The Secret to Mending a Broken Heart

When someone suffers a heart attack, part of the heart’s muscle cells are deprived of oxygen and die. They become encased in scar tissue. And they don’t come back. A top priority among researchers, therefore, has been finding a way to grownew heart muscle. But the heart is a complex organ, and even as research … Continue reading The Secret to Mending a Broken Heart

Immune System “Double Agent” Fuels Colon Cancer Stem Cells, New Study Finds

Researchers have discovered that a type of cell normally tasked with defending the body against foreign invaders actually spurs the development of colon cancer stem cells. This discovery, published in the journal Immunity, offers new insight into why some forms of cancer come back again and again—even in the face of aggressive treatment. Led by … Continue reading Immune System “Double Agent” Fuels Colon Cancer Stem Cells, New Study Finds

Stem cell stories that caught our eye: heart disease, muscle repair and cloning

Here are some stem cell stories that caught our eye this past week. Some are groundbreaking science, others are of personal interest to us, and still others are just fun. Generating real heart muscle for repair. There was some good news last week on stem cells for heart disease despite the much-covered analysis from the … Continue reading Stem cell stories that caught our eye: heart disease, muscle repair and cloning

How I Became an Artist Ambassador for Regenerative Medicine

I have been collaborating with the Regenerative Medicine Foundation (RMF) since 2010, and I’m often asked how I became involved with them. As we prepare to gather for the RMF’s annual conference in Berkeley, CA next week, I thought this would be a good time to tell you my story, and how my art fits … Continue reading How I Became an Artist Ambassador for Regenerative Medicine

Stem Cell Study Uncovers Clues; Potential Solutions to Male Infertility

One out of every 100 men are unable to produce sperm—making it impossible for them to become biological fathers. Researchers have long wondered whether this infertility is hardwired from birth. But in new research published this week, scientists have found that this may not be the case. In the latest issue of the journal Cell … Continue reading Stem Cell Study Uncovers Clues; Potential Solutions to Male Infertility

The making of a President; why we chose Randy Mills to lead the stem cell agency

New President Randy Mills with a very happy Board Chair Jonathan Thomas In the end, the choice was simple.When we began our search for a new President of the stem cell agency we knew it wouldn’t be easy to find someone with the skills, experience and expertise we needed.We hired a highly regarded executive search … Continue reading The making of a President; why we chose Randy Mills to lead the stem cell agency

Making a Think Tank think again; opening eyes to stem cell research

It’s not often you hear gasps of amazement from an audience, particularly not when that audience is a highly educated, very influential, not-easily-impressed group of people. But a panel presentation at the Milken Global Conference yesterday did just that, by describing the game-changing potential of stem cell therapies.The Milken Global Conference is an extraordinary event … Continue reading Making a Think Tank think again; opening eyes to stem cell research

Scientists Reprogram Mature Blood Cells to Generate Elusive Blood Stem Cells

Image: Derrick Rossi [credit: Boston Children's Hospital] It’s one of regenerative medicine’s most sought-after goals, but also one of the most difficult to reach: figuring out how to produce blood-forming hematopoietic stem cells, or HSCs. But now, researchers at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute at Boston Children’s Hospital have identified a stem cell-based technique that … Continue reading Scientists Reprogram Mature Blood Cells to Generate Elusive Blood Stem Cells

Kids and their parents turn out on mass in nation’s capital to learn about science and engineering

Wow. What a weekend. We don’t have the official numbers yet, but it sure felt like the organizers met their projections of 200,000 plus attendees at the USA Science and Engineering Festival. Exhibitors offering the kids the chance to see or participate in hands-on science filled two entire floors of the Washington convention center. And … Continue reading Kids and their parents turn out on mass in nation’s capital to learn about science and engineering

Genetic Analysis of 115 Year-Old Offers New Hints to the Limits of Human Longevity

New genetic analysis of a 115 year-old 'supercentenerian’ reveals surprising clues as to what really helps people lead a long, healthy life free of disease—and what may be the underlying culprit that eventually helps contribute to their death.Mutations, or ‘errors’ in a person’s genetic code have been linked to many devastating diseases, including blood cancers … Continue reading Genetic Analysis of 115 Year-Old Offers New Hints to the Limits of Human Longevity