Stem cell stories that caught our eye: iPS cells guide ALS trial, genetic link to hearing loss and easier to use stem cell

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. An ALS clinical trial with a twist. It is well known that the disease we call ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, behaves differently in different … Continue reading Stem cell stories that caught our eye: iPS cells guide ALS trial, genetic link to hearing loss and easier to use stem cell

Stem Cell Scientists Reconstruct Disease in a Dish; Gain Insight into Deadly Form of Bone Cancer

The life of someone with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS) is not a pleasant one. A rare genetic disorder that usually runs in families, this syndrome is characterized by heightened risk of developing cancer—multiple types of cancer—at a very young age. People with LFS, as the syndrome is often called, are especially susceptible to osteosarcoma, a form … Continue reading Stem Cell Scientists Reconstruct Disease in a Dish; Gain Insight into Deadly Form of Bone Cancer

Stem cell stories that caught our eye; converting bad fat to good, Parkinson’s and X-linked disease

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. Which fat for you, white, brown or beige. Those who read up on those pesky fat cells that accumulate in our bodies probably have heard … Continue reading Stem cell stories that caught our eye; converting bad fat to good, Parkinson’s and X-linked disease

Stem cell stories that caught our eye; cystic fibrosis, brain repair and Type 2 diabetes

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. “Organoids” screen for cystic fibrosis drugs. Starting with iPS-type stem cells made by reprogramming skin cells from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients a team at the … Continue reading Stem cell stories that caught our eye; cystic fibrosis, brain repair and Type 2 diabetes

Stem cell stories that caught our eye; drug screening, aging stem cells in brain repair and blood diseases

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. Heart-on-a-chip used to screen drugs. With CIRM funding, a team at the University of California, Berkeley, has used stem cell technology to create a virtual … Continue reading Stem cell stories that caught our eye; drug screening, aging stem cells in brain repair and blood diseases

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; progress toward artificial brain, teeth may help the blind and obesity

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. More progress toward artificial brain. A team at the RIKEN Institute in Japan has used stem cells in a 3-D culture to create brain tissue … Continue reading Stem cell stories that caught our eye; progress toward artificial brain, teeth may help the blind and obesity

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

Stem cell stories that caught our eye: repairing radiation damage, beta thalassemia clinical trial and disease models

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. Stem cells repair brain damage from radiation therapy. Radiation for brain cancer can be a lifesaver but it can also be a dramatic life changer. … Continue reading Stem cell stories that caught our eye: repairing radiation damage, beta thalassemia clinical trial and disease models

MIT Scientists Recreate Malaria in a Dish to Test Promising Drug Candidates

At the beginning, it feels like the flu: aches, pains and vomiting. But then you begin to experience severe cold and shivering, followed by fever and sweating—a cycle, known as tertian fever, that repeats itself every two days. And that’s when you know: you’ve contracted malaria. But you wouldn’t be alone. According to the World … Continue reading MIT Scientists Recreate Malaria in a Dish to Test Promising Drug Candidates