Source: Reuters
Posted: November 14, 2006 5:18pm ET
Summary:
Researchers have found a way to spur the growth of neural stem cells in the brains of adult mice with an eye toward harnessing the brain's innate capacity for repair to help people with diseases such as Alzheimer's. Determining how these stem cells can be deployed to replace cells in mice whose brains are damaged in ways resembling Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis in people is the next key step, researchers said.
Commentary: Further research on this new technique might provide researchers with new insights into how to enable adult neural stem cell proliferation in humans.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Amniotic Stem Cells Offer Hope Against Congenital Heart Defects
Source: HealthDay News
Posted: November 14, 2006
Summary:
If findings from a Swiss study are confirmed, doctors will be able to use a simple procedure to extract and use them to make a new heart valve, ready to to place in the baby as soon as it is born. The potential implications of the procedure could reveolutionize treatment for congenital heart defects using stem cells from the mother's amniotic fluid.
Posted: November 14, 2006
Summary:
If findings from a Swiss study are confirmed, doctors will be able to use a simple procedure to extract and use them to make a new heart valve, ready to to place in the baby as soon as it is born. The potential implications of the procedure could reveolutionize treatment for congenital heart defects using stem cells from the mother's amniotic fluid.
Adult Pig Stem Cells Show Promise In Repairing Animals' Heart Attack Damage
Source: Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
Date: November 14, 2006
Summary:
Johns Hopkins scientists have successfully grown large numbers of stem cells taken from adult pigs' healthy heart tissue and used the cells to repair some of the tissue damage done to those organs by lab-induced heart attacks. Pigs' hearts closely resemble those in humans, making them a useful model in such research. They are believed to be the first results in animal studies to show that so-called cardiac stem cell therapy can be successfully applied with minimally invasive methods to circumstances closely resembling those in humans.
Date: November 14, 2006
Summary:
Johns Hopkins scientists have successfully grown large numbers of stem cells taken from adult pigs' healthy heart tissue and used the cells to repair some of the tissue damage done to those organs by lab-induced heart attacks. Pigs' hearts closely resemble those in humans, making them a useful model in such research. They are believed to be the first results in animal studies to show that so-called cardiac stem cell therapy can be successfully applied with minimally invasive methods to circumstances closely resembling those in humans.
Stem cell breakthrough
Source: Courier Mail
Posted: November 13, 2006 11:00pm
Summary:
A new discovery by Australian scientists has reveal that seaweed can be used to overcome a major medical risk that can arise when embryonic stem cells are implanted in humans. Researchers at the University of New South Wales have devised a technique that prevents the cells from forming tumors when they are injected into the body by encasing each cell in a tiny capsule made from a seaweed extract, called alginate, before transplantation.
Posted: November 13, 2006 11:00pm
Summary:
A new discovery by Australian scientists has reveal that seaweed can be used to overcome a major medical risk that can arise when embryonic stem cells are implanted in humans. Researchers at the University of New South Wales have devised a technique that prevents the cells from forming tumors when they are injected into the body by encasing each cell in a tiny capsule made from a seaweed extract, called alginate, before transplantation.
U researchers making strides in stem cell technology: Working with St. Paul's BioE Inc., researchers successfully grew lung cells.
Source: Minnesota Daily
Posted: November 14, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the University of Minnesota in partnership with BioE, a St. Paul-based biotechnology company, successfully transformed stem cells found in umbilical cord blood into a kind of cell found in the lungs called type II alveolar cells, which prevent air sacs in the lungs from collapsing, helping people breathe. Presently, the cells could enable researchers to test for latent effects of smoking, pollution or even medications on the respiratory system. The researchers believe the cells may eventually be able to be used to treat diseases such as emphysema or cystic fibrosis.
Posted: November 14, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the University of Minnesota in partnership with BioE, a St. Paul-based biotechnology company, successfully transformed stem cells found in umbilical cord blood into a kind of cell found in the lungs called type II alveolar cells, which prevent air sacs in the lungs from collapsing, helping people breathe. Presently, the cells could enable researchers to test for latent effects of smoking, pollution or even medications on the respiratory system. The researchers believe the cells may eventually be able to be used to treat diseases such as emphysema or cystic fibrosis.
Scientists create artificial liver from stem cells
Source: The Yomiuri Shimbun
Posted: November 10, 2006
Summary:
Japanese Researchers have created an artificial liver from embryonic stem cells and implanted it in mice with liver failure, improving their condition. The research is expected to be applied to assist with devices for patients with lowered liver functions from hepatitis or other diseases.
Posted: November 10, 2006
Summary:
Japanese Researchers have created an artificial liver from embryonic stem cells and implanted it in mice with liver failure, improving their condition. The research is expected to be applied to assist with devices for patients with lowered liver functions from hepatitis or other diseases.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Stem cell threat weeded out
Source: Sydney Morning Herald
Posted: November 14, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have discovered that tumor formation can be prevented by encasing the cells in microscopic capsules made from a seaweed extract before they are transplanted. The advance overcomes a major obstacle that has hindered the progress of embryonic stem cell research and could improve the safety of human embyonic stem cell treatments.
Posted: November 14, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have discovered that tumor formation can be prevented by encasing the cells in microscopic capsules made from a seaweed extract before they are transplanted. The advance overcomes a major obstacle that has hindered the progress of embryonic stem cell research and could improve the safety of human embyonic stem cell treatments.
Initial Trials Indicate Reduced Intensity Stem Cell Transplant Safe For Scleroderma Patients
Source: American College of Rheumatology
Posted: November 13, 2006
Summary:
Early-stage clinical trials showed that reduced intensity hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) has proven safe and well tolerated, according new research. If results from the trial are valid over a long period of time, HSCT may become an acceptable therapeutic option for more individuals afflicted with severe forms of autoimmune disease.
Posted: November 13, 2006
Summary:
Early-stage clinical trials showed that reduced intensity hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) has proven safe and well tolerated, according new research. If results from the trial are valid over a long period of time, HSCT may become an acceptable therapeutic option for more individuals afflicted with severe forms of autoimmune disease.
Identification Of A Key Gene Required For Brain Neural Circuit Formation
Source: Institut de recherches cliniques de Montreal
Date: November 13, 2006
Summary:
An international team of scientists have discovered that a gene called Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is an axonal attractant for brain and spinal cord neurons, which could help treat spinal cord injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. They showed that Shh exerts its attractive effect through a novel receptor named Boc. Remarkably, this novel Shh receptor is absolutely required for the axon guidance role of Shh and the role of Shh in brain neural circuit formation. The findings could provide a better understanding of the structure and formation of the spinal cord and nervous system and identify new strategies to treat neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, or brain and spinal cord injuries.
Date: November 13, 2006
Summary:
An international team of scientists have discovered that a gene called Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is an axonal attractant for brain and spinal cord neurons, which could help treat spinal cord injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. They showed that Shh exerts its attractive effect through a novel receptor named Boc. Remarkably, this novel Shh receptor is absolutely required for the axon guidance role of Shh and the role of Shh in brain neural circuit formation. The findings could provide a better understanding of the structure and formation of the spinal cord and nervous system and identify new strategies to treat neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, or brain and spinal cord injuries.
Scientists Discover Way To Block Growth Of Prostate Cancer Cells
Source: European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer
Date: November 13, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have discovered for the first time a specific biochemical pathway by which the sex hormone, androgen, increases levels of harmful chemicals called reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the prostate gland that play a role in the development of prostate cancer.
Date: November 13, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have discovered for the first time a specific biochemical pathway by which the sex hormone, androgen, increases levels of harmful chemicals called reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the prostate gland that play a role in the development of prostate cancer.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Cell Transplants Restore Vision in Mice: Breakthrough used 'precursor' cells destined to work in the retina
Source: HealthDay News
Date: November 8, 2006
Summary:
Scientists report they have restored the vision of blind mice by introducing cells the eye uses to sense light, called photoreceptor precursor cells", into the rodents' retinas. The breakthrough could lead to transplants that might someday restore the vision of people who who have conditions caused by a loss of these photoreceptors, such as diabetes or age-related macular degeneration.
Date: November 8, 2006
Summary:
Scientists report they have restored the vision of blind mice by introducing cells the eye uses to sense light, called photoreceptor precursor cells", into the rodents' retinas. The breakthrough could lead to transplants that might someday restore the vision of people who who have conditions caused by a loss of these photoreceptors, such as diabetes or age-related macular degeneration.
Stem cell cure hope for diabetes
Source: BBC NEWS
Posted: 2006/11/12 00:20:17 GMT
Summary:
Scientists have used stem cells from human bone marrow to repair defective insulin-producing pancreatic cells responsible for diabetes in mice. The treatment also halted damaging changes taking place in the glomeruli, the bulb-like structures in the kidneys that filter the blood.caused by the condition.
Commentary: If this finding can be replicated safely and successfully, it might eventually lead to effective treatments for diabetes in humans.
Posted: 2006/11/12 00:20:17 GMT
Summary:
Scientists have used stem cells from human bone marrow to repair defective insulin-producing pancreatic cells responsible for diabetes in mice. The treatment also halted damaging changes taking place in the glomeruli, the bulb-like structures in the kidneys that filter the blood.caused by the condition.
Commentary: If this finding can be replicated safely and successfully, it might eventually lead to effective treatments for diabetes in humans.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Human stem cells stimulate insulin in diabetic mice
Source: Reuters
Posted: November 9, 2006 9:22am ET
Summary:
Transplantation of human stromal cells into diabetic mice stimulated native mouse beta cells to produce insulin, researchers report in the latest issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The researchers say it is possible that multipotent stromal cell infusions may correct the metabolic disorders and heal some of the damage caused by diabetes in diabetic patients in the future.
Posted: November 9, 2006 9:22am ET
Summary:
Transplantation of human stromal cells into diabetic mice stimulated native mouse beta cells to produce insulin, researchers report in the latest issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The researchers say it is possible that multipotent stromal cell infusions may correct the metabolic disorders and heal some of the damage caused by diabetes in diabetic patients in the future.
How To Grow Muscle Cells In A Dish
Source: Journal of Clinical Investigation
Date: November 11, 2006
Summary:
In a new study, researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School demonstrated that Smooth muscle cells can be generated from multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) isolated from the bone marrow of rats, mice, pigs, and humans. This study therefore identifies a model system for studying the effects of potential therapeutics on SMC development and SMCs. It also describes a potential source of SMCs for engineering tissues.
Date: November 11, 2006
Summary:
In a new study, researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School demonstrated that Smooth muscle cells can be generated from multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) isolated from the bone marrow of rats, mice, pigs, and humans. This study therefore identifies a model system for studying the effects of potential therapeutics on SMC development and SMCs. It also describes a potential source of SMCs for engineering tissues.
Friday, November 10, 2006
In Stem-Cell Transplants, Timing Is Everything
Source: National Public Radio
Date: November 10, 2006
Summary:
National Public radio reports on the recent discovery that mice with a condition similar to macular degeneration in humans had their sight restored with an injection of retinal stem cells.
Date: November 10, 2006
Summary:
National Public radio reports on the recent discovery that mice with a condition similar to macular degeneration in humans had their sight restored with an injection of retinal stem cells.
Cord stem cells turned into lung cells
Source: United Press International
Date: November 10, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the University of Minnesota report that Umbilical cord blood stem cells have been altered into lung cells, which could enable the development of treatments for several lung diseases.
Commentary: Hopefully further research will produce effective treatments for lung diseases in humans.
Date: November 10, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the University of Minnesota report that Umbilical cord blood stem cells have been altered into lung cells, which could enable the development of treatments for several lung diseases.
Commentary: Hopefully further research will produce effective treatments for lung diseases in humans.
In Young Rats, Researchers Find a Reaction to Spinal Cord Injury That Speeds Recovery
Source: Georgetown University Medical Center
Date: November 10, 2006
Summary:
Neuroscientists had long believed that the only way to repair a spinal cord injury was to grow new neural connections, but researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have found that, especially in young rats, powerful cells near the injury site also work overtime to restrict nerve damage and restore movement and sensation. They say that now that they know such a mechanism exists, it may be possible one day to “switch” these cells on therapeutically and possibly help humans function better following serious spinal cord injuries. These new findings might also be relevant to multiple sclerosis, a disease caused by loss of an axon’s protective myelin sheath.
Date: November 10, 2006
Summary:
Neuroscientists had long believed that the only way to repair a spinal cord injury was to grow new neural connections, but researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have found that, especially in young rats, powerful cells near the injury site also work overtime to restrict nerve damage and restore movement and sensation. They say that now that they know such a mechanism exists, it may be possible one day to “switch” these cells on therapeutically and possibly help humans function better following serious spinal cord injuries. These new findings might also be relevant to multiple sclerosis, a disease caused by loss of an axon’s protective myelin sheath.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Heart attack patients to have stem cell treatment
Source: Pharmaceutical Business Review
Posted: November 9, 2006, 6:01 PM EST
Summary:
Heart attack patients are to have their own stem cells injected into their hearts within hours of a heart attack to see if the stem cells can limit damage that often leads to heart failure, in a pioneering trial to be held in the UK. A stem cell sample will be taken from the patient's bone marrow then the patient will receive the prepared cells into the blocked artery, to further limit the damage caused by the heart attack.
Posted: November 9, 2006, 6:01 PM EST
Summary:
Heart attack patients are to have their own stem cells injected into their hearts within hours of a heart attack to see if the stem cells can limit damage that often leads to heart failure, in a pioneering trial to be held in the UK. A stem cell sample will be taken from the patient's bone marrow then the patient will receive the prepared cells into the blocked artery, to further limit the damage caused by the heart attack.
Stem Cells May Lead to Cancer Vaccine: Tests on Mice Suggest Vaccine for Lung Cancer Might Be Possible, but Long Way Off
Source: WebMD
Posted: November 9, 2006
Summary:
Early lab tests on mice conducted by researchers at the Universty of Louisville have shown that embryonic stem cells could potentially be used to create a cancer vaccine. The embryonic stem cells were taken from mouse embryos to make two experimental vaccines against mouse lung cancer. One of the vaccines contained only embryonic stem cells. The other vaccine contained embryonic stem cells plus a growth factor to boost immune response. This strategy might eventually be able to innoculate humans who have a high risk for development of cancer.
Posted: November 9, 2006
Summary:
Early lab tests on mice conducted by researchers at the Universty of Louisville have shown that embryonic stem cells could potentially be used to create a cancer vaccine. The embryonic stem cells were taken from mouse embryos to make two experimental vaccines against mouse lung cancer. One of the vaccines contained only embryonic stem cells. The other vaccine contained embryonic stem cells plus a growth factor to boost immune response. This strategy might eventually be able to innoculate humans who have a high risk for development of cancer.
Growth of spinal nerves is improved: Could play a role in spinal cord repair
Source: Harvard University
Date: November 9, 2006
Summary:
Nerves that control the highest level of voluntary movements have been isolated and secrets of their growth revealed for the first time. The discovery has researchers talking about new ways to treat ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, and other paralyzing disorders, as well as regenerating spinal nerves that have been damaged by falls, crashes, and combat.
Date: November 9, 2006
Summary:
Nerves that control the highest level of voluntary movements have been isolated and secrets of their growth revealed for the first time. The discovery has researchers talking about new ways to treat ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, and other paralyzing disorders, as well as regenerating spinal nerves that have been damaged by falls, crashes, and combat.
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