Physical properties predict stem cell outcome
Mon, 21 May 2012 16:37:37 EDT
Tissue engineers can use mesenchymal stem cells derived from fat to make cartilage, bone, or more fat. The best cells to use are ones that are already likely to become the desired tissue. Researchers have discovered that the mechanical properties of the stem cells can foretell what they will become, leading to a potential method of concentrating them for use in healing.

Growth factor in stem cells may spur recovery from multiple sclerosis
Mon, 21 May 2012 10:46:46 EDT
A substance in human mesenchymal stem cells that promotes growth appears to spur restoration of nerves and their function in rodent models of multiple sclerosis, researchers have found.

Multipotent stromal stem cells from normally discarded human placental tissue demonstrate high therapeutic potential
Fri, 18 May 2012 13:22:22 EDT
Placental stem cells with important therapeutic properties can be harvested in large quantities from the fetal side of human term placentas (called the chorion). The chorion is a part of the afterbirth and is normally discarded after delivery, but it contains stem cells of fetal origin that appear to be pluripotent -- i.e., they can differentiate into different types of human cells, such as lung, liver, or brain cells. Since these functional placental stem cells can be isolated from either fresh or frozen term human placentas, this implies that if each individual’s placenta is stored at birth instead of thrown away, these cells can be harvested in the future if therapeutic need arises. This potential represents a major breakthrough in the stem cell field.

New technique reveals unseen information in DNA code
Thu, 17 May 2012 13:20:20 EDT
Scientists have used a new technique to map 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) in DNA from human and mouse embryonic stem cells, revealing new information about their patterns of distribution. These studies have revealed that these DNA modifications play major roles in fundamental life processes such as cell differentiation, cancer and brain function.

Marker to identify, attack breast cancer stem cells discovered
Wed, 16 May 2012 09:27:27 EDT
Cell surface protein GD2 blows potent tumor-generating cells’ cover. The first single marker of breast cancer stem cells also is targetable by a drug in preclinical tests.