage similar to that seen in many human eye diseases. They were able to help them see again by transplanting immature retinal stem cells into their eyes. UK experts are heralding the study, published in the magazine Nature, saying it was "stunning" research. If the results can be translated into a treatment for human eye disease, it could help the millions of people with conditions ranging from age-related macular degeneration to diabetes.
Commentary: It will important for this study to be successfullyreplicated many times in a diverse patient population, and for patients to be closely monitored over an extended period of time in order to determine the effectiveness of this potential new treatment.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Stem cell cure for heart attacks
Source: Daily Mail
Posted: 7 November 2006
Summary:
Emergency heart attack patients will be injected with their own bone marrow stem cells in a dramatic new treatment. The procedure, being pioneered by British doctors, holds out hope of a 'cure' as the stem cells repair damaged heart muscles. It is intended to stop patients suffering further attacks and developing heart failure, something existing treatments fail to do in many cases, and could be given within a few hours of a heart attack.
Commentary: If this trial yields successful results, maybe wider trials with larger and more diverse patient populations can be conducted and hopefully will continue to be successful.
Posted: 7 November 2006
Summary:
Emergency heart attack patients will be injected with their own bone marrow stem cells in a dramatic new treatment. The procedure, being pioneered by British doctors, holds out hope of a 'cure' as the stem cells repair damaged heart muscles. It is intended to stop patients suffering further attacks and developing heart failure, something existing treatments fail to do in many cases, and could be given within a few hours of a heart attack.
Commentary: If this trial yields successful results, maybe wider trials with larger and more diverse patient populations can be conducted and hopefully will continue to be successful.
Researchers develop vaccine that prevents lung cancer in mice
Source: University of Louisville
Posted: November 7, 2006
Summary:
A team of researchers at the James Graham Brown Cancer Center has discovered that vaccinating mice with embryonic stem cells can prevent lung cancer. Their findings suggest that it could be possible to develop embryonic stem cell vaccines that prevent cancers in humans at high risk of developing cancer.
Posted: November 7, 2006
Summary:
A team of researchers at the James Graham Brown Cancer Center has discovered that vaccinating mice with embryonic stem cells can prevent lung cancer. Their findings suggest that it could be possible to develop embryonic stem cell vaccines that prevent cancers in humans at high risk of developing cancer.
Natural Compounds Block Autoimmune Response In Diabetes, Arthritis
Source: University of California - Irvine
Date: November 7, 2006
Summary:
Natural compounds derived from a sea anemone extract and a shrub plant have been found to block the autoimmune disease response in type-1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, according to University of California, Irvine researchers. The study shows both in human and animal tests how these compounds work to deter the effect of autoimmune T-cells, white blood cells that attack the body. The goal, according to UCI researchers, is to develop new treatments from these compounds that will target these destructive T-cells while allowing other white blood cells to fight disease and infection.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will have applications in human regenerative medicine, as stem cells could supplement new treatments that could be developed from these compounds and regenerate destroyed cells after the compound has stopped the process that destroys the cells.
Date: November 7, 2006
Summary:
Natural compounds derived from a sea anemone extract and a shrub plant have been found to block the autoimmune disease response in type-1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, according to University of California, Irvine researchers. The study shows both in human and animal tests how these compounds work to deter the effect of autoimmune T-cells, white blood cells that attack the body. The goal, according to UCI researchers, is to develop new treatments from these compounds that will target these destructive T-cells while allowing other white blood cells to fight disease and infection.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will have applications in human regenerative medicine, as stem cells could supplement new treatments that could be developed from these compounds and regenerate destroyed cells after the compound has stopped the process that destroys the cells.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Plan to create human-cow embryos
Source: BBC News
Posted: 6 November 2006 22:45:03 GMT
Summary:
Researchers from Newcastle University and Kings College, London have applied for permission to create embryos by fusing human DNA with cow eggs. Scientists want to use cows' eggs as a substitute because human eggs for research are in short supply and to obtain them women have to undergo surgery. The hybrid human-bovine embryos would be used for stem cell research and would not be allowed to develop for more than a few days. But critics say it is unethical and potentially dangerous.
Commentary: If this procedure is proved effecive, it could dramatically increase the number of embryos available for stem cell research. However, the procedure could pose health risks such as cell rejection by the human immune system. There for this experiment should be scrutinized and reviewed very carefully to minimize any health risks to both egg donors and patients receiving transplants of the cells extracted from the cow embryos.
Posted: 6 November 2006 22:45:03 GMT
Summary:
Researchers from Newcastle University and Kings College, London have applied for permission to create embryos by fusing human DNA with cow eggs. Scientists want to use cows' eggs as a substitute because human eggs for research are in short supply and to obtain them women have to undergo surgery. The hybrid human-bovine embryos would be used for stem cell research and would not be allowed to develop for more than a few days. But critics say it is unethical and potentially dangerous.
Commentary: If this procedure is proved effecive, it could dramatically increase the number of embryos available for stem cell research. However, the procedure could pose health risks such as cell rejection by the human immune system. There for this experiment should be scrutinized and reviewed very carefully to minimize any health risks to both egg donors and patients receiving transplants of the cells extracted from the cow embryos.
Stem Cells Engage In Dialogue With The Cells That Regulate Their Futures
Source: University of Washington
Date: November 6, 2006
Summary:
Dialogue, not a monologue, is the basis of all good communication. Stem cells are no exception. Recent University of Washington (UW) research has found an early indication of two-way cellular communication. This two-way cell-to-cell signaling occurs in the miniscule niches of the body where the futures of stem cells are determined. Stem cells require these niches - nest-like microenvironments made up of regulatory cells -- in order to self-renew. Stem cells can divide and turn into many types of new cells. The niches help regulate the amount and kinds of new cells produced to meet current demands.
Commentary: Maybe this new understanding of the process of cellular renewal will provide researchers with new strategies and applications to use stem cells to treat diseases, injuries and medical coditions.
Date: November 6, 2006
Summary:
Dialogue, not a monologue, is the basis of all good communication. Stem cells are no exception. Recent University of Washington (UW) research has found an early indication of two-way cellular communication. This two-way cell-to-cell signaling occurs in the miniscule niches of the body where the futures of stem cells are determined. Stem cells require these niches - nest-like microenvironments made up of regulatory cells -- in order to self-renew. Stem cells can divide and turn into many types of new cells. The niches help regulate the amount and kinds of new cells produced to meet current demands.
Commentary: Maybe this new understanding of the process of cellular renewal will provide researchers with new strategies and applications to use stem cells to treat diseases, injuries and medical coditions.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Scientists Identify Synthetic Compound That Keeps Stem Cells Young
Source: Scripps Research Institute
Date: November 5, 2006
Summary:
A team of scientists from the Scripps Research Institute, the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation and the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine has discovered a new synthetic compound that can support growth and self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells, offering a simple alternative to current growth conditions that may vary batch-to-batch and confuse experimental results. The findings, reported in this week's Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, should accelerate stem cell research and offer new insights into cell biology that could aid in the development of treatments for diseases such as cancer and Parkinson's.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will hasten the development of effective stem cell treatments for diseases, injuries and other medical conditions.
Date: November 5, 2006
Summary:
A team of scientists from the Scripps Research Institute, the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation and the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine has discovered a new synthetic compound that can support growth and self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells, offering a simple alternative to current growth conditions that may vary batch-to-batch and confuse experimental results. The findings, reported in this week's Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, should accelerate stem cell research and offer new insights into cell biology that could aid in the development of treatments for diseases such as cancer and Parkinson's.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will hasten the development of effective stem cell treatments for diseases, injuries and other medical conditions.
How To Mend A Broken Heart: Zebrafish Hold Key To Regeneration
Source: Duke University Medical Center
Date: November 3, 2006
Summary:
When a portion of a zebrafish's heart is removed, the dynamic interplay between a mass of stem cells that forms in the wound and the protective cell layer that covers the wound spurs the regeneration of functional new heart tissue, Duke University Medical Center scientists have found. The scientists further discovered that key growth factors facilitate the interaction between the cell mass and the protective covering, encouraging the formation of new heart muscle.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will have clinical applications to regenerate human organs and tissues that have been damaged or destroyed by disease or injury.
Date: November 3, 2006
Summary:
When a portion of a zebrafish's heart is removed, the dynamic interplay between a mass of stem cells that forms in the wound and the protective cell layer that covers the wound spurs the regeneration of functional new heart tissue, Duke University Medical Center scientists have found. The scientists further discovered that key growth factors facilitate the interaction between the cell mass and the protective covering, encouraging the formation of new heart muscle.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will have clinical applications to regenerate human organs and tissues that have been damaged or destroyed by disease or injury.
Secret of Heart Regeneration Uncovered
Source: Scientific American
Posted: November 3, 2006
Summary:
Even humans can replace some damaged tissue in organs, such as the liver. But none can accomplish what the zebra fish, a common denizen of home aquariums, can do: regenerate their hearts. Biologists have long known about the zebra fish's cardiac ability, and now researchers think they have unlocked the secret of the process, which may provide essential clues for human heart repair.
Commentary: Maybe this finding can eventually lead to new methods for repairing damaged human heart muscle.
Posted: November 3, 2006
Summary:
Even humans can replace some damaged tissue in organs, such as the liver. But none can accomplish what the zebra fish, a common denizen of home aquariums, can do: regenerate their hearts. Biologists have long known about the zebra fish's cardiac ability, and now researchers think they have unlocked the secret of the process, which may provide essential clues for human heart repair.
Commentary: Maybe this finding can eventually lead to new methods for repairing damaged human heart muscle.
Stem Cell Fish Research Shows Heart Regeneration: Zebrafish re-grow damaged hearts, so perhaps humans could, too, experts say
Source: HealthDay News
Date: November 2, 2006
Summary:
New information about how the hearts of tiny zebrafish regenerate could help in developing new ways to treat heart damage in humans, say Duke University Medical Center scientists. They found that when a portion of a zebrafish's heart is removed, stem cells that form in the wound work with a protective cell layer that covers the wound to re-grow functional heart tissue. The Duke team also discovered that certain growth factors facilitate interactions between the stem cells and the protective cell layer.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will lead to further studies on using stem cells to regenerate heart tissue in other animals, and eventually pave the way for applications to treat heart disease in humans.
Date: November 2, 2006
Summary:
New information about how the hearts of tiny zebrafish regenerate could help in developing new ways to treat heart damage in humans, say Duke University Medical Center scientists. They found that when a portion of a zebrafish's heart is removed, stem cells that form in the wound work with a protective cell layer that covers the wound to re-grow functional heart tissue. The Duke team also discovered that certain growth factors facilitate interactions between the stem cells and the protective cell layer.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will lead to further studies on using stem cells to regenerate heart tissue in other animals, and eventually pave the way for applications to treat heart disease in humans.
Dopamine used to prompt nerve tissue to regrow
Source: Georgia Institute of Technology
Date: November 2, 2006
Summary:
When Yadong Wang, a chemist by training, first ventured into nerve regeneration two years ago, he didn't know that his peers would have considered him crazy. His idea was simple: Because neural circuits use electrical signals often conducted by neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) to communicate between the brain and the rest of the body, he could build neurotransmitters into the material used to repair a broken circuit. The neurotransmitters could coax the neurons in the damaged nerves to regrow and reconnect with their target organ.
Commentary: Maybe this new approach will eventually lead to effective treatments in humans not only for Parkinson's Disease, but also for other central nervous system and neurological conditions and disorders.
Date: November 2, 2006
Summary:
When Yadong Wang, a chemist by training, first ventured into nerve regeneration two years ago, he didn't know that his peers would have considered him crazy. His idea was simple: Because neural circuits use electrical signals often conducted by neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) to communicate between the brain and the rest of the body, he could build neurotransmitters into the material used to repair a broken circuit. The neurotransmitters could coax the neurons in the damaged nerves to regrow and reconnect with their target organ.
Commentary: Maybe this new approach will eventually lead to effective treatments in humans not only for Parkinson's Disease, but also for other central nervous system and neurological conditions and disorders.
U of MN researchers turn cord blood into lung cells: Discovery step toward developing treatment for various lung diseases
Source: University of Minnesota
Posted: November 1, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have, for the first time, coaxed umbilical cord blood stem cells to differentiate into a type of lung cell, called type II alveolar cells. Alveolar cells secrete surfactant, a substance which allows the air sacs in the lungs to remain open, allowing air to move in and out of the sacs. The cells also help to repair the airway after injury. The researchers will now work to better characterize the cells, so they could be used for future research in order to better understand lung development and disease. The cells may also be useful as a way to test potential new drugs.
Commentary: This is a signficant advance toward the clinical application of umbilical cord stem cells to treat lung diseases and injuries. Hopefully it can also be transformed into successful treatments for lung disease and a safe and effective method to testnew drugs.
Posted: November 1, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have, for the first time, coaxed umbilical cord blood stem cells to differentiate into a type of lung cell, called type II alveolar cells. Alveolar cells secrete surfactant, a substance which allows the air sacs in the lungs to remain open, allowing air to move in and out of the sacs. The cells also help to repair the airway after injury. The researchers will now work to better characterize the cells, so they could be used for future research in order to better understand lung development and disease. The cells may also be useful as a way to test potential new drugs.
Commentary: This is a signficant advance toward the clinical application of umbilical cord stem cells to treat lung diseases and injuries. Hopefully it can also be transformed into successful treatments for lung disease and a safe and effective method to testnew drugs.
Friday, November 03, 2006
British scientists eye breakthrough in lab-grown liver
Source: Agence France-Presse (AFP)
Posted: October 31, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at an English university have grown a miniature artificial human liver in a major medical breakthrough, British media reported. It is hoped mini-livers could be used to test drugs, reducing the need for animal experiments, help repair damaged livers and eventually produce entire organs for lifesaving transplants.
Commentary: In order for this new finding to be deemed safe for liver patients, transplants will need to be replicated safely in a large and genetically diverse patient population.
Posted: October 31, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at an English university have grown a miniature artificial human liver in a major medical breakthrough, British media reported. It is hoped mini-livers could be used to test drugs, reducing the need for animal experiments, help repair damaged livers and eventually produce entire organs for lifesaving transplants.
Commentary: In order for this new finding to be deemed safe for liver patients, transplants will need to be replicated safely in a large and genetically diverse patient population.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Cytotherapy Report Confirms BioE Stem Cell First Human Cord Blood Stem Cell to Differentiate into Lung Cell
Source: BioE Corporation
Posted: November 1, 2006
Summary:
BioE®, Inc., a biomedical company providing human umbilical cord blood stem cells as enabling, high-quality cellular tools for drug discovery and therapeutic research, announced a report published in the latest issue (Vol. 8, Issue 5) of the journal Cytotherapy confirms its Multi-Lineage Progenitor Cell™ (MLPC™) is the first human cord blood stem cell to differentiate into a type II alveolar lung cell, responsible for secreting surfactant, a material that helps stabilize the lung’s air sacs during respiration.
Commentary: Maybe this advance will lead to new stem cell treatments for lung and respiratory diseases.
Posted: November 1, 2006
Summary:
BioE®, Inc., a biomedical company providing human umbilical cord blood stem cells as enabling, high-quality cellular tools for drug discovery and therapeutic research, announced a report published in the latest issue (Vol. 8, Issue 5) of the journal Cytotherapy confirms its Multi-Lineage Progenitor Cell™ (MLPC™) is the first human cord blood stem cell to differentiate into a type II alveolar lung cell, responsible for secreting surfactant, a material that helps stabilize the lung’s air sacs during respiration.
Commentary: Maybe this advance will lead to new stem cell treatments for lung and respiratory diseases.
Cytotherapy Report Confirms BioE Stem Cell First Human Cord Blood Stem Cell to Differentiate into Lung Cell
Source: Pharmaceutical Business Review
Posted: November 2, 2006
Summary:
BioE has confirmed its Multi-Lineage Progenitor Cell is the first human cord blood stem cell to differentiate into a type of lung cell. The study showed that the stem cell could differentiate into a type II alveolar lung cell. This advance in adult stem cell research could someday lead to treatments for patients with lung diseases.
Posted: November 2, 2006
Summary:
BioE has confirmed its Multi-Lineage Progenitor Cell is the first human cord blood stem cell to differentiate into a type of lung cell. The study showed that the stem cell could differentiate into a type II alveolar lung cell. This advance in adult stem cell research could someday lead to treatments for patients with lung diseases.
Stem Cell Fish Research Shows Heart Regeneration: Zebrafish re-grow damaged hearts, so perhaps humans could, too, experts say
Source: HealthDay News
Date: November 2, 2006
Summary:
New information about how the hearts of tiny zebrafish regenerate could help in developing new ways to treat heart damage in humans, say Duke University Medical Center scientists. They found that when a portion of a zebrafish's heart is removed, stem cells that form in the wound work with a protective cell layer that covers the wound to re-grow functional heart tissue. The Duke team also discovered that certain growth factors facilitate interactions between the stem cells and the protective cell layer. The findings are published in the Nov. 3 issue of the journal Cell.
Date: November 2, 2006
Summary:
New information about how the hearts of tiny zebrafish regenerate could help in developing new ways to treat heart damage in humans, say Duke University Medical Center scientists. They found that when a portion of a zebrafish's heart is removed, stem cells that form in the wound work with a protective cell layer that covers the wound to re-grow functional heart tissue. The Duke team also discovered that certain growth factors facilitate interactions between the stem cells and the protective cell layer. The findings are published in the Nov. 3 issue of the journal Cell.
U Of MN Researchers Turn Cord Blood Into Lung Cells: Discovery step toward developing treatment for various lung diseases
Source: University of Minnesota
Posted: 02 November 2006 - 0:00am (PST)
Summary:
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have, for the first time, coaxed umbilical cord blood stem cells to differentiate into a type of lung cell, called type II alveolar cells. Alveolar cells secrete surfactant, a substance which allows the air sacs in the lungs to remain open, allowing air to move in and out of the sacs. The cells also help to repair the airway after injury. The researchers will now work to better characterize the cells, so they could be used for future research in order to better understand lung development and disease. The cells may also be useful as a way to test potential new drugs.
Commentary: This is a signficant advance toward the clinical application of umbilical cord stem cells to treat lung diseases and injuries. Hopefully it can also be transformed into successful treatments for lung disease and a safe and effective method to testnew drugs.
Posted: 02 November 2006 - 0:00am (PST)
Summary:
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have, for the first time, coaxed umbilical cord blood stem cells to differentiate into a type of lung cell, called type II alveolar cells. Alveolar cells secrete surfactant, a substance which allows the air sacs in the lungs to remain open, allowing air to move in and out of the sacs. The cells also help to repair the airway after injury. The researchers will now work to better characterize the cells, so they could be used for future research in order to better understand lung development and disease. The cells may also be useful as a way to test potential new drugs.
Commentary: This is a signficant advance toward the clinical application of umbilical cord stem cells to treat lung diseases and injuries. Hopefully it can also be transformed into successful treatments for lung disease and a safe and effective method to testnew drugs.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Analysis: Hearts recover with drugs/device
Source: United Press International
Posted: November 1, 2006
Summary:
British doctors reported Wednesday that the combination of a mechanical device and a cocktail of drugs reversed heart failure in a small group of patients supposedly suffering from "end-stage" disease. In the study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Emma Birks and colleagues at Royal Brampton and Harefield National Health Service selected 27 patients with end-stage heart failure to undergo treatment with a mechanical, partially implanted device that assists the left ventricle -- the pumping chamber of the heart -- to improve its function. After nearly a year of pharmaceutical treatment, four of the 15 patients achieved a remodeling of their hearts sufficiently to allow doctors to remove the assist devices
Commentary: Maybe this device will be successful enough in a large patient population to eventually become a standard method of treatment for heart disease.
Posted: November 1, 2006
Summary:
British doctors reported Wednesday that the combination of a mechanical device and a cocktail of drugs reversed heart failure in a small group of patients supposedly suffering from "end-stage" disease. In the study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Emma Birks and colleagues at Royal Brampton and Harefield National Health Service selected 27 patients with end-stage heart failure to undergo treatment with a mechanical, partially implanted device that assists the left ventricle -- the pumping chamber of the heart -- to improve its function. After nearly a year of pharmaceutical treatment, four of the 15 patients achieved a remodeling of their hearts sufficiently to allow doctors to remove the assist devices
Commentary: Maybe this device will be successful enough in a large patient population to eventually become a standard method of treatment for heart disease.
U of MN researchers turn cord blood into lung cells: Discovery step toward developing treatment for various lung diseases
Source: University of Minnesota
Posted: November 1, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have, for the first time, coaxed umbilical cord blood stem cells to differentiate into a type of lung cell, called type II alveolar cells. Alveolar cells secrete surfactant, a substance which allows the air sacs in the lungs to remain open, allowing air to move in and out of the sacs. The cells also help to repair the airway after injury. The researchers will now work to better characterize the cells, so they could be used for future research in order to better understand lung development and disease. The cells may also be useful as a way to test potential new drugs.
Commentary: This is a signficant advance toward the clinical application of umbilical cord stem cells to treat lung diseases and injuries. Hopefully it can also be transformed into successful treatments for lung disease and a safe and effective method to testnew drugs.
Posted: November 1, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have, for the first time, coaxed umbilical cord blood stem cells to differentiate into a type of lung cell, called type II alveolar cells. Alveolar cells secrete surfactant, a substance which allows the air sacs in the lungs to remain open, allowing air to move in and out of the sacs. The cells also help to repair the airway after injury. The researchers will now work to better characterize the cells, so they could be used for future research in order to better understand lung development and disease. The cells may also be useful as a way to test potential new drugs.
Commentary: This is a signficant advance toward the clinical application of umbilical cord stem cells to treat lung diseases and injuries. Hopefully it can also be transformed into successful treatments for lung disease and a safe and effective method to testnew drugs.
White Blood Cells Of Cancer-resistant Mice Overwhelm Natural Defenses Of Cancer Cells
Source: Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
Date: November 1, 2006
Summary:
The discoverers of the unique mouse line that is resistant to cancer have begun to pin down how the process works and found that white blood cells in these mice overwhelm normal defenses of cancer cells. In a report in Cancer Immunity, a journal of the Academy of Cancer Immunology, posted on line today, researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and colleagues said that several types of white blood cells in the mice attack cancer cells by sensing, finding and surrounding them, forming a "rosette," and then killing them.
Commentary: Maybe researchers will be able to use these results to devise new strategies to develop drugs or treatments that enable white blood cells to destroy cancer cells in humans.
Date: November 1, 2006
Summary:
The discoverers of the unique mouse line that is resistant to cancer have begun to pin down how the process works and found that white blood cells in these mice overwhelm normal defenses of cancer cells. In a report in Cancer Immunity, a journal of the Academy of Cancer Immunology, posted on line today, researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and colleagues said that several types of white blood cells in the mice attack cancer cells by sensing, finding and surrounding them, forming a "rosette," and then killing them.
Commentary: Maybe researchers will be able to use these results to devise new strategies to develop drugs or treatments that enable white blood cells to destroy cancer cells in humans.
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