Neural stem cells have been found in epileptic brain tissue — outside the regions of the brain where they normally reside. In a group of patients who underwent surgery for epilepsy, over half had stem cells where healthy individuals do not have them, according to a study from Sahlgrenska Academy. “We have confirmed what earlier...
Year: <span>2017</span>
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CtIP-Specific Roles during Cell Reprogramming Have Long-Term Consequences in the Survival and Fitness of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Highlights DNA end resection mechanism is hyper-activated during reprogramming CtIP protein levels increase during mouse and human cell reprogramming Loss of CtIP impairs mouse and human reprogramming efficiency Reprogramming without CtIP causes defects in iPSC self-renewal and differentiation Summary Acquired genomic instability is one of the major concerns for the clinical use of induced pluripotent...
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Lipid metabolism is potential ‘Achilles’ heel’ for cancer stem cells
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Researchers have discovered a metabolic signature critical for the functioning of “cancer stem cells” that initiate tumor formation. The team also showed how to interfere with this metabolic mechanism in ovarian cancer, inhibiting tumor growth. “The cancer stem cells are resistant to conventional therapies and are responsible for tumor relapse after...
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Stem cells used to regenerate the external layer of a human heart
Summary: A process using human stem cells can generate the cells that cover the external surface of a human heart — epicardium cells — according to a multidisciplinary team of researchers. Heart progenitors cells derived from human stem cells can be further specified to heart cells belong to external layer or muscle layer of a...
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Anemia and hearing loss: Is there a link?
The association between iron deficiency anemia and hearing loss is explored in a recent study, published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. Could such a common blood condition impact our ability to hear? Hearing loss and anemia appear to be linked, according to recent studies. An estimated 15 percent of adults in the United States are...
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The human stomachs being grown OUTSIDE the body: Mini ‘organs in a dish’ may help cure digestive diseases
The tissue produces stomach acid and digestive enzymes just like real cells The research could help scientists to better understand stomach diseases And important stomach drugs can now be studied in greater detail than before Scientists have grown a working stomach ‘mini-organ’ in a lab in a move that will allow experts to understand...
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DNA nanotubes build a bridge between two molecular posts
Assistant Professor Rebecca Schulman, left, and postdoctoral fellow Abdul Mohammed used this single-molecule fluorescence microscope to track the nanotube bridge formation process. In a microscopic feat that resembled a high-wire circus act, Johns Hopkins researchers have coaxed DNA nanotubes to assemble themselves into bridge-like structures arched between two molecular landmarks on the surface of a...
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Soon, You Could Have Your Genome Sequenced in 60 Minutes for $100
IN BRIEF Illumina claims its new NovaSeq sequencing machine will one day be able to sequence an entire genome for less than $100, a process that currently costs about $1,000. Cheaper genome sequencing could revolutionize healthcare, allowing doctors to prescribe individualized treatment options for patients. THE HUMAN GENOME There are an estimated 25,000 genes in...
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Salmonella Used To Attack Fatal Brain Tumors In Rats
Salmonella does not exactly enjoy a good reputation as it is deemed pathogenic and often implicated in food poisoning cases. But what happens when you recruit the bacterial strain in the mission to kill tumors? Scientists from Duke University genetically tweaked salmonella to help scour and destroy tumors, a development that can potentially help fight the...
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The Future of Sex: How Intimacy is Transforming
IN BRIEF From virtual fantasies to human augmentation, the Future of Sex looks into the five major fields driving the next innovations in intimacy. For people faced with physical, emotional, and geographic challenges, they’ll offer opportunities for sexual fulfillment that might not otherwise exist. Technology is pushing human sexuality into uncharted terrain. It’s transforming how...