Just as learning a new skill takes time to hone, scientific discoveries take time to perfect. Such is the case with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), the Nobel Prize winning technology that reprograms mature adult cells back into a pluripotent stem cell state. iPSCs are a powerful tool because they can develop into any cell … Continue reading CIRM-funded scientists discover a new way to make stem cells using antibodies
Scripps Research Institute
Crossing the Grad School Bridge of Self and Scientific Discovery
Since 2010, the CIRM Bridges Program has provided paid stem cell research internships to students at California colleges and universities that don’t have major stem cell research programs. In order to keep in touch with these interns, The Stem Cellar has an ongoing CIRM Scholars blog series, inviting alumni from our training programs to reflect … Continue reading Crossing the Grad School Bridge of Self and Scientific Discovery
Stories that caught our eye: stem cell transplants help put MS in remission; unlocking the cause of autism; and a day to discover what stem cells are all about
Stem cell transplants help put MS in remission: A combination of high dose immunosuppressive therapy and transplant of a person’s own blood stem cells seems to be a powerful tool in helping people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) go into sustained remission. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s own immune system … Continue reading Stories that caught our eye: stem cell transplants help put MS in remission; unlocking the cause of autism; and a day to discover what stem cells are all about
Science and Improv: Spotlight on CIRM Bridges Scholar Jill Tsai
As part of our CIRM scholar series, we’re featuring the research and career accomplishments of CIRM funded students. What do science and improv have in common? The answer is not a whole lot. However, I recently met a talented student from our CIRM Bridges master’s program who one day is going to change this. Meet … Continue reading Science and Improv: Spotlight on CIRM Bridges Scholar Jill Tsai
Stem Cells May Help Endangered Species Live Long and Prosper
It’s the year 2286. The transmission signal of an alien space probe is wreaking havoc on Earth, knocking out the worldwide power grid and causing massive storms. It turns out the mysterious orbiting probe is trying to communicate with humpback whales through whale song and the devastation won’t stop until contact is made. But there’s … Continue reading Stem Cells May Help Endangered Species Live Long and Prosper
Outsmarting cancer’s deadly tricks
Cancer cells are devious monsters that kill people by sabotaging normal cell functions toward a path of uncontrolled cell growth. Without an effective treatment, aggressive cancers can crowd out healthy tissue and ultimately cause organ failure and death. This devastation by design makes it seem as though a cancer cell has a mind of its … Continue reading Outsmarting cancer’s deadly tricks
Unlocking the brain’s secrets: scientists find over 100 unique mutations in brain cells
Your brain is made up of approximately 100 billion neurons. These are the cells that process information and pass along electrical and chemical signals to their other neuron buddies throughout the body to coordinate thoughts, movement, and many other functions. It’s no small task to create the intricate neuronal network that is the backbone of … Continue reading Unlocking the brain’s secrets: scientists find over 100 unique mutations in brain cells
A TWIST in mesenchymal stem cell trials: protein predicts therapy’s potential
Mesenchymal stem cells are adult stem cells with the potential to specialize into a somewhat limited number of cell types – those responsible for making fat, bone and cartilage. But MSCs are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties which are carried out via the release of protein factors. This ability to dampen the immune system … Continue reading A TWIST in mesenchymal stem cell trials: protein predicts therapy’s potential
CIRM-funded study suggests methods to make pluripotent stem cells are safe
We live in an era where stem cell treatments are already being tested in human clinical trials for eye disease, spinal cord injury, and type 1 diabetes. The hope is that transplanting stem cells or their cell derivatives will replace diseased tissue, restore function, and cure patients – all while being safe and without causing … Continue reading CIRM-funded study suggests methods to make pluripotent stem cells are safe
The Stem Cellar 