Category Archives: Stem Cell Research

Stem Cell Sound Bites: Generating Red Blood Cells Visit: http://www.uctv.tv/) William Kim of UCLA gives a one minute "elevator pitch" about his CIRM-funded stem cell research. William makes a connection bet... By: University of California Television (UCTV) … Continue reading →

Understanding stem cell research: Students' First Debate on the (fictional) Stem Cell Bill Durham CELLS (Centre for Ethics and Law in the Life Sciences) with the support of the Wellcome Trust organised a post-16 student debate on a fictional Stem C... By: DurhamUniversity … Continue reading →

Understanding Stem Cell Research: Our stem cell future? Durham CELLS (Centre for Ethics and Law in the Life Sciences) with the support of the Wellcome Trust organised activities to prepare post-16 students for a m... By: DurhamUniversity … Continue reading →

STEPHEN HAWKING SPECIALS We are paying homage to Stephen Hawkings we will be airing everything from his biography to stem cell research. Stay tuned for more of our favourite scientist. Subscribe: youtube.com/user/yourdisc... By: Your Discovery Science … Continue reading →

Scientists using cell culture for drug discovery, toxicology, stem cell biology, and basic research realize the critical importance of 3-dimensional (3D) models. Data from cells cultured in a nonphysiologic, monolayer format on plastic surfaces has long been suspected to differ from true in vivo physiology, and evidence supporting how this difference is slowing the pace of scientific discovery is mounting. Much of a candidate drugs early discovery and screening is performed using 2-dimensional (2D) cell monolayers that clearly do not recapitulate the 3D complexity seen within the human body. The most cost effective solution is to obtain better targets and initial toxicological results using relevant cell culture models. In the past, there were few affordable, reliable choices for 3D culture and almost none that were amenable to high throughput screening. Spheroids, self-assembled microscale cell aggregates, are superior models of avascular in vivo microtumors. Using hanging drop plate (HDP) technology, a drop of cell suspension is pipetted into the top of each well. The cell suspension forms a stable drop below where the cells aggregate into spheroids. Continue reading here: Automated Cell Dispensing And Image-Based Spheroid Formation Tracking … Continue reading →

Scientists have succeeded in producing cartilage formed from embryonic stem cells that could in future be used to treat the painful joint condition osteoarthritis. In research funded by Arthritis Research UK, Professor Sue Kimber and her team in the Faculty of Life Sciences at The University of Manchester has developed a protocol under strict laboratory conditions to grow and transform embryonic stem cells into cartilage cells (also known as chondrocytes). Professor Kimber said: This work represents an important step forward in treating cartilage damage by using embryonic stem cells to form new tissue, although its still in its early experimental stages. Their research was published in Stem Cells Translational Medicine. During the study, the team analysed the ability of embryonic stems cells to become precursor cartilage cells. They were then implanted into cartilage defects in the knee joints of rats. After four weeks cartilage was partially repaired and following 12 weeks a smooth surface, which appeared similar to normal cartilage, was observed. Further study of this newly regenerated cartilage showed that cartilage cells from embryonic stem cells were still present and active within the tissue. Developing and testing this protocol in rats is the first step in generating the information … Continue reading →

Health and Medicine for Seniors Human stem cells restore cognitive function after chemotherapy damage First solid evidence that transplantation of human neural stem cells can reverse chemo induced damage of healthy tissue in the brain Feb. 16, 2015 - Human nerve system stem cell treatments are showing promise for reversing learning and memory deficits after chemotherapy, according to UC Irvine researchers. In preclinical studies using rodents, they found that adult stem cells transplanted one week after the completion of a series of chemotherapy sessions restored a range of cognitive functions, as measured one month later using a comprehensive platform of behavioral testing. In contrast, rats not treated with stem cells showed significant learning and memory impairment. The frequent use of chemotherapy to combat multiple cancers can produce severe cognitive dysfunction, often referred to as "chemobrain," which can persist and manifest in many ways long after the end of treatments in as many as 75 percent of survivors - a problem of particular concern with pediatric patients. "Our findings provide the first solid evidence that transplantation of human neural stem cells can be used to reverse chemotherapeutic-induced damage of healthy tissue in the brain," said Charles Limoli, a UCI professor of … Continue reading →

Albany, NewYork (PRWEB) February 27, 2015 ResearchMoz has announced the addition of a recent study that presents the analysis of the cell culture protein surface coating market across the globe. The research report discusses the current scenario and development prospects of the global cell culture protein surface coating industry for the period of 2015 to 2019. Read Complete Report With TOC @ http://www.researchmoz.us/global-cell-culture-protein-surface-coating-market-2015-2019-report.html The research report, titled Global Cell Culture Protein Surface Coating Market, offers an analytical study, providing an in-depth assessment of the industry based on market trends, growth drivers as well as challenges. This is done taking various segments of the market into consideration. The report also forecasts that the worldwide cell culture protein surface coating industry will expand at a CAGR of 12.91% during the forecast period of 2014 to 2019. Cell culture protein surface coating is defined as the coating process wherein cell culture surfaces are covered with extra-cellular matrix elements or with protein to improve in-vitro linkage and propagation in the cells. The various kinds of proteins that are available in our surroundings are synthetic proteins, human-derived proteins, plant-derived proteins, and animal-derived proteins. Fibronectin, collagen, laminin, osteopontin, and vitronectin are some of the proteins that … Continue reading →

The Yale Stem Cell Center (YSCC), under the direction of biologist Haifan Lin, has announced a new generous grant of $1.86 million from the Li Ka Shing Foundation (LKSF), founded by Hong Kong businessman Li Ka-shing, to support education and healthcare initiatives. The contribution builds on a 2011 grant of $1.56 million to secure state-of-the-art equipment for stem cell research at Yale and includes new funding that will strengthen collaborations between Yale and Chinas Shantou University. One of the fastest growing areas of biomedical science, stem cell research demands the very latest instrumentation and training. Since 2006, Lin has developed the Yale Stem Cell Center as both an incubator for scientific discovery and a training ground for new investigators. The Yale Stem Cell Center offers a platform where both scientists and clinicians can ask important questions about stem cells and human health, Lin said. Continuing support from the Li Ka Shing Foundation will allow us to accelerate the pace and broaden the scope of our work. Mr. Li said, Training side-by-side with leading scientists in stem cell research will be a transformative experience for the students and faculty at Shantou University Medical College, and I want to express my heart-felt … Continue reading →

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute TAMPA, Fla. - Glioblastomas are a highly aggressive type of brain tumor, with few effective treatment options. Moffitt Cancer Center researchers are one step closer to understanding glioblastoma development following the identification of a key protein signaling pathway involved in brain tumor stem cell growth and survival. Brain tumor stem cells are believed to play an important role in glioblastoma development and may be possible therapeutic targets. The neurotrophin protein pathway controls nerve growth, survival and specialization. In an article published in the Feb. 6 issue of The Journal of Biological Chemistry, Moffitt researchers reported that the neurotrophin pathway is also involved in the survival and growth of brain tumor stem cells. The stem cells have high levels of neurotrophin receptors called TrkB and TrkC. Cellular signals from normal brain cells can activate TrkB and TrkC on the stem cells and stimulate cell growth. And when scientists inhibited TrkB and TrkC, they found decreased stem cell survival. This suggests that TrkB and TrkC may be possible drug targets for stem cells in gliomas and glioblastomas. "This work might be a first step in developing new treatment approaches targeting brain tumor stem cells. … Continue reading →