Category Archives: Stem Cell Research

Adult Stem Cell vs Embryonic Stem Cell Research Ethics Video By: Shaun Scott … Continue reading →

Winnable war: ethically benign stem cell research provides new windpipe for girl By: AFRTALK … Continue reading →

Stem Cell Tracheal Transplant Saves Girl's Life After years of showing promise, stem cell research is finally paying off. A trachea, grown from the cells in a lab has saved a young girl's life. Anthony tel... By: DNews … Continue reading →

The Historical Emergence of Stem Cell Research By: Tory Shrum … Continue reading →

Public release date: 2-May-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ] Contact: John Ascenzi Ascenzi@email.chop.edu 267-426-6055 Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Medical researchers have manipulated human stem cells into producing types of brain cells known to play important roles in neurodevelopmental disorders such as epilepsy, schizophrenia and autism. The new model cell system allows neuroscientists to investigate normal brain development, as well as to identify specific disruptions in biological signals that may contribute to neuropsychiatric diseases. Scientists from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research led a study team that described their research in the journal Cell Stem Cell, published online today. The research harnesses human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), which differentiate into a broad range of different cell types. In the current study, the scientists directed the stem cells into becoming cortical interneuronsa class of brain cells that, by releasing the neurotransmitter GABA, controls electrical firing in brain circuits. "Interneurons act like an orchestra conductor, directing other excitatory brain cells to fire in synchrony," said study co-leader Stewart A. Anderson, M.D., a research psychiatrist at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "However, when interneurons malfunction, the synchrony is disrupted, and seizures or mental disorders can result." Anderson … Continue reading →

May 2, 2013 Scientists have made a fundamental discovery about how the properties of embryonic stem cells are controlled. The study, which focuses on the process by which these cells renew and increase in number, could help research to find new treatments. Researchers have found that a protein, which switches on genes to allow embryonic stem cells to self-renew, works better when the natural occurring level of the protein is reduced. It was previously thought that once levels of this protein -- called Oct 4 -- were reduced the numbers of new stem cells being produced would also fall. The finding will inform stem cell research, which is looking to find treatments for conditions including Parkinson's, motor neuron, liver and heart disease. During embryonic development, cells that have the capacity to become any cell type in the body -- called pluripotent stem cells -- can either renew themselves by multiplying in number or differentiate to become cells found in different parts of the body, for instance skin or liver. This need for pluripotent cells to increase in number is important so that there is a sufficient supply of them to be differentiated into other cell types. Scientists at the Medical … Continue reading →

Stem cell research is so controversial at times we forget the benefits. Look no further than 2-year-old Hannah Warren, a girl whod spent her entire short life in a hospital in Seoul, South Korea, unable to breathe, eat, drink or swallow on her own because she was born without a windpipe. But now after an operation in Illinois, Hannah has a new windpipe grown from her own stem cells. The procedures been done before, but Hannah is the youngest patient in the world to undergo the experimental treatment. Doctors in Korea told the girls parents there was nothing that could be done and that she was likely to die. But after the surgery, things are looking up. Though Hannah is still on a ventilator, doctors believe shell eventually be able to breathe on her own and lead a normal life. We feel like shes reborn, the girls father, Darryl Warren, said. The stem-cell technology that saved Hannah also has been used to grow bladders, urethras and even veins and could help treat birth defects and other childhood diseases. Scientists hope stem-cell technology can someday help create organs like kidneys and livers. Hannah cant eat normally yet, but shes had her … Continue reading →

Published:Wednesday, May 1, 2013 Updated:Wednesday, May 1, 2013 01:05 Photo courtesy of Kristin Springer Students and faculty traveled from Notre Dame to Vatican City for the Second International Vatican Adult Stem Cell Conference, called Regenerative Medicine: A Fundamental Shift in Science and Culture. Notre Dame students and faculty traveled to Vatican City to participate in the Second International Vatican Adult Stem Cell Conference, a three-day event for a select group of medical experts, ethicists, students and financial analysts which ran from April 11-13. The conference, titled Regenerative Medicine: A Fundamental Shift in Science and Culture, was intended to promote awareness of adult stem cell research and its potential and implications for the future of medicine. Juniors Rebecca Marton and Kristin Springer and senior Margaret Kennedy attended the event with professor of biological sciences David Hyde and program of liberal studies professor emeritus Phillip Sloan. Marton and Springer, both biology majors, work with Hyde in the Center for Zebrafish Research, while Kennedy, a double major in philosophy and accounting, works Notre Dames Center for Ethics and Culture. The conference was not only scientific, but at least for one of the days it addressed the ethical issues of stem cell research, Marton … Continue reading →

ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwired - Apr 30, 2013) - In light of ubiquitous media coverage on stem cell facial rejuvenation like the Vampire Facelift and mini facial procedures, Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. John LeRoy urges patients to research their facial rejuvenation options and possible results as traditional, surgical procedures may be more economical in the long run. Innovator of the Band Aid Facelift, Dr. LeRoy pioneered his own minimally invasive surgical technique in 1997 to reduce patients' fine lines and wrinkles in-office with gentle numbing; however, he is insistent that patients understand what they can and cannot expect from "mini" and "lunchtime" anti-aging procedures. "It's a common misconception that any 'facelift' type procedure is going to make you look as young, or younger, than traditional plastic surgery without the costs or downtime; however, this is rarely the case. The key to comprehensive facial rejuvenation is addressing loose underlying facial muscles and removing excess skin: both of which are infrequently addressed with procedures like BOTOX Cosmetic or PRP / Stem Cell type procedures," says Dr. LeRoy. Dr. LeRoy also shares that these minimally invasive procedure results are typically temporary, often requiring maintenance treatments every few months. While he says it is true that … Continue reading →

Nottingham, Nottinghamshire (PRWEB UK) 29 April 2013 Accelerate Associates, the market research agency for the medical technology, bioscience and laboratory industries, based at BioCity Nottingham, has recently completed a report for the University of Newcastle considering the future market for induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). The Universitys Institute of Genetic Medicine is home to world renowned experts within the field of iPSC. We were commissioned by Newcastle University to undertake a study into induced pluripotent stem cells, explains Katherine Bourne, Partner at Accelerate Associates. Our objectives were to ascertain how these cells are currently being used in research and their potential usefulness in the future. From conducting the primary research we were able to provide Newcastle with a picture of the market both from an academic and industry perspective. Most of the respondents were already using iPSC in their research and those that were not, were planning on using the cell lines in the near future. The study also provided interesting feedback regarding the structure of the market and other institutions and organisations working in the area, continued Katherine. Dr Lyle Armstrong, Reader in Cellular Reprogramming at The Institute of Genetic Medicine commented: The report from Accelerate has provided us … Continue reading →