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.

All cancer cells are not created equal: Some cell types control continued tumor growth, others prepare the way for metastasis
Tue, 15 May 2012 13:17:17 EDT
New researchers suggests that specific populations of tumor cells have different roles in the process by which tumors make new copies of themselves and grow.

Scientists discover clues to muscle stem cell functions
Tue, 15 May 2012 07:03:03 EDT
Scientists have identified how skeletal muscle stem cells respond to muscle injury and may be stimulated to improve muscle repair in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a severe inherited disease of muscle that causes weakness, disability and, ultimately, heart and respiratory failure.

Bone grown from human embryonic stem cells
Mon, 14 May 2012 16:16:16 EDT
Human embryonic stem cells can now be used to grow bone tissue grafts for use in research and potential therapeutic application. The study is the first example of using bone cell progenitors derived from human embryonic stem cells to grow compact bone tissue in quantities large enough to repair centimeter-sized defects.

New maintenance therapy for multiple myeloma looks promising, study suggests
Fri, 11 May 2012 13:37:37 EDT
Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer where the plasma cells in the bone marrow grow out of control, causing damage to bones as well as predisposing patients to anemia, infection and kidney failure. Unfortunately, multiple myeloma continues to progress even after a transplant. A new study now offers promising news about a new long-term therapy, lenalidomide, that can be used after transplantation to slow down the progression of the disease.