A startling breakthrough has allowed scientists to create human
stem cells from just reprogrammed skin cells, with no embryo and
thus, perhaps no ethical dilemma.
US researchers have developed a way of creating primate embryonic
stem cells that avoids the need to use fertilised embryos,
potentially leading to more ethical ways of curing degenerative
diseases.
US researchers have developed a fully automated microfluidic cell
culture system that can control signalling agents in the
extracellular media while maintaining cell viability for weeks.
Three of the world's biggest pharmaceutical companies have signed a
landmark deal with the UK government that will see them use stem
cell technology to road-test the safety of new compounds.
The launch of Invitrogen's Stempro EZPassage should substantially
reduce the time and stress involved in dividing up cultures of
human embryonic stem cell (hESC) colonies.
Medicult, a Danish company best known for supplying products for
use in fertility clinics, has developed a protein-free cell culture
medium that could cut out problems associated with current media.
A team of Canadian scientists have identified which genes help
decide a stem cell's fate; a discovery that one day could lead to
drugs that invoke their regenerative power.
Specific stem cells are thought to be the origin of many, if not
all, cancers and although there are several drugs in clinical
trials, only small companies are currently conducting research in
the area.
A new study has shown that certain human bone marrow stem cells can differentiate into sperm stem cells - potentially leading to a revolution in fertility therapy.
Not only can stem cells replace diseased brain tissue, but they can
also form functional nerve cells that transmit electrical impulses,
according to scientists working on rare brain disorders.
Cellartis has begun a new research programme in Scotland as part of
a £9.5m (€14.5m) programme by ITI Life Sciences to develop the
world's first automated process to produce high-quality human stem
cells.
Researchers at the University of Rochester and StemCapture have
unveiled a new device technology that makes it possible to harvest
stem cells from the blood, bypassing the controversial use of stem
cells sourced from embryos.
