Stem Cell Research
A group of UK scientists have been perfecting a new technique that allows them to spray on embryonic stem cells, perhaps opening the way to developing synthetic tissue. Report
Researchers report success in coaxing adult stem cells to become precursor cells for human eggs and sperm, pointing the way to a potential cure for infertility. Story
The Society for Stem Cell Research heralded the FDA's recent decision to green-light Geron's clinical trial for a stem cell therapy. "The go-ahead to test products of embryonic stem cells in patients is an important first step, but only the first step on a very long journey," said George Q. Daley, immediate past-president of the ISSCR and associate director of the Stem Cell Program at Children's Hospital Boston. Release
Neuralstem says it has secured a patent to protect its technology used to grow neural stem cells to repair spinal cord damage. Report
Genomics
Three new studies have helped bring into focus the genetic triggers for psoriasis, which in turn will help advance new therapeutics for the condition. Story
University of Utah scientists identified a worm gene that is essential for damaged nerve cells to regenerate, and showed they could speed nerve regeneration by over-activating the gene - a step toward new treatments for nerves injured by trauma or disease. Release
Just how popular you are may have a lot to do with your genetic makeup. Story
Cancer Research
A reprogrammed herpes virus was used to prevent cancer stem cells from becoming cancerous. And this use of a virus to prevent cancer may be the source of a new class of oncology drugs. "The promise is that they will be able to successfully create some agent, a virus, that would be able to get at the cells responsible for regrowth." Report
French researchers say they've identified a genetic variation that carries an added risk of getting brain cancer at an early age. Report