Stem Cell Research
San Diego-based Histogen reported promising preliminary data on a hair regrowth treatment that mixes cultured cells and growth factors. Report
The JHU Gazette profiles Sharon Gerecht, an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins who received a $150,000 grant to advance her work to craft new blood vessels from human stem cells. Report
A team from Johns Hopkins medical school has pioneered a novel method to study the expression patterns of proteins in embryonic stem cells as they differentiate into motor neurons and astrocytes, a supporting cell in the brain. Report
Researchers at the University of California Los Angeles developed an optimized protocol to generate motor neurons from human embryonic stem cells (ES cells). These cells express normal or mutant forms of the SOD-1 gene, which is linked to inherited, familial ALS. Release
Fox News reports on the case of Edwin McClure, who says his symptoms of MS disappeared after he participated in a stem cell trial. Story
Genomics
Some researchers are suggesting that the federal government should sponsor a $3 billion program to explore the epigenome, which plays a key role in cell differentiation as well as the activation of specific genes. "Definitely this is a genome-sized thing, and I believe it will have benefits beyond what are foreseen at present," Richard Young, a biologist at the Whitehead Institute in Cambridge, tells the New York Times. Article
A team of researchers has advanced a new way to use a person's genetics to determine the optimum dose of the commonly used blood thinner warfarin. Report
Recently, Pope Benedict XVI took a moment to praise the potential of genetics to create "new conquests." But he warned of the dangers of discrimination based on genetics. Story
Rules that require all newborns to be screened for rare genetic diseases are now commonplace in all 50 states, says a new report. Only Pennsylvania and West Virginia have yet to implement their programs. Report
Cancer Research
The Roswell Park Cancer Institute has received a $10.2 million grant to continue its research on photodynamic therapy for eradicating cancer cells. Story
New research indicates that infertile men have a higher risk of testicular cancer. Report
Women who consumed the highest concentration of calcium in their diet had a significantly reduced risk of certain cancers. Report