Cancer-causing gene crucial in stem cell development, study finds
Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:00:00 EDT
A research team has shown for the first time that a gene called Myc, which is traditionally thought of as a cancer-causing gene, may be far more important in the development and persistence of stem cells than was known before.

Live imaging puts new light on stem cell division
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:00:00 EDT
A long-held assumption about asymmetrical division of stem cells has cracked. Researchers report that the mitotic spindle does not act alone -- that cortical proteins help to position a cleavage furrow in the right location.

'Basal-like' breast cancer does not originate from basal stem cells
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EDT
New research uncovers a case of mistaken identity that may have a significant impact on future breast cancer prevention and treatment strategies. The study suggests that despite their "stem cell-like" characteristics, most aggressive breast tumors are not derived from normal mammary gland stem cells.

Functional motor neuron subtypes generated from embryonic stem cells
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EDT
Scientists have devised a method for coaxing mouse embryonic stem cells into forming a highly specific motor neuron subtype. The research provides new insight into motor neuron differentiation and may prove useful for devising and testing future therapies for motor neuron diseases.

Adult mammary stem cells in mice identified and isolated for first time
Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EDT
For the first time, researchers have identified and isolated adult mammary stem cells in mice. Long-term implications of this research may include the use of such cells to regenerate breast tissue, provide a better understanding of the role of adult stem cells in breast cancer development, and develop potential new targets for anti-cancer drugs.