Stem Cells

Scientists at the University of California San Diego are reporting a breakthrough in spinal injury research, demonstrating a new injection technique in mice they say can deliver far larger doses of stem cells to problem areas with far less risk.

In what is a world-first and potentially the dawn of a new medical technology to treat damaged hearts, scientists in Japan have succeeded in transplanting lab-grown heart cells into human patients for the first time ever.

New research suggests Parkinson's may be present in the brain right from birth, as malfunctioning neurons are always there. Thankfully, a drug that’s already on the market could help prevent the disease from taking hold if caught early enough.

Scientists in Australia are reporting an exciting breakthrough in the realm of pain-relief, demonstrating the viability of a new type of pain-blocking neuron derived from human stem cells for the first time.

A team of Harvard scientists has finally solved the mystery of how acute stress causes hair to turn gray. The researchers discovered when stress triggers the "fight or flight" response, it depletes pigment-producing stem cells in hair follicles.

According to British scientists, a lack of stem cells in the lining of the womb is one of the main causes of recurrent miscarriages. There may be hope, however, as they also believe an existing diabetes medication could help remedy the situation.

Scientists in Australia have made a big breakthrough in regenerative medicine, developing a hydrogel that acts as a “sanctuary” for transplanted stem cells in the brain, giving them the smooth start they need to survive in their new environment.

The most advanced mini-brains yet created have begun producing brain waves resembling those of preterm babies.

New research, led by a team from the University of Cambridge, has demonstrated a way to rejuvenate old brain stem cells, making them act young again. The technique points to potential new treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS), but also broader ways to reverse general age-related brain changes.

Organ development has traditionally been tricky to study, thanks largely to the difficulty in getting sensors in there without damaging the organs. Now, researchers from Harvard have developed a way to create “cyborg organoids” by integrating nanoelectronics into cell cultures.

It sure would be nice if teeth could just repair themselves. Thankfully that’s not as far-fetched as it sounds – researchers have found a new population of stem cells in mice that are in charge of repairing tooth tissue and could be recruited to help us patch up cavities.

​Considering how important an organ it is, it’s a shame that the heart is so bad at repairing itself. Stem cells are an emerging solution, and now researchers at the Universities of Cambridge and Washington have combined heart muscle cells and supportive cells to help mend broken hearts.