Posted: May 2, 2014 at 9:46 am
TWIS Minion / Science Island Hangout - May 1, 2014
Ed Dyer, Ulysses Adkins and Jani Turunen talking about Ganymede #39;s "club sandwich" oceans, NASA #39;s space life rafts, stem cells therapy regenerating heart muscles, blood and cartilage. Show...
By: Edward Dyer
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TWIS Minion / Science Island Hangout - May 1, 2014 - Video
Posted: May 2, 2014 at 6:00 am
Are Stem Cells The Key To Anti-Aging? | Larry King Now - Ora TV
Are Stem Cells The Key To Anti-Aging? | Larry King Now - Ora TV SUBSCRIBE to Larry King #39;s YouTube Channel:http://bit.ly/131HuYM Reality TV stars Janice Dicki...
By: Larry King
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Are Stem Cells The Key To Anti-Aging? | Larry King Now - Ora TV - Video
Posted: May 2, 2014 at 6:00 am
WEDNESDAY, April 30, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Scientists who used human embryonic stem cells to regenerate damaged heart muscle in monkeys say this technique could be ready for human clinical trials within four years.
If the research proves successful, it could provide a way to restore normal function in failing hearts, according to the researchers.
Before this study, it wasn't known if it would be "possible to produce sufficient numbers of these cells and successfully use them to remuscularize damaged hearts in a large animal whose heart size and physiology is similar to that of the human heart," team leader Dr. Charles Murry, professor of pathology and bioengineering at the University of Washington in Seattle, said in a university news release.
Murry and his colleagues triggered heart attacks in anesthetized macaque monkeys and two weeks later injected 1 billion heart muscle cells derived from human embryonic stem cells into the damaged areas of the heart. That amount of cells was 10 times greater than what the researchers had previously been able to create.
The monkeys received immune system-suppressing drugs to prevent rejection of the transplanted human cells. Within a few weeks, the new heart muscle cells matured and began to beat in time with the monkeys' heart cells. After three months, the transplanted cells appeared to be fully integrated into the monkeys' heart muscles.
On average, the transplanted cells regenerated 40 percent of the damaged heart muscle, according to the study published online April 30 in the journal Nature.
"The results show we can now produce the number of cells needed for human therapy and get formation of new heart muscle on a scale that is relevant to improving the function of the human heart," study co-author Dr. Michael Laflamme, also from the University of Washington, said in the news release.
There was at least one area of concern, however. In the weeks following the cell transplants, the monkeys had episodes of irregular heartbeats. But, the irregular heartbeats disappeared within two to three weeks as the stem cells matured, said Murry, who is also the director of the UW Center for Cardiovascular Biology.
The team plans to find ways to reduce the risk of heart rhythm problems and will try to prove that the stem cells strengthen the heart's pumping power.
Research carried out on animals often fails to produce similar results in humans.
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Stem Cells Used to Regenerate Heart Muscle in Monkeys
Posted: May 2, 2014 at 6:00 am
PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:
1-May-2014
Contact: Krista Conger kristac@stanford.edu 650-725-5371 Stanford University Medical Center
STANFORD, Calif. Stem cells made from the skin of adult, infertile men yield primordial germ cells cells that normally become sperm when transplanted into the reproductive system of mice, according to researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and Montana State University.
The infertile men in the study each had a type of genetic mutation that prevented them from making mature sperm a condition called azoospermia. The research suggests that the men with azoospermia may have had germ cells at some point in their early lives, but lost them as they matured to adulthood.
Although the researchers were able to create primordial germ cells from the infertile men, their stem cells made far fewer of these sperm progenitors than did stem cells from men without the mutations. The research provides a useful, much-needed model to study the earliest steps of human reproduction.
"We saw better germ-cell differentiation in this transplantation model than we've ever seen," said Renee Reijo Pera, PhD, former director of Stanford's Center for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research and Education. "We were amazed by the efficiency. Our dream is to use this model to make a genetic map of human germ-cell differentiation, including some of the very earliest stages."
Unlike many other cellular and physiological processes, human reproduction varies in significant ways from that of common laboratory animals like mice or fruit flies. Furthermore, many key steps, like the development and migration of primordial germ cells to the gonads, happen within days or weeks of conception. These challenges have made the process difficult to study.
Reijo Pera, who is now a professor of cell biology and neurosciences at Montana State University, is the senior author of a paper describing the research, which will be published May 1 in Cell Reports. The experiments in the study were conducted at Stanford, and Stanford postdoctoral scholar Cyril Ramathal, PhD, is the lead author of the paper.
The research used skin samples from five men to create what are known as induced pluripotent stem cells, which closely resemble embryonic stem cells in their ability to become nearly any tissue in the body. Three of the men carried a type of mutation on their Y chromosome known to prevent the production of sperm; the other two were fertile.
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Stem cells from some infertile men form germ cells when transplanted into mice, study finds
Posted: May 2, 2014 at 6:00 am
In what could mark a significant breakthrough in the treatment of heart disease, researchers at the University of Washington (UW) have successfully repaired damaged tissue in monkey hearts using cells created from human embryonic stem cells. The findings demonstrate an ability to produce these cells on an unprecedented scale and hold great potential for restoring functionally of damaged human hearts.
The researchers were exploring ways of restoring human hearts damaged by myocardial infarctions, a common type of heart attack that blocks major arteries and prevents oxygen from reaching the heart muscle. This lack of oxygen in turn causes damage to the muscle tissue and impacts the ability of the heart to pump blood. The researchers are aiming to restore these hearts to full functionality using cells grown from human embryonic stem cells.
"Before this study, it was not known if it is possible to produce sufficient numbers of these cells and successfully use them to remuscularize damaged hearts in a large animal whose heart size and physiology is similar to that of the human heart," says Dr. Charles Murry, professor of pathology, bioengineering and medicine at UW and leader of the research team.
In testing the approach, the researchers anesthetized pigtail macaques and induced controlled myocardial infarctions lasting for 90 minutes apiece, an established model for studying myocardial infarctions. Two weeks later, the scientists injected one billion heart muscle cells into the damaged muscle, ten times the amount researchers had previously been able to generate.
Over the following weeks, the injected cells infiltrated the damaged tissue, maturing to form new muscle fibers and beat in synchrony with the heart. Three months after the injections, the cells appeared fully integrated with the original tissue.
"The results show we can now produce the number of cells needed for human therapy and get formation of new heart muscle on a scale that is relevant to improving the function of the human heart, says Dr. Michael Laflamme, UW assistant professor of pathology.
The researchers say that the injected stem cells regenerated 40 percent of the damaged heart tissue, though some side effects were observed. In the first weeks after the injections, the team reported occurrences of irregular heartbeats, also known as arrhythmias. However, the problem subsided after two to three weeks once the cells had matured and become stable.
From here, the researchers will work to reduce the risk of arrhythmias and also to clearly demonstrate that the cells are capable of substantially improving the functionality of a damaged heart. They are hopeful the approach will be ready for clinical trials in humans within four years.
The team's research was published in the journal Nature.
Source: University of Washington
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Human stem cells used to repair damaged monkey hearts
Posted: May 2, 2014 at 5:59 am
The future of the University of Minnesotas regenerative medicine research program is looking brighter than ever.
State and federal leaders in the past have denied funding for the Universitys Office of Regenerative Medicine, which includes the Stem Cell Institute, because some had ethical disagreements with stem cell research.
But this legislative session, with a DFL majority and an overall shift in public opinion, researchers and legislators are confident funding will come through this year.
The current House bill sets aside $450,000 for the Office of Regenerative Medicine, while the Senate version outlines a $5 million increase each year from 2015-17. The bills texts dont specify how funds should be used and how they would be divided between the University and the Mayo Clinic, its research partner.
The Senates bill mandates that anadvisory task force comprised of members from the University, the Mayo Clinic and private industry, as well as two other regenerative medicine experts, recommend how to spend the state funding.
Dayton didnt include funds for the research in his original budget proposal this year, but Sen. Terri Bonoff, DFL-Minnetonka, said there seems to be a general consensus among legislators to work together and decide on a funding amount.
I have not heard many naysayers, she said.
Changing perceptions
The state plays a major role in moving the institutes research forward.
These days, legislators are more open to it than they were in the past, said Dr. Andre Terzic, director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Regenerative Medicine.
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Legislature could boost U stem cell research
Posted: May 2, 2014 at 5:59 am
Cryoport to showcase cryogenic logistics solutions with cloud-based logistics management platform, the Cryoportal, at Booth #29
LAKE FOREST, Calif. Cryoport, Inc. (OTCBB: CYRX) ("the Company") today announced that it is exhibiting its cryogenic logistics solutions, equipped with its cloud-based logistics management platform, the Cryoportal, and its Cryoport Express Packaging Solutions at the 9(th) Annual World Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Congress 2014 in London on May 20-22, 2014, at Booth #29.
Cryoport's Chief Executive Officer, Jerrell Shelton; Chief Commercial Officer, Steven Leatherman; and Commercial Director of EMEA, Soren Knudsen, will be available for partnering and networking sessions during the conference.
"We are experiencing significant interest and demand for our innovative cryogenic logistics solutions within this exciting and fast growing segment of the life science arena," stated Mr. Leatherman. "Our cryogenic logistics solutions assure both our clients and their end-users that the integrity of the commodities shipped are appropriately maintained by providing unmatched transparency, thus offering peace of mind throughout the entire documented logistics process."
Mr. Shelton added, "As the application of stem cells to regenerative medicine grows, the very face of medicine changes. Stem cell applications are broad and reach into multiple medical practices. We understand the challenges life science companies face in the frozen shipping of biologics and virtually eliminate the risks through our reliable and innovative logistics solutions."
About The World Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Congress The World Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Congress 2014 is now in its 9th year and is Europe's largest and most senior conference and business development event for the stem cell and cell therapy industry. The World Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Congress brings together biopharma leaders, stakeholders, influencers and end users looking for translational research, business development and commercialisation. It is a proven conference and exhibition that delivers the innovators, disruptors and influencers from across the complete value chain. For more information on the event, please visit http://www.terrapinn.com/conference/stem-cells/?utm_source=cryoport&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=cryoport
About Cryoport, Inc. Cryoport provides leading-edge cryogenic logistics solutions to the life sciences industry through the combination of purpose-built proprietary packaging, information technology and specialized cold chain logistics expertise. Its competencies range from skilled, total turnkey management of the entire life sciences cold chain logistics process to complex total management solutions for outsourced cold chain logistics.
Its packaging, built around its Cryoport Express liquid nitrogen dry vapor shippers, is validated to maintain a constant -150C temperature for a 10-plus day dynamic shipment duration. Its information technology boast its Cryoportal Logistics Management Platform which manages the entire logistics process, including initial order input, document preparation, customs document preparation and clearance, integrator/courier management, shipment tracking, issue resolution, intervention, when necessary, and delivery. Cryoport uses recyclable and reusable components providing an environmentally friendly solution. Cryoport solutions can record the "chain of condition" and "chain of custody" for shipments thereby meeting the exacting requirements for scientific work and for regulatory purposes. For more information, visit http://www.cryoport.com.
Cryoport Contacts: Todd Fromer / Garth Russell tfromer@kcsa.com / grussell@kcsa.com P: 01-212-682-6300
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Cryoport Sponsors the 9th Annual World Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Congress 2014 in ...
Posted: May 2, 2014 at 5:56 am
John Sterling | 05/01/2014
The following article, reproduced in full below, was originally published at Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News.
Its been a hot year for biotech! As G. Steven Burrill, CEO of Burrill & Co., noted in a recent report, life science firms raised $2.9 billion in new equity capital globally from public investors in February. This included $1.1 billion raised by 18 companies that completed initial public offerings and $1.8 billion raised by 23 companies that completed follow-on offerings during the month.
In the U.S., 16 life sciences companies raised $959 million through IPOs and 22 companies raised $1.75 billion through follow-on offerings on U.S. exchanges during February, making the month the biggest for IPOs in terms of the number of completed deals since February 2000!
Why the excitement? Promising new biotherapeutics are emerging from the drug pipeline. Advances in stem cell research and regenerative medicine are occurring at a rapid pace. And OMICS technologies (e.g., genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, glycomics, and lipomics), originally developed and used in the lab, are now making their way into clinical medicine, truly ready to usher in an era of personalized medicine.
The 2014 BIO International Convention will be held in San Diego this June. As usual, the BIO conference committee did a superb job in putting together a first-class program that covers a wide range of topics with something to offer everyone involved in biotech R&D or commercialization. Its been a tough call this year but here are my picks for the top 10 cant miss sessions at the conference.
To learn more about the program and available registration packages for Convention, please visithere
John Sterling is editor-in-chief of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN).
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GENs Top 10 Session Picks for the 2014 BIO International Convention
Posted: May 2, 2014 at 5:51 am
Home > News > health-news
Sydney, May 1 : The humble teeth can come to rescue your brain. Researchers at University of Adelaide have discovered that stem cells taken from teeth can grow to resemble brain cells and can be used in the brain as a therapy for stroke.
"Stem cells from teeth have great potential to grow into new brain or nerve cells and this could potentially assist with treatments of brain disorders, such as stroke," explained Kylie Ellis, a commercial development manager with the University's Adelaide Research & Innovation (ARI).
In the University's centre for stem cell research, lab studies have shown that stem cells from teeth can develop and form complex networks of brain-like cells.
The reality is that treatment options available to the thousands of stroke patients every year are limited.
"Ultimately, we want to be able to use a patient's own stem cells for tailor-made brain therapy that does not have the host rejection issues commonly associated with cell-based therapies," Ellis noted.
Another advantage is that dental pulp stem cell therapy may provide a treatment option available months or even years after the stroke has occurred, she added.
"We can do this by providing an environment for the cells that is as close to a normal brain environment as possible, so that instead of becoming cells for teeth, they become brain cells," Ellis maintained.
This work with dental pulp stem cells opens up the potential for modelling many more common brain disorders in the laboratory, which could help in developing new treatments and techniques for patients.
The results of her work were published in the journal Stem Cell Research & Therapy.
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Teeth stem cells can help treat brain stroke
Posted: May 2, 2014 at 5:51 am
An implanted graft of cardiac cells derived from human stem cells (green) meshed with a monkey's own heart cells (red). Picture: Murry Lab/University of Washington/PA
Stem cell heart repair treatments could be tested on human patients within four years following a ground-breaking study of monkeys.
Scientists successfully restored damaged cardiac muscle in macaque monkeys suffering the after-effects of experimentally induced heart attacks, paving the way to clinical trials.
Researchers injected 1bn immature heart muscle cells derived from human embryonic stem cells into each animals heart.
Over several weeks, the new cells developed, assembled into muscle fibres, and began to beat in correct time. On average, 40% of the damaged heart tissue was regenerated.
It is the first time stem cell therapy for damage caused by heart attacks has been shown to work in a primate.
Lead scientist Prof Charles Murry, director of the Centre for Cardiovascular Biology at the University of Washington in Seattle, said: Before this study, it was not known if it is possible to produce sufficient numbers of these cells and successfully use them to remuscularise damaged hearts in a large animal whose heart size and physiology is similar to that of the human heart.
He expects the treatment to be ready for clinical trials in human patients within four years.
Heart attack symptoms were triggered in the monkeys by blocking the coronary artery the main artery supplying the heart with blood for 90 minutes.
In humans, the reduced blood flow caused by narrowing of the arteries has a similar effect. Lack of blood flow to the heart damages the heart muscle by depriving it of oxygen.
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Stem cell breakthrough in treating heart attacks
