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HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
The Science Channel explores the use of stem cells in regenerative medicine
As seen on the Science Channel’s “Futurescape” program, the host of the program, James Woods takes viewers on a journey of discovery as he explores the field of regenerative medicine and life extension. The program examines current and future applications of stem cells to grow organs and tissue to treat disease, trauma and injury as well as efforts to increase life expectancy and mitigate the effects of aging. Continue reading
Scientists have used stem cells to successfully regenerate heart tissue
Researchers Dr. Luis Gruberg and Dr. Allen Jeremias, from the Stony Brook Heart Institute and Intensive Care Unit, have conducted a clinical study utilizing the patient’s own stem cells to treat them after suffering a severe heart attack. The treatement, which involves infusing millions of autologous [the patient’s own] stem cells into the coronary artery, successfully regenerated damaged tissue in the heart. Continue reading
A team of researchers led by Dr. Cecilia Laterza and Dr. Gianvito Martino at the San Raffaele Hospital have found a novel use of neural stem cells to modulate damage caused by multiple sclerosis. Stem cells injected into mice with MS travelled to sites of inflammation and secreted factors to promote growth of myelin-producing cells and limit the inflammation caused by the strong immune attack.
Researchers at University of Cambridge have developed a new method to better identify and isolate specific types of stem cell. The new method results in enhanced differentiation capabilities thereby enabling researchers to better direct the cells to become a particular type of tissue.
Stem cells reduce inflammation following TBI
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center have developed a novel use of stem cells to prevent neurological inflammation in patients following traumatic brain injury; potentially limiting damage caused by TBI and preserving brain function for victims. The treatment stem cells injected into TBI-mice regulated the immune response in the brain, limiting inflammation and long term damage. Continue reading
Mayo Clinic Researchers have used autologous stem cells to treat heart disease
Mayo Clinic researchers from the Center of Regenerative Medicine have utilized a patient’s own stem cells in a novel treatment for heart disease. The treatment involves harvesting the patient’s own stem cells, expanding and differentiating them in-vitro [outside the body] and transplanting them back into the patient. As a result of the successful initial study, a wider clinical trial is planned.
Transplanted neurogenic stem cells recruit host neural stem cells to site of TBI for repair.
Researchers at the University of South Florida have successfully used adult stem cells to repair traumatic brain damage in neurologically impaired mice. Prior to the study, hypotheses on how stem cells may provide treatment for neurological disorders were limited. However, the results of this experiment provide a new theory: stem cells replace dying cells while attracting other stem cells from uninjured regions of the brain to the damaged portions for continued neural cell replenishment. In the words of Principal Investigator Dr. Cesar Borlongan, “The transplanted stem cells serve as migratory cues for the brain’s own neurogenic cells.” Continue reading