In a new approach to the treatment of HIV, researchers have tested transplants of stem cells that fight the virus in mice. The transformed cells effectively integrate into the immune system, and develop into a population of immune cells that are not susceptible to the virus. UC Davis Health System researchers are a step closer… [Continue Reading]
Developments in Stem Cell Research Suggest New Treatments for Cystic Fibrosis
April 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Cystic fibrosis is a devastating disease which is characterized by damage to the lungs, leading to their eventual failure, which is lethal. Using advancements in stem cell biology, researchers have now been able to grow lung tissue in the lab that carries cystic fibrosis gene mutations. The work has suggested new approaches to treat the… [Continue Reading]
New Approach to Generating Neural Stem Cells Using Skin Successful
March 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Convincing a group of cells to take on a certain identity, in order to use them to cure diverse diseases, is a major question in biology, and is a hot topic of research. Researchers have now succeeded in finding a shortcut in changing the identity of skin cells into neural stem cells. They have developed… [Continue Reading]
Stem Cells Effective At Restoring Motor Function in Mouse Models of Huntington’s Disease
March 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A major new breakthrough in Huntington’s disease research has been reported. Using stem cells, scientists have been successful at restoring certain connections in the brains of mouse models of the disease, and restoring motor function. Huntington’s disease, the debilitating congenital neurological disorder that progressively robs patients of muscle coordination and cognitive ability, is a condition… [Continue Reading]
Stem Cells Could Create Corneas for Transplant
March 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Cornea transplants are sometimes required to save patients’ vision, but the waiting list for receiving donated tissue is long. Scientist have now reported the creation of a cornea in the laboratory by culturing stem cells and a damaged cornea as a template. A new cornea may be the only way to prevent a patient going… [Continue Reading]
New Method Invented to Deliver Stem Cells to Damaged Organs
December 28, 2011 By 1 Comment
Stem cells have great therapeutic potential, as they can develop into different tissue types depending on their environment. One difficulty in developing stem cell therapy procedures is how to deliver the cells to the needed location in the body. A new advance in this field has created a system involving attaching tiny magnetic nanoparticles to… [Continue Reading]
Transplanting Neural Stem Cells into Pancreas Could Treat Diabetes
October 11, 2011 By 1 Comment
Transplanting a patient’s own stem cells into the pancreas could create new insulin-producing cells, and potentially be a new treatment for diabetes. Researchers have tested the procedure in rats, and see a significant improvement in insulin production and blood sugar regulation after stem cells from the brain are transplanted into the pancreas. Researchers in Japan… [Continue Reading]
Stem Cells From Uterus Effective in Treating Mouse Models of Diabetes
September 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Researchers have succeeded in treating diabetic mice with a novel technique: converting stem cells isolated from the uterus into pancreatic cells that secrete insulin. The process of converting the cells is complex, but after transplantation, mice showed reduced symptoms of diabetes compared to controls. Controlling diabetes may someday involve mining stem cells from the lining… [Continue Reading]
Advance in Culturing Colon Stem Cells Could Lead to Digestive Tract Regeneration
September 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment
A breakthrough in keeping stem cells isolated from the colon alive in the laboratory is exciting researchers in the field of regenerative medicine. A new study published this week has determined the proper conditions for keeping these cells growing and multiplying in the lab, a key step in the long process to discover how to… [Continue Reading]
Human Amniotic Fluid Efficient Source of Stem Cells
August 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Amniotic fluid contains significant quantities of stem cells, new research shows, which may be useful for therapies for a number of diseases. Although molecularly distinct from embryonic stem cells, amniotic stem cells can also be converted into a number of different adult cell types, which may be useful for future transplant studies. Two papers published… [Continue Reading]