Stem Cells News and Research

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Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth. In addition, in many tissues they serve as a sort of internal repair system, dividing essentially without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential either to remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.

Scientists have induced human insulin-producing cells of the pancreas to revert to islet precursor cells

Scientists at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) have induced human insulin-producing cells of the pancreas to revert to islet precursor cells.

29 Nov 2004

Study finds that stomach cancer originates from bone marrow derived stem cells, rather than from stomach stem cells

A common assumption among cancer specialists is that most cancers originate from tissue stem cells – for example, the gastric stem cells contained in the lining of the stomach.

29 Nov 2004

Stem cells derived from umbilical cords are a viable and effective transplant source for thousands of leukemia patients

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine confirms that stem cells derived from the umbilical cords of newborn babies are a viable and effective transplant source for thousands of leukemia patients who have no other treatment option.

24 Nov 2004

Cord blood registry sees FDA regulation as good for consumers and industry

Beginning in May 2005, cord blood banks must meet new federal safety standards mandated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

24 Nov 2004

Scientists join forces to improve the effectiveness of a drug used to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia

Scientists from Glasgow and Liverpool are joining forces to improve the effectiveness of a drug used to treat a form of leukaemia, chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), which affects 750 people in the UK each year.

24 Nov 2004

New mechanism that contributes to the development of some breast and ovarian cancers

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have discovered a new mechanism of activation of a pathway known to be implicated in many cancers.

23 Nov 2004

New research may lead to new treatments for spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis

For the first time, researchers have used human embryonic stem cells to create new insulating tissue for nerve fibers in a live animal model – a finding that has potentially important implications for treatment of spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis.

23 Nov 2004

Stem cells' repair skills could be link to cancer

Johns Hopkins researchers say there is growing evidence that stem cells gone awry in their efforts to repair tissue damage could help explain why long-term irritation, such as from alcohol or heartburn, can create a breeding ground for certain cancers.

23 Nov 2004

Stem cells can preserve and improve vision in eyes damaged by retinal disease

"These findings hold great promise for potential treatments for people suffering from macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and other retinal diseases," says Michael Young, PhD, an assistant scientist at Schepens Eye Research Institute and the lead author of the study.

18 Nov 2004

Cells from skeletal muscle could be an important source of stem cells for repairing damaged muscle or nerve tissue

A group of cells called skeletal-muscle satellite cells are able to regenerate muscle fibres. Giulio Alessandri (Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy) and colleagues investigated whether these cells can differentiate into different types of mesenchymal cell (the types of cell that eventually form connective tissue, bone, cartilage, and the circulatory and lymphatic systems).

18 Nov 2004

Heart bypass gets new source for replacement blood vessels

The search for a stable, renewable source of blood vessels, especially for potential use in heart bypass surgery, has reached a milestone at the State University of New York at Buffalo.

11 Nov 2004

Stem cell gene linked to a portion of one of the most common childhood brain cancers

Scientists at Johns Hopkins have linked a stem-cell gene to a portion of one of the most common childhood brain cancers, opening the door to tailored therapies that block the gene's tumor-promoting ability.

10 Nov 2004

Scientists have developed a fast and safe method for collecting heart stem cells from small amounts of biopsied heart tissue

In human and animal studies, scientists at Johns Hopkins have developed a fast and safe method for collecting heart stem cells from remarkably small amounts of biopsied heart tissue (15 mg or less), and growing the cells in the lab to get more.

9 Nov 2004

Impaired cognitive and motor function following stem cell transplantation for severe blood disorders can improve

Patients who suffer a loss of cognitive and motor function as a result of stem cell transplantation for severe blood disorders are likely to see those functions return to previous levels after one year, according to a new study in the November 15, 2004, issue of Blood, the official journal of the American Society of Hematology.

8 Nov 2004

Stem Cells News and Research

Further Reading

Scientists have induced human insulin-producing cells of the pancreas to revert to islet precursor cells

Study finds that stomach cancer originates from bone marrow derived stem cells, rather than from stomach stem cells

Stem cells derived from umbilical cords are a viable and effective transplant source for thousands of leukemia patients

Cord blood registry sees FDA regulation as good for consumers and industry

Scientists join forces to improve the effectiveness of a drug used to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia

New mechanism that contributes to the development of some breast and ovarian cancers

New research may lead to new treatments for spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis

Stem cells' repair skills could be link to cancer

Stem cells can preserve and improve vision in eyes damaged by retinal disease

Cells from skeletal muscle could be an important source of stem cells for repairing damaged muscle or nerve tissue

Heart bypass gets new source for replacement blood vessels

Stem cell gene linked to a portion of one of the most common childhood brain cancers

Scientists have developed a fast and safe method for collecting heart stem cells from small amounts of biopsied heart tissue

Impaired cognitive and motor function following stem cell transplantation for severe blood disorders can improve

The first test in humans of a bioartificial kidney

Cellular vehicle delivers drugs directly into cancer cells

Sperm cells grown in laboratory culture

Californians say yes on 71

Peripheral blood transplants from donors may be more harmful than bone marrow transplants in pediatric leukemia patients

Expert panel see hope for stem cell use as diabetes cure

Stem Cells eBook

Sensing a Healthier Future

Achieving and maintaining ISO/IEC 27001 and BS 10012 certifications

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

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