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 Sat, 26 May 2012 14:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 14:05:01 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/2012/05/120524123017.htm An anti-psychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia appears to get rid of cancer stem cells by helping them differentiate into less threatening cell types. The discovery comes after researchers screened hundreds of compounds in search of those that would selectively inhibit human cancer stem cells, and it may lead rather swiftly to a clinical trial. Thu, 24 May 2012 12:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123017.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524092220.htm A new technique that converts stem cells into brain cells has just been developed. The method is simpler, quicker and safer than previous research has shown and opens the doors to a shorter route to clinical cell transplants. Thu, 24 May 2012 09:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524092220.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524092046.htm Stem cells are essential building blocks for all organisms, from plants to humans. They can divide and renew themselves throughout life, differentiating into the specialized tissues needed during development, as well as cells necessary to repair adult tissue. Therefore, they can be considered immortal, in that they recreate themselves and regenerate tissues throughout a person’s lifetime, but that doesn’t mean they don’t age. They do, gradually losing their ability to effectively maintain tissues and organs. Now, researchers have uncovered a series of biological events that implicate the stem cells' surroundings, known as their "niche," as the culprit in loss of stem cells due to aging. This research has implications for treatment of age-related diseases and for the effectiveness of regenerative medicine. Thu, 24 May 2012 09:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524092046.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523145739.htm Researchers have demonstrated that a special surface, free of biological contaminants, allows adult-derived stem cells to thrive and transform into multiple cell types. Their success brings stem cell therapies another step closer. Wed, 23 May 2012 14:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523145739.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522084524.htm Researchers have achieved, for the first time, the generation of neuronal cells from stem cells of Fragile X patients. The discovery paves the way for research that will examine restoration of normal gene expression in Fragile X patients. Tue, 22 May 2012 08:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522084524.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521163749.htm Tissue engineers can use mesenchymal stem cells derived from fat to make cartilage, bone, or more fat. The best cells to use are ones that are already likely to become the desired tissue. Researchers have discovered that the mechanical properties of the stem cells can foretell what they will become, leading to a potential method of concentrating them for use in healing. Mon, 21 May 2012 16:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521163749.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521104629.htm A substance in human mesenchymal stem cells that promotes growth appears to spur restoration of nerves and their function in rodent models of multiple sclerosis, researchers have found. Mon, 21 May 2012 10:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521104629.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132250.htm Placental stem cells with important therapeutic properties can be harvested in large quantities from the fetal side of human term placentas (called the chorion). The chorion is a part of the afterbirth and is normally discarded after delivery, but it contains stem cells of fetal origin that appear to be pluripotent -- i.e., they can differentiate into different types of human cells, such as lung, liver, or brain cells. Since these functional placental stem cells can be isolated from either fresh or frozen term human placentas, this implies that if each individual’s placenta is stored at birth instead of thrown away, these cells can be harvested in the future if therapeutic need arises. This potential represents a major breakthrough in the stem cell field. Fri, 18 May 2012 13:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132250.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517132059.htm Scientists have used a new technique to map 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) in DNA from human and mouse embryonic stem cells, revealing new information about their patterns of distribution. These studies have revealed that these DNA modifications play major roles in fundamental life processes such as cell differentiation, cancer and brain function. Thu, 17 May 2012 13:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517132059.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516092712.htm Cell surface protein GD2 blows potent tumor-generating cells’ cover. The first single marker of breast cancer stem cells also is targetable by a drug in preclinical tests. Wed, 16 May 2012 09:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516092712.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515131756.htm New researchers suggests that specific populations of tumor cells have different roles in the process by which tumors make new copies of themselves and grow. Tue, 15 May 2012 13:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515131756.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070307.htm Scientists have identified how skeletal muscle stem cells respond to muscle injury and may be stimulated to improve muscle repair in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a severe inherited disease of muscle that causes weakness, disability and, ultimately, heart and respiratory failure. Tue, 15 May 2012 07:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070307.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514161616.htm Human embryonic stem cells can now be used to grow bone tissue grafts for use in research and potential therapeutic application. The study is the first example of using bone cell progenitors derived from human embryonic stem cells to grow compact bone tissue in quantities large enough to repair centimeter-sized defects. Mon, 14 May 2012 16:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514161616.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511133735.htm Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer where the plasma cells in the bone marrow grow out of control, causing damage to bones as well as predisposing patients to anemia, infection and kidney failure. Unfortunately, multiple myeloma continues to progress even after a transplant. A new study now offers promising news about a new long-term therapy, lenalidomide, that can be used after transplantation to slow down the progression of the disease. Fri, 11 May 2012 13:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511133735.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511104205.htm New research findings show that embryonic stem cells unable to fully compact the DNA inside them cannot complete their primary task: Differentiation into specific cell types that give rise to the various types of tissues and structures in the body. Fri, 11 May 2012 10:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511104205.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510113859.htm A review article that examines what's known about regenerative biology and applies it to regenerative medicine. Perhaps this knowledge could one day be used to regrow lost body parts. Thu, 10 May 2012 11:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510113859.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509154234.htm For the first time, scientists have transplanted brain cancer patients' own gene-modified blood stem cells in order to protect their bone marrow against the toxic side effects of chemotherapy. Initial results of the ongoing, small clinical trial of three patients with glioblastoma showed that two patients survived longer than predicted if they had not been given the transplants, and a third patient remains alive with no disease progression almost three years after treatment. Wed, 09 May 2012 15:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509154234.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504172101.htm Fibroid uterine tumors affect an estimated 15 million women in the United States, causing irregular bleeding, anemia, pain and infertility. Despite the high prevalence of the tumors, the molecular cause has been unknown. Scientists for the first time have identified the molecular trigger of the tumor -- a single stem cell that develops a mutation, starts to grow uncontrollably and activates other cells to join its frenzied expansion. Fri, 04 May 2012 17:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504172101.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504172057.htm Researchers have developed a novel system to measure the communication between stem cell-derived motor neurons and muscle cells in a Petri dish. Fri, 04 May 2012 17:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504172057.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504110554.htm Researchers have effectively treated muscular dystrophy in mice using human stem cells derived from a new process that -- for the first time -- makes the production of human muscle cells from stem cells efficient and effective. Fri, 04 May 2012 11:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504110554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503125808.htm Researchers have rejuvenated aged hematopoietic stem cells to be functionally younger, offering intriguing clues into how medicine might one day fend off some of the ailments of old age. The study brings new perspective to what has been a life science controversy -- countering what used to be broad consensus that the aging of hematopoietic stem cells was locked in by nature and not reversible by therapeutic intervention. Thu, 03 May 2012 12:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503125808.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503125718.htm A team led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute and the University of California (UC) San Diego has discovered a new type of dynamic change in human stem cells. Thu, 03 May 2012 12:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503125718.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503125645.htm Embryonic stem cells are primed to kill themselves if damage to their DNA makes them a threat to the developing embryo. Researchers can reveal how they do it. Thu, 03 May 2012 12:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503125645.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502123426.htm Macrophages play a key role in the immune response. They differ depending on where they are located and which tasks they perform. A scientist at TUM has been investigating whether these different types of cells have the same origin. The study has revealed that there are two distinct macrophage cell lines that continue into adult life and that they have different origins. Wed, 02 May 2012 12:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502123426.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502112711.htm Research by vascular surgeons may offer new hope to sufferers of peripheral artery disease, the cause of nearly 60,000 lower-limb amputations annually, through the use of a patient's own stem cells. Wed, 02 May 2012 11:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502112711.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502092042.htm Researchers are a step closer to launching human clinical trials involving the use of an innovative stem cell therapy to fight the virus that causes AIDS. Wed, 02 May 2012 09:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502092042.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430100208.htm Scientists have evaluated the whole genomic sequence of stem cells derived from human bone marrow cells—so-called induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells—and found that relatively few genetic changes occur during stem cell conversion by an improved method. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430100208.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426174110.htm Scientists have shown the ability to turn scar tissue that forms after a heart attack into heart muscle cells using a new process that eliminates the need for stem cell transplant. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426174110.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426155023.htm In naive embryonic stem cells not all genes are active, as previously thought. Rather these genes are “paused”, ready for action if needed. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426155023.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426143854.htm A new technique will significantly improve scientists' ability to perform epigenetics research and help unlock the door to understanding how cells develop and function. Epigenetics is a branch of genetics that studies modifications to the DNA which affect gene activity. The research has important implications for stem cell research and the development of regenerative medicines. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426143854.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426135240.htm A new study outlines the specifics of how autoimmune disorders can be controlled by infusions of mesenchymal stem cells. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426135240.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426135234.htm Not only will the advance make it easier to produce genetically modified mice, but it may also enable genetic modification of animals that can't be modified by today's means. The technique might ultimately be used in assisted human reproduction for those affected by genetic disease, the researchers suggest. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426135234.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426110255.htm Scientists have gained new insight into the signaling paths that control the body's insulin production. This is important knowledge with respect to their final goal: The conversion of stem cells into insulin-producing beta cells that can be implanted into patients who need them. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426110255.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425140459.htm A new human embryonic stem cell line has just been placed on the US National Institutes of Health's registry, making the cells available for federally funded research. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425140459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425140355.htm Stem cell researchers at UCLA have identified new components of the genetic pathway that controls the adhesive properties and proliferation of neural stem cells and the formation of neurons. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425140355.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424205139.htm A single gene that promotes initial development of the most common form of lung cancer and its lethal metastases has been identified. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424205139.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424162216.htm Sibling growth factors cooperate to maintain a pool of neuron-generating stem cells in the brain, according to a new study. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424162216.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424095653.htm Although people generally talk about “cancer”, it is clear that the disease occurs in a bewildering variety of forms.  Even single groups of cancers, such as those of the white blood cells, may show widely differing properties.  How do the various cancers arise and what factors determine their progression?  Clues to these two issues, at least for leukemias, have now been provided. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424095653.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423162355.htm A student may have found the key to keep fat cells from forming. He believes he has identified the trigger that turns a stem cell into a fat cell. Located on the surface of cells, the trigger, a protein called endoglin, regulates what type of cell an existing stem cell will become. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423162355.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423104743.htm Researchers have identified two distinguishable groups of genes: those that produce very abundant biochemical products in the cell and function properly in the majority of biological processes, and a flexible subset that might have abnormal function in a disease. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423104743.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120422134800.htm Researchers have identified a molecular pathway that controls the retention and release of the brain’s stem cells. The discovery offers new insights into normal and abnormal neurologic development and could eventually lead to regenerative therapies for neurologic disease and injury. Sun, 22 Apr 2012 13:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120422134800.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120420110021.htm Could engineered human stem cells hold the key to cancer survival? Scientists have discovered that neural stem cells possess the innate ability to target tumor cells outside the central nervous system. This finding was demonstrated successfully on breast cancer cells. Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120420110021.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120420105940.htm Researchers have discovered a new stem cell in the adult brain. These cells can proliferate and form several different cell types -- most importantly, they can form new brain cells. Scientists hope to take advantage of the finding to develop methods to heal and repair disease and injury in the brain. Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120420105940.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418135140.htm Luminal-like breast cancer cells with no detectable stem cell qualities can generate larger tumors than their basal-like counterparts. This contradicts prevailing beliefs and could impact future breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418135140.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418135043.htm Scientists have shown for the first time that transplanting light-sensitive photoreceptors into the eyes of visually impaired mice can restore their vision. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418135043.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418135037.htm Scientists have announced a medical breakthrough that one day may help doctors restore hearts damaged by heart attacks -- by converting scar-forming cardiac cells into beating heart muscle. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418135037.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418095011.htm Scientists have demonstrated “functional hair regeneration from adult stem cells.” This is a substantial advance in the development of next-generation of “organ replacement regenerative therapies.” Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418095011.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416130408.htm Researchers have found that lack of a specific gene can interrupt neural tube closure. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416130408.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416125318.htm Two particular repressor genes in a family of regulatory genes are vital for controlling cell proliferation during development of the placenta. Their absence in stem cells results in a placenta made up of overcrowded and poorly organized cells that cannot properly transport oxygen and nutrients or support normal embryonic development. The study show how these genes control cell proliferation in living animals. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416125318.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120412182253.htm Expanding on previous research providing proof-of-principle that human stem cells can be genetically engineered into HIV-fighting cells, a team of researchers have now demonstrated that these cells can actually attack HIV-infected cells in a living organism. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120412182253.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120412105828.htm In spite of considerable research efforts around the world, we still do not know the determining factors that confer stem cells their main particular features: capacity to self-renew and to divide and proliferate. Scientists now ask if perhaps we have the wrong approach. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120412105828.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411132051.htm A vast majority of cells in the brain are glial, yet our understanding of how they are generated, a process called gliogenesis, has remained enigmatic. Researchers have now identified a novel transcripitonal cascade that controls these formative stages of gliogenesis and answered the longstanding question of how glial cells are generated from neural stem cells. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411132051.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411102833.htm Scientists have developed a road map that could help guide researchers, stem cell product manufacturers, treating physicians and patients through the complex maze of imagining, creating and developing stem cell products and using them to treat disease. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411102833.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411102434.htm A clinical trial is evaluating the use of stem cells from the pelvic bone marrow to improve heart function. Patients’ own stem cells may preserve heart muscle function after a heart attack. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411102434.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411084044.htm Until recently, the production of pluripotent "multipurpose" stem cells from skin cells was considered to be the ultimate new development. In the meantime, it has become possible to directly convert cells of the body into one another -- without the time-consuming detour via a pluripotent intermediate stage. However, this method has so far been rather inefficient. Scientists have now developed the method to the point that it can be used for biomedical applications. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411084044.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405224849.htm Researchers have developed a unique new technique for growing stem cells that may make possible cost-effective, large-scale stem cell manufacturing and research. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405224849.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405131630.htm Researchers have derived a population of pure lung and thyroid progenitor cells in vitro that successfully mimic the developmental milestones of lung and thyroid tissue formation. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405131630.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405131427.htm Researchers show in detail how three genes within human embryonic stem cells regulate development, a finding that increases understanding of how to grow these cells for therapeutic purposes. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405131427.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405131423.htm Researchers have generated a new type of human stem cell that can develop into numerous types of specialized cells, including functioning pancreatic beta cells that produce insulin. Called endodermal progenitor cells, the new cells show two important advantages over embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells: they do not form tumors when transplanted into animals, and they can form functional pancreatic beta cells in the laboratory. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405131423.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405131417.htm Researchers have found a way to stop leukemia stem cells in their tracks. The advance in mice suggests that a combination approach to therapy might stamp out chronic myeloid leukemia for good. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405131417.htm