Each individual muscle in our body—no matter how large or how small—is controlled by several types of motor neurons. Damage to one or more types of these neurons can give rise to some of the most devastating motor neuron diseases, many of which have no cure. But now, stem cell scientists at UCLA have manufactured … Continue reading CIRM-Funded Scientists Build a Better Neuron; Gain New Insight into Motor Neuron Disease
Embryonic Stem Cells
I Sing the Bioelectric: Long-Distance Electrical Signals Guide Cell Growth and Repair
Genes turn on, and genes turn off. Again and again, the genes that together comprise the human genome receive electrical signals that can direct when they should be active—and when they should be dormant. This intricate pattern of signals is a part of what guides an embryonic stem cell to grow and mature into any … Continue reading I Sing the Bioelectric: Long-Distance Electrical Signals Guide Cell Growth and Repair
Cartilage Repair using Embryonic Stem Cells: A Promising Path to Treating Millions of Osteoarthritis Sufferers
Bone scraping on bone — you can practically feel the excruciating pain just thinking about it. Sadly, that’s what happens to people suffering with osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disease. Except for joint replacement surgery, no cure exists and the available medicines only work on the symptoms, pain and swelling, and not the underlying cause. … Continue reading Cartilage Repair using Embryonic Stem Cells: A Promising Path to Treating Millions of Osteoarthritis Sufferers
Heroic three-year study reveals safe methods for growing clinical-grade stem cells
Imagine seeking out the ideal pancake recipe: should you include sugar or no sugar? How about bleached vs. unbleached flour? Baking power or baking soda? When to flip the pancake on the skillet? You really have to test out many parameters to get that perfectly delicious light and fluffy pancake. Essentially that’s what a CIRM-funded … Continue reading Heroic three-year study reveals safe methods for growing clinical-grade stem cells
Stem cell stories that caught our eye: Cancer genetics, cell fate, super donors and tale of road to diabetes cure
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. For cancer growth timing is everything. A study originating at the University of Southern California suggests tumors are born to be bad. Mutations constantly occur … Continue reading Stem cell stories that caught our eye: Cancer genetics, cell fate, super donors and tale of road to diabetes cure
‘STARS’ Help Scientists Control Genetic On/Off Switch
All life on Earth relies, ultimately, on the delicate coordination of switches. During development, these switches turn genes on—or keep them off—at precise intervals, controlling the complex processes that guide the growth of the embryo, cell by cell, as it matures from a collection of stem cells into a living, breathing organism. If you control … Continue reading ‘STARS’ Help Scientists Control Genetic On/Off Switch
Stem cell stories that caught our eye: new ways to reprogram, shifting attitudes on tissue donation, and hockey legend’s miracle questioned
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. Insulin-producing cells produced from skin. Starting with human skin cells a team at the University of Iowa has created iPS-type stem cells through genetic reprogramming … Continue reading Stem cell stories that caught our eye: new ways to reprogram, shifting attitudes on tissue donation, and hockey legend’s miracle questioned
In living color: new imaging technique tracks traveling stem cells
Before blood stem cells can mature, before they can grow and multiply into the red blood cells that feed our organs, or the white blood cells that protect us from pathogens, they must go on a journey. This journey, which takes place in the developing embryo, moves blood stem cells from their place of origin … Continue reading In living color: new imaging technique tracks traveling stem cells
How stem cells made the list of scientific breakthroughs of 2014 (twice actually)
This is the time of year when everyone puts out their lists of the best and worst of the last 12 months. The best movies (”Guardians of the Galaxy”, “The Grand Budapest Hotel”) the worst movies (“Guardians of the Galaxy”, “The Grand Budapest Hotel” – it’s all a matter of taste really) the best music … Continue reading How stem cells made the list of scientific breakthroughs of 2014 (twice actually)
Stem Cell Stories that Caught Your Eye: The Most Popular Stem Cellar Stories of 2014
2014 marked an extraordinary year for regenerative medicine and for CIRM. We welcomed a new president, several of our research programs have moved into clinical trials—and our goal of accelerating treatments for patients in need is within our grasp. As we look back we’d like to revisit The Stem Cellar’s ten most popular stories of … Continue reading Stem Cell Stories that Caught Your Eye: The Most Popular Stem Cellar Stories of 2014
The Stem Cellar 