http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/stem_cells/ Read about today's stem cell research including novel stem cell technology and advances in understanding cancer stem cells. en-us Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:05:02 EST Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/stem_cells/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102121451.htm Cancer biologists have identified a subpopulation of cells that can give rise to pancreatic cancer. They also found that tumors can form in other, more mature pancreatic cell types, but only when they are injured or inflamed, suggesting that pancreatic cancer can arise from different types of cells depending on the circumstances. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102121451.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173720.htm Researchers have transplanted genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells into mice so that their developing red blood cells produce a critical lysosomal enzyme -- preventing or reducing organ and central nervous system damage from the often-fatal genetic disorder Hurler's syndrome. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173720.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173600.htm Human embryonic stem cells could help people with learning and memory deficits after radiation treatment for brain tumors, suggests a new study. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173600.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109121345.htm The first human embryonic stem cell treatment approved by the FDA for human testing has been shown to restore limb function in rats with neck spinal cord injuries -- a finding that could expand the clinical trial to include people with cervical damage. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109121345.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171419.htm The search for the holy grail of regenerative medicine -- the ability to "grow back" a perfect body part when one is lost to injury or disease -- has been under way for years, yet the steps involved in this seemingly magic process are still poorly understood. Now researchers have identified an essential cellular pathway in zebrafish that paves the way for limb regeneration by unlocking gene expression patterns last seen during embryonic development. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171419.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105092615.htm The same genes that are chemically altered during normal cell differentiation, as well as when normal cells become cancer cells, are also changed in stem cells that scientists derive from adult cells, according to new research. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105092615.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105121048.htm For the first time, researchers have reported the use of a radiolabeled antibody to deliver targeted doses of radiation, followed by a stem cell transplant, to successfully treat a group of leukemia and pre-leukemia patients for whom there previously had been no other curative treatment options. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105121048.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105143706.htm A strategy that combines gene therapy with blood stem cell therapy may be a useful tool for treating a fatal brain disease, French researchers have found. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105143706.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105132450.htm A gene associated with longevity in roundworms and humans has been shown to affect the function of stem cells that generate new neurons in the adult brain, according to researchers. The study in mice suggests that the gene may play an important role in maintaining cognitive function during aging. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105132450.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104191823.htm Scientists in Belgium have successfully differentiated human embryonic stem cells (hESC) into major cell types of lung epithelial tissue using a convenient air-liquid interface. The technique could provide an alternative to lung transplants for patients with lung injury due to chronic pulmonary disease and inherited genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104191823.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091031002506.htm Targeted immunotherapy has been an attractive new therapeutic area for a number of cancers because it has the potential to destroy tumor cells without damaging surrounding normal tissue. New study results demonstrate high success rates using specialized white blood cells to prevent or treat lymphoma associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV-lymphoma) in patients who have received a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091031002506.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102204425.htm Stem cells isolated from the brain of adult mice (adult neural stem cells [aNSCs]) have shown very modest therapeutic effects in a mouse model of the chronic inflammatory neurodegenerative disease multiple sclerosis. But now, researchers have developed an approach to enhance the therapeutic effects of aNSCs in this model of multiple sclerosis, something that they hope might increase the chance that aNSC-based therapies might one day be developed for clinical use. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102204425.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029102430.htm Trophoblast stem cells, found in the layer of peripheral embryonic stem cells from which the placenta is formed, are thought to exhibit "immune privilege" that aids cell survivability and is potentially beneficial for cell and gene therapies. Survivability of TSCs has been thought to require the presence of ovarian hormones. This study, however, demonstrates that it is the absence of male hormones, rather than the presence of female hormones, that allows extended transplanted cell survivability. Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029102430.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028162629.htm Researchers have shown that adult stem cells from bone marrow can prevent acute lung injury in a mouse model of the disease. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028162629.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028142225.htm Human embryonic stem cells derived from excess IVF embryos may help scientists unlock the mysteries of infertility for other couples struggling to conceive, according to new research. Researchers at the school have devised a way to efficiently coax the cells to become human germ cells -- the precursors of egg and sperm cells -- in the laboratory. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028142225.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027085308.htm Scientists report having used a commercially available drug to successfully "rescue" animal brain cells that they had intentionally damaged by manipulating a newly discovered gene that links susceptibility genes for schizophrenia and autism. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027085308.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091023102314.htm A new study found that chronic alcohol consumption reduces the number of new brain cells that form in the hippocampus of adolescent rhesus monkeys. This finding suggests these cells are vulnerable to alcohol and their presence may be essential for preventing alcohol dependence. Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091023102314.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015171451.htm Several cell-based therapy approaches could provide new treatments for patients with Alport syndrome, according to a new study. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015171451.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022202713.htm Scientists have overcome a key barrier to the clinical use of stem cells with a technique which transforms regular body cells into artificial stem cells without the need for introducing foreign genetic materials, which could be potentially harmful. The research suggests that cells taken from a patient's eye can be "reprogrammed" to replace or restore cells lost to degenerative diseases. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022202713.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022115618.htm Adult stem cells tested for defects before being implanted in the injured spinal cords of mice helped the animals recover with no cancerous side effects, according to new research. In recent years, scientists found that some experimental stem cell therapies can cause cancerous tumors. Pre-screened cells could result in potentially life- saving treatments without such side effects. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022115618.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817190640.htm Microscopic magnetic particles have been used to bring stem cells to sites of cardiovascular injury in a new method designed to increase the capacity of cells to repair damaged tissue, scientists have announced. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817190640.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021100747.htm Damaged knee joints might one day be repaired with cartilage grown from stem cells in a laboratory. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021100747.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021014533.htm Researchers have developed a new method for identifying retinal precursor cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (those from embryonic tissue) and induced pluripotent stem cells (those from adult skin cells). These precursor cells represent the earliest stages of retinal development. The new method results in a greater yield of retinal cells from stem cells and could be used to better understand disease processes and realize effective treatments for eye disorders. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021014533.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015171453.htm A new study demonstrates that loss of the tumor-suppressor protein p53, coupled with elimination of the DNA-maintenance protein ATR, severely disrupts tissue maintenance in mice. As a result, tissues deteriorate rapidly, which is generally fatal in these animals. In addition, the study provides supportive evidence for the use of inhibitors of ATR in cancer therapy. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015171453.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013105817.htm Scientists report that they have identified the first genetic mechanism that determines the regional identity of progenitors tasked with generating the cerebral cortex. Their discovery reveals a critical period during which a LIM homeodomain transcription factor known as Lhx2 decides over the progenitors' regional destiny: Once the window of opportunity closes, their fate is sealed. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013105817.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020111616.htm Scientists have for the first time produced liver cells from adult skin cells using the induced pluripotent stem cell technology. The study paves the way for the creation of a stem cell library that can be used for in vitro hepatic disease models. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020111616.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091018141601.htm Applying a small mechanical force to embryonic stem cells could be a new way of coaxing them into a specific direction of differentiation, researchers report. Applications for force-directed cell differentiation include therapeutic cloning and regenerative medicine. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091018141601.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091018141615.htm Scientists have developed a method that dramatically improves the efficiency of creating stem cells from human adult tissue, without the use of embryonic cells. The research makes great strides in addressing a major practical challenge in the development of stem-cell-based medicine. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091018141615.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015123550.htm Researchers describe how a protein called Id3 coaxes blood progenitor cells in the thymus into becoming gamma-delta T cells. Gamma-delta T cells represent only 5 percent of T cells, yet researchers believe that they have a remarkable effect on human health, possessing functions of both adaptive and innate immunity. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015123550.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016121825.htm The skin's pigment cells can be formed from completely different cells than has hitherto been thought, a new study from Sweden shows. The results also mean the discovery of a new kind of stem cell. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016121825.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014130702.htm Although the human genome sequence faithfully lists (almost) every single DNA base of the roughly 3 billion bases that make up a human genome, it doesn't tell biologists much about how its function is regulated. Now, researchers provide the first detailed map of the human epigenome, the layer of genetic control beyond the regulation inherent in the sequence of the genes themselves. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014130702.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013105824.htm In findings that may help explain why patients with colitis have up to a 30-fold risk of developing colon cancer compared with people without the disease, researchers reveal that inflamed but noncancerous colon tissue taken from human patients transformed into tumors in mice. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013105824.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009204037.htm A combination of bioengineering and medical research has led to a new discovery that could pave the way for more effective treatments for liver disease. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009204037.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091011184432.htm By mimicking the way embryonic stem cells develop into heart muscle in a lab, bioengineers believe they have taken an important first step toward growing a living "heart patch" to repair heart tissue damaged by disease. Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091011184432.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005161120.htm Engineers have boosted stem cells' ability to regenerate vascular tissue (such as blood vessels) by equipping them with genes that produce extra growth factors (naturally occurring compounds that stimulate tissue growth). In a study in mice, the researchers found that the stem cells successfully generated blood vessels near the site of an injury, allowing damaged tissue to survive. Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005161120.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008151715.htm A team of researchers has made a major advance toward producing induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells, that are safe enough to use in treating diseases in patients. Sat, 10 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008151715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007124721.htm Researchers have engineered more viable heart repair patches from mixed stem cells. The patches beat spontaneously, can be electronically paced and have pre-formed blood vessels that connect to a rodent's heart circulation. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007124721.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008172003.htm Scientists have successfully produced liver cells from patients' skin cells opening the possibility of treating a wide range of diseases that affect liver function. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008172003.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007223724.htm A new study reveals the potential for human stem cells to provide a vaccination against colon cancer. This discovery builds upon a century old theory that immunizing with embryonic materials may generate an anti-tumour response. However, this theory has never before been advanced beyond animal research so the discovery that human stem cells are able to immunize against colon cancer is both new and unexpected. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007223724.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006134829.htm A new chemotherapy cocktail cuts the spread of breast cancer by half and is the first drug to attack metastasizing breast cancer. The disease becomes fatal when it travels outside the mammary ducts, enters the bloodstream and spreads to the bones, liver or brain. Currently, there are only drugs that try to stem the uncontrolled division of cancer cells within the ducts. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006134829.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006134816.htm Scientists have created a viable technology to improve the detection of leukemia cells in bone marrow. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006134816.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006102635.htm During cell division, whether hematopoietic stem cells will develop into new stem cells or differentiate into other blood cells depends on a chemical process called DNA methylation. Researchers showed that DNA methylation also plays a crucial role for cancer stem cells. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006102635.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091004141221.htm A new study suggests that a single gene, called GSK-3, controls the signals that determine how many neurons actually end up composing the brain. This has important implications for patients with neuropsychiatric illness, as links have recently been drawn between GSK-3 and schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091004141221.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002093757.htm A derivative of cholesterol is necessary for the formation of brain cells, according to a new study. The results can help scientists to cultivate dopamine-producing cells outside the body. Sun, 04 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002093757.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001163611.htm A new study reports that transplanted pigment-containing visual cells derived from human embryonic stem cells successfully preserved structure and function of the specialized light-sensitive lining of the eye (known as the retina) in an animal model of retinal degeneration. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001163611.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924093555.htm For years, health conscious people have been taking antioxidants to reduce the levels of reactive oxygen in their blood and prevent the DNA damage done by free radicals, which are the result of oxidative stress. But could excessive use of antioxidants deplete our immune systems? Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924093555.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921134821.htm Chemists used to explain combustion as the release of a mysterious substance, which they named "phlogiston." Only when it came to pinning down the distinctive physical properties of phlogiston did it become clear that no such thing exists. Now one expert argues that the idea of stem cells is running into similar troubles as investigators try to pin it down to a set of distinctive molecular characteristics. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921134821.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001163717.htm Umbilical cord blood cells can successfully be reprogrammed to function like embryonic stem cells, setting the basis for the creation of a comprehensive bank of tissue-matched, cord blood-derived induced pluripotent stem cells for off-the-shelf applications, researchers report. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001163717.htm