Chemists influence stem-cell development with geometry
Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EDT
Scientists have successfully used geometrically patterned surfaces to influence the development of stem cells. The new approach is a departure from that of many stem-cell biologists, who focus instead on uncovering the role of proteins in controlling the fate of stem cells.

Amniotic fluid cells more efficiently reprogrammed to pluripotency than adult cells
Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:00:00 EDT
In a breakthrough that may help fill a critical need in stem cell research and patient care, researchers have demonstrated that skin cells found in human amniotic fluid can be efficiently "reprogrammed" to pluripotency, where they have characteristics similar to human embryonic stem cells that can develop into almost any type of cell in the human body.

One gene lost = one limb regained? Scientists demonstrate mammalian regeneration through a single gene deletion
Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:00:00 EDT
The absence of a single gene, called p21, confers a healing potential in mice long thought to be reserved only for creatures like flatworms, sponges, and some species of salamander: regeneration. Researchers demonstrate that mice that lack the gene can regenerate lost or damaged tissue, suggesting that such an ability may be granted to mammals by blocking the effects of p21.

Vitamin A: Key mechanism that guides cells to form heart tissue
Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EDT
Researchers have identified a key cellular mechanism that guides embryonic heart tissue formation -- a process which, if disrupted, can lead to a number of common congenital heart defects.

Stem cells suspended in X-ray-visible microbubbles build new blood vessels to treat peripheral arterial disease
Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EDT
Bone marrow stem cells suspended in X-ray-visible microbubbles dramatically improve the body's ability to build new blood vessels in the upper leg -- providing a potential future treatment for those with peripheral arterial disease or PAD, say researchers.