Stem Cell Research
Nerve stem cells implanted near the retinas of rats suffering from macular degeneration helped delay their loss of vision, researchers say. In a new study, scientists say the nerve stem cells from StemCells Inc. appeared to improve the "chemical environment" in the back of the eye. The same approach could be used to treat macular degeneration in humans. Report
A combination of partial scar removal, a stem cell transplant and rehabilitation at Wayne State University School of Medicine offered "the first clinical study of patients with severe, chronic spinal cord injury to report considerable functional improvement in some patients." Story
California's stem cell institute and the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology have agreed to collaborate on stem cell research work. Release
The third annual World Stem Cell Summit will be held in Detroit next October. Story
Cancer Research
Drugs made using unusual metals could form an effective treatment against colon and ovarian cancer, including cancerous cells that have developed immunity to other drugs, according to research at the University of Warwick and the University of Leeds. The study, published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, showed that a range of compounds containing the two transition metals Ruthenium and Osmium, which are found in the same part of the periodic table as precious metals like platinum and gold, cause significant cell death in ovarian and colon cancer cells. Release
A cutting edge microscope has given researchers new insights into metastasis, unveiling a gene that plays a key role in spreading cancer in the body and opening up a new target for drug discoverers. Story
A study in Canada finds that only about three percent of the country's research funds for cancer are used to investigate childhood and adolescent cancers. Report
Genetics
Researchers have identified a new biomarker for multiple sclerosis that could be helpful in learning how the disease can be treated. Story
Australian scientists have identified a genetic variation that is tied to an increased risk of Type 1 diabetes. Report
A gene has been associated with human kidney aging, according to researchers from Stanford University, the National Institute on Aging, the MedStar Research Institute, and the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. Release