Stem Cell Research
Rice University biomedical engineers have developed a new technique for growing cartilage from human embryonic stem cells, a method that could be used to grow replacement cartilage for the surgical repair of knee, jaw, hip, and other joints. Release
A scientific consortium says that they've identified stem cells in tendons that can regenerate tissue. The researchers identified the cells and regenerated tissue using an animal model. Report
Novocell has agreed to deposit its government-approved stem cells lines at the WiCell Research Institute in Madiscon, WI. The deposit allows WiCell to offer 14 of the 21 approved stem cell lines and the institute is working to gain the other seven. Report
An informal gathering of southern California stem cell companies provided clear evidence of their eagerness to gain a share of the state's $3 billion in research funds. Report
Billionaire Eli Broad is contributing $20 million to fund stem cell research at UCLA. Report
BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics has been in preliminary talks with the FDA about its preclinical work using adult stem cells in Parkinson's. Release
Cancer Research
Researchers at Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute are the first to discover a mechanism that plays a critical role in the multiple myeloma cell cycle and survival. Their research may result in identification of a new therapeutic target for treating multiple myeloma. Release
A new study indicates that black women may have a higher mortality rate associated with breast cancer because their tumors are typically more resistant to hormone-based therapies. Report
Researchers at the University of Southampton are studying 11,000 blood samples in pursuit of a single blood test that could detect cancer. Report
A molecular probe developed at Stanford University School of Medicine can "paint" cancer cells in living animals, offering a new way to diagnose and treat cancer patients. Report
Genetics
A variant of the STAT4 gene has become the fifth gene linked to a higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis. It also increases the risk of lupus. A variant of TRAF1-C5 has also been linked to a higher risk of RA. Report
A gene with reported links to schizophrenia and other mood disorders plays a broader role in the brain than scientists had previously suspected, according to a report published online by Cell, a publication of Cell Press. Release
Mutations in the insulin gene can cause permanent neonatal diabetes, an unusual form of diabetes that affects very young children and results in lifelong dependence on insulin injections, report researchers from the University of Chicago and Peninsula University. Release
More Research
Scientists are studying mice engineered to suffer from Alzheimer's have "silent" seizures that may point to new methods to control the disease. Release
A startup has begun commercializing a new rapid diagnostic tool that relies on nanoparticles to identify viruses and bacteria. Report
Researchers at Columbia University have identified a virus implicated in the deaths of 2.4 million honeybee colonies - tens of billions of bees - using the Genome Sequencer system developed by 454 Life Sciences. Release
With the help of genetically engineered mice whose livers turned into glowing light bulbs, researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have illuminated the underpinnings of an insidious and growing health concern-- type II diabetes. Release