Rheumatoid arthritis implants release drugs when they sense inflammation

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have tested an experimental new treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in mice. The team implanted stem cells that have been reprogrammed to secrete anti-inflammatory drugs only when they sense inflam… Continue reading Rheumatoid arthritis implants release drugs when they sense inflammation

Lab-grown mini brains develop basic eyes that can “see”

Researchers have made a striking breakthrough in lab-grown mini organs. Using induced pluriopotent stem cells (iPSCs), the team induced brain organoids to develop rudimentary eye structures that can sense light and send signals to the rest of the brain… Continue reading Lab-grown mini brains develop basic eyes that can “see”

“Shark cage” implant protects insulin-producing cells in diabetic mice

Researchers have found a way to maintain insulin levels in diabetic mice by growing and implanting new beta cells that produce the hormone. These cells are housed inside a tiny device that protects them from the animal’s immune system, like a shark cag… Continue reading “Shark cage” implant protects insulin-producing cells in diabetic mice

Scientists discover how stem cells trigger muscle regeneration

Researchers at the Salk Institute have uncovered a mechanism by which stem cells can help regenerate muscles. The discovery could provide a new drug target for repairing muscles after injury or rebuilding muscle mass lost during the normal aging proces… Continue reading Scientists discover how stem cells trigger muscle regeneration

First functioning mini human hearts grown from stem cells

Scientists have created the first-ever functional miniature human hearts in the lab. Grown from stem cells, these heart “organoids” are made up of all primary heart cell types and have functioning chambers and vasculature. They could help us understand… Continue reading First functioning mini human hearts grown from stem cells

Mini human livers grown from stem cells successfully implanted in rats

Imagine needing a liver transplant, and instead of waiting for a donor, a new one could be grown from your own skin cells. Scientists have now taken quite a big step towards that future, by successfully transplanting miniature human livers grown from i… Continue reading Mini human livers grown from stem cells successfully implanted in rats

Stem cell technique winds back aging in human cells

Stanford scientists may have found a way to essentially return older cells to a more youthful state. The adult cells are treated with a mix of proteins from early embryonic development, which removes many of the molecular signs of aging. The cells clos… Continue reading Stem cell technique winds back aging in human cells

Mice with diabetes “functionally cured” using new stem cell therapy

Diabetes is characterized by trouble producing or managing insulin, and one emerging treatment involves converting stem cells into beta cells that secrete the hormone. Now, scientists have developed a more efficient method of doing just that, and found… Continue reading Mice with diabetes “functionally cured” using new stem cell therapy