Adult stem cells face immune rejection problems; Does coffee reduce breast cancer risk?

Stem Cells

> More bad news for those who expect induced pluripotent stem cells to become the noncontroversial answer to embryonic stem cells. Biologists at UC San Diego have found that these cells could face immune rejection problems if they are used in future stem cell therapies. Release

> An experimental embryonic stem cell based treatment performed on a car-crash victim with severe spinal injuries could be a "baby step" toward helping the paralyzed walk, doctors say. The same type of therapy has been successful in helping paralyzed lab rats walk, but researchers say it will be years before they know whether it can help humans. Story

> Scientists from Schepens Eye Research Institute in Boston say they are the first to regenerate large areas of damaged retinas and improve visual function using induced pluripotent stem cells derived from skin. They're hoping it's the beginning of better treatments for macular degeneration and other retinal diseases. Release

Cancer Research

> In the first large trial of its kind in the United States, researchers have shown that estrogen-lowering drugs can shrink tumors and reduce mastectomy rates for patients with stage 2 or 3 breast cancer. Story

> Researchers discover how cancer cells can adapt to environmental stress under conditions that would kill normal cells. A protein not previously associated with breast cancer is involved in helping these cells to adapt to starvation conditions and to continue their uncontrolled growth. Item

> Does coffee really reduce risk of breast cancer? Story

Genetics

> Cancer sleuths uncovering DNA mysteries for Novartis, GSK. Story

> A Stanford geneticist is pushing for more African-Americans and Hispanics to join critical research studies. Article

> "Iranian Genome Project" gets a $250,000 grant from the PARSA Community Foundation. Release