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 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:05:01 EDT Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:05:01 EDT 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/2009/07/090708132807.htm Scientists have identified a gene that is essential for embryonic stem cells to maintain their all-purpose, pluripotent state. Exploiting the finding may lead to a greater understanding of how cells acquire their specialized states and provide a strategy to efficiently reprogram mature cells back into the pluripotent state, an elusive step in stem cell research but one crucial to a range of potential clinical treatments. Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708132807.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706112900.htm Medical researchers have developed the first leukemia therapy that targets a protein, CD123, on the surface of cancer stem cells that drive acute myeloid leukemia, which is an aggressive disease with a poor outcome. Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706112900.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090709140810.htm In a new study that could transform embryonic stem cell (ES cell) research, scientists have discovered why mouse ES cells can be easily grown in a laboratory while other mammalian ES cells are difficult, if not impossible, to maintain. Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090709140810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708073843.htm Researchers have created human sperm from embryonic stem cells. The embryonic stem cells were cultured in a new medium containing vitamin A derivative (retinoic acid), using a new technique. Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708073843.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707131824.htm Researchers have succeeded for the first time in reprogramming clearly defined adult cells into pluripotent stem cells -- directly and without viruses. Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707131824.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090626141227.htm Scientists have revealed how the BAM protein affects germline stem cell differentiation and how it is involved in regulating the quality of stem cells through intercellular competition. Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090626141227.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090626141229.htm Understanding the molecular signals that guide early cells in the embryo to develop into different organs provides insight into ways that tissues regenerate and how stem cells can be used for new therapies. Researchers have investigated a trio of cell-signaling pathways that work simultaneously, converging to direct pancreas and liver progenitor cells to mature into their final state. Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090626141229.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625141456.htm Researchers sort out the controversy and promise around a dangerous subtype of cancer cells, known as cancer stem cells, which seem capable of resisting many modern treatments. Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625141456.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090705131812.htm Researchers have discovered a key switch that makes stem cells turn into the type of muscle cells that reside in the wall of blood vessels. The same switch might be used in the future to limit growth of vascular muscle cells that cause narrowing of arteries leading to heart attacks and strokes, limit formation of blood vessels that feed cancers or make new blood vessels for organs that are not getting enough blood flow. Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090705131812.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629081449.htm Researchers have found the first evidence that a process of inactivating the X chromosome during embryo development and implantation, which was known to occur in mice but unknown in humans, does, in fact, take place in human female embryos prior to implantation in the womb. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629081449.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702132818.htm New research describes a molecular tool that shows great promise as a therapeutic for human acute myeloid leukemia, a notoriously treatment-resistant blood cancer. The study describes exciting preclinical studies in which a new therapeutic approach selectively attacks human cancer cells grown in the lab and in animal models of leukemia. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702132818.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702112230.htm Researchers have found that embryonic stem cells and skin cells reprogrammed into embryonic-like cells have inherent molecular differences, demonstrating for the first time that the two cell types are clearly distinguishable from one another. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702112230.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701131311.htm A molecule called telomerase, best known for enabling unlimited cell division of stem cells and cancer cells, has a surprising additional role in the expression of genes in an important stem cell regulatory pathway. The unexpected finding may lead to new anticancer therapies and a greater understanding of how adult and embryonic stem cells divide and specialize. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701131311.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701160557.htm A human growth factor that stimulates blood stem cells to proliferate in bone marrow reverses memory impairment in mice genetically altered to develop Alzheimer's disease, a new study finds. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701160557.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617080406.htm Scientists have discovered a new protein in the inner membrane of the cell nucleus. This protein may play an important role in cell division and now provides a new piece of the puzzle to study in cancer research. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617080406.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702132823.htm More than 40 scientists, bioethicists, lawyers and science journal editors are calling on their colleagues, policy makers and the public to begin developing guidelines for the research and reproductive use of stem cell-derived eggs and sperm, even though such use may be a decade or more away. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702132823.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701122714.htm Two separate studies on cardiac repair by cell transplantation have found, respectively, that the best way to deliver autologous bone-marrow mononuclear cells to the heart following a myocardial infarction was via the anterograde intracoronary vein and that bone marrow cell transplants for limb ischemia induced angiogenesis in patients failing therapy and facing amputation. The first study found higher cell retention; the second demonstrated an alternative to amputation. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701122714.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629165641.htm In a new mouse study, researchers showed that heart function improves after heart attack when subjects are given therapy with bone marrow (BM)-derived stem cells and bone marrow stem cell extract. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629165641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630091033.htm Neural stem cells represent the cellular backup of our brain. These cells are capable of self-renewal to form new stem cells or differentiate into neurons, astrocytes or oligodendrocytes. The receptors of the Notch family play a significant role in this process. So far, only stimulating extracellular ligands of Notch receptors had been described. Biochemists now describe a long time assumed but not yet identified soluble Notch inhibitor. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630091033.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625141508.htm Scientists have developed the ability to take regular cells from a pig's connective tissues, known as fibroblasts, and transform them into stem cells, eliminating several of the hurdles associated with stem cell research. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625141508.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625085340.htm Scientists have overturned previous research that identified critical genes for making muscle stem cells. It turns out that the genes that make muscle stem cells in the embryo are surprisingly not needed in adult muscle stem cells to regenerate muscles after injury. The finding challenges the current course of research into muscular dystrophy, muscle injury and regenerative medicine; it also favors using age-matched stem cells for therapy. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625085340.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616103323.htm Researchers, on a quest to find lung cancer stem cells, have developed a unique model to allow further investigation into the cells that many believe may be at the root of all lung cancers. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616103323.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623091119.htm Scientists have revealed a new avenue for harvesting stem cells -- from a woman's placenta, or more specifically the discarded placentas of healthy newborns. The study also finds there are far more stem cells in placentas than in umbilical cord blood, and they can be safely extracted for transplantation. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623091119.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090622112802.htm In the fruit fly's developing brain, stem cells called neuroblasts normally divide to create one self-renewing neuroblast and one cell that has a different fate. But neuroblast growth can sometimes spin out of control and become a brain tumor. Researchers have found a tumor-suppressing protein in the fly's brain, with a counterpart in mammals, that can apparently prevent brain tumors from forming. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090622112802.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090604095125.htm Researchers have created a line of embryonic-like stem cells from adult pigs. As pigs are large animals with a physiology very similar to humans, this work provides a valuable model to study the clinical potential of this new "induced pluripotent stem cell" technology. Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090604095125.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090618124942.htm Researchers have successfully edited the genome of human- induced pluripotent stem cells, making possible the future development of patient-specific stem cell therapies. They altered a gene responsible for causing the rare blood disease paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, or PNH, establishing for the first time a useful system to learn more about the disease. Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090618124942.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090609215941.htm An analysis of previous studies indicates that allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT -- stem cells from a compatible donor) is associated with significant overall and relapse-free survival benefit among adult patients with intermediate- and poor-risk but not good-risk acute myeloid leukemia in first complete remission, compared with nonallogeneic SCT therapies. Fri, 19 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090609215941.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617201802.htm Human tissues normally discarded after surgical procedures could be a rich additional source of stem cells for regenerative medicine. New research shows for the first time that human fallopian tubes are abundant in mesenchymal stem cells which have the potential of becoming a variety of cell types. Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617201802.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611174054.htm Advanced Cell Technology and its collaborators at OHSU report the long-term safety and efficacy of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived retinal pigment epithelium produced under manufacturing conditions suitable for human clinical trials. The research shows long-term functional rescue using hESC-derived cells in both the RCS rat and Elov14 mouse, animal models of retinal degeneration and Stargardt disease, respectively. Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611174054.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611120734.htm Those pesky graying hairs that tend to crop up with age really are signs of stress, reveals a new report. Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611120734.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610133455.htm Seeking ways to improve blood recovery after chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant, researchers have discovered that fat cells, which accumulate in bone marrow as people age, inhibit the marrow's ability to produce new blood cells. Their study suggests that blocking this fatty infiltration could help enhance patients' recovery after transplant. Mon, 15 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610133455.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090606110445.htm The development of blood from stem cell to fully formed blood cell follows a genetically determined program. When it works properly, blood formation stops when it reaches maturity. But when it doesn't, genetic mutations can prevent the stop signal and cause the developing cells to turn cancerous. Now scientists show for the first time that a misreading of the blood cells' histone code is responsible for acute myeloid leukemia, a rare form of the deadly blood cancer. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090606110445.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090605091858.htm How can stem cells be used in regenerative medicine? In what way might they lead to certain cancers? Stem cell research is a major challenge for medicine. Recently, asymmetric cell division was filmed in vivo in fruit fly germinal stem cells for the first time. Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090605091858.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090607153256.htm Scientists have developed a new approach to treating leukemia, one that targets leukemia-proliferating cells with drugs that are already on the market. The research team identified a gene involved with the inflammatory response that could hold the key to treating or even preventing chronic myeloid leukemia, a lethal cancer. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090607153256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601140930.htm Stem cell researchers have shown that a protein that keeps embryonic stem cells in their stem-like state, called LIN28, is also important in cancer. It offers a new target to attack, especially in resistant and hard-to-treat cases. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601140930.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090605082956.htm When a soldier is wounded during combat, surgeons must focus on reducing infection and reconstructing damaged bone and tissues. Technologies that could improve the repair and regeneration processes are being developed in research laboratories across the country, but they are not being moved quickly enough into military trauma centers. Organizers of the recently established Georgia Tech Center for Advanced Bioengineering for Soldier Survivability want to change that. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090605082956.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601211427.htm A gene well known to stop or suppress cancer plays a role in cancer stem cells, according to a new study. The researchers found that several pathways linked to the gene, called PTEN, also affected the growth of breast cancer stem cells. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601211427.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090604124025.htm Scientists have discovered a powerful new way to stimulate muscle regeneration, paving the way for new treatments for debilitating conditions such as muscular dystrophy. The research shows for the first time that a protein called Wnt7a increases the number of stem cells in muscle tissue, leading to accelerated growth and repair of skeletal muscle. Sun, 07 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090604124025.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601182658.htm Linking genetic material microRNAs with cells that regulate the immune system could one day lead to new therapies for treating cancer, infections and autoimmune diseases, according to a new study. Sun, 07 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601182658.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601121706.htm Scientists have found that a deficiency in a key tumor suppressor gene in the brain leads to the most common type of adult brain cancer. The study, conducted in mice that mimic human cancer, points the way to more effective future treatments and a way to screen for the disease early. Sat, 06 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601121706.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090605081151.htm In a world-first breakthrough, medical researchers have used stem cells cultured on a simple contact lens to restore sight to sufferers of blinding corneal disease. Sight was significantly improved within weeks of the procedure, which is simple, inexpensive and requires a minimal hospital stay. Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090605081151.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090604144336.htm More than one kind of stem cell is required to support the upkeep and repair of the lungs, according to a new study. Scientists painstakingly followed and counted genetically labeled cells in the mouse lung for over a year, under differing conditions, to learn more about natural renewal and healing processes. This information may shed light on what goes wrong in conditions like lung cancer, chronic bronchitis and asthma. Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090604144336.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090602192557.htm Scientists have managed to induce cells from pigs to transform into pluripotent stem cells -- cells that, like embryonic stem cells, are capable of developing into any type of cell in the body. It is the first time that this has been achieved using somatic cells (cells that are not sperm or egg cells) from any animal with hooves (known as ungulates). Wed, 03 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090602192557.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090528120651.htm Researchers have demonstrated for the first time that injecting adult bone marrow stem cells into skeletal muscle can repair cardiac tissue, reversing heart failure. Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090528120651.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090531141321.htm Scientists have catapulted the field of regenerative medicine significantly forward, proving in principle that a human genetic disease can be cured using a combination of gene therapy and induced pluripotent stem cell technology. The study is a major milestone on the path from the laboratory to the clinic. Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090531141321.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090526140856.htm Stem cells that respond after a severe injury in the lungs of mice may be a source of rapidly dividing cells that lead to lung cancer, according to a new research. Fri, 29 May 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090526140856.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090526094616.htm Scientists are carrying out clinical tests with patients who have suffered from a severe heart attack. With the implantation of the patient’s stem cells, the heart regenerates thus improving its wall motion, that is, its cardiac performance. Fri, 29 May 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090526094616.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090526152713.htm Researchers have discovered a new therapy that shows potential to treat people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a fatal disease and the most common form of muscular dystrophy in children. Wed, 27 May 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090526152713.htm