TOP STORIES

Stem Cells Restore Mobility in Neck-injured Rats
The first human embryonic stem cell treatment approved by the FDA for human testing has been shown to restore limb function in rats with neck spinal cord injuries. [University of California - Irvine, Irvine]

 

Derive iPSCs feeder-free* with mTeSR®1 by STEMCELL Technologies     *Sun et al., PNAS, 2009

SCIENCE NEWS

Scientists Reveal How Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Differ from Embryonic Stem Cells and Tissue of Derivation
According to new research, the same genes that are chemically altered during normal cell differentiation, as well as when normal cells become cancer cells, are also changed in stem cells that scientists derive from adult cells. [Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore]

Faster Route to Stem-like Cells
Given the right conditions, any adult cell can be coaxed into becoming stem-cell like, according to a team of researchers, who were also able to speed up the process, cutting the time required for cells to become stem cell like by around half. [Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge]

Scientists Successfully Reprogram Blood Cells
Researchers have transplanted genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells into mice so that their developing red blood cells produce a critical lysosomal enzyme, preventing or reducing organ and central nervous system damage from the often-fatal genetic disorder Hurler's syndrome. [Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati]

Animal Protein-Free Feeder-Independent Maintenance Medium for hESCs & hiPSCs by STEMCELL Technologies     WATCH THE TeSR™2 VIDEO

CURRENT PUBLICATIONS

Identification of Targets of Prox1 During In Vitro Vascular Differentiation from Embryonic Stem Cells: Functional Roles of HoxD8 in Lymphangiogenesis
Here, the researchers identified FoxC2 and angiopoietin-2 (Ang2), which play important roles in the maturation of lymphatic vessels, as novel targets of Prox1 in mouse embryonic-stem-cell-derived endothelial cells. [J Cell Sci]

Generation of Lung Epithelial-like Tissue from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
The aim of the present study was an investigation on the effect of specific culture conditions on differentiation of hESC into lung epithelial cells. [Respir Res]

Small Molecules that Modulate Embryonic Stem Cell Fate and Somatic Cell Reprogramming
Here, the scientists review recent progress in using small molecules to sustain pluripotency, or induce differentiation of embryonic stem cells. We also highlight small molecules that can replace transcription factors and/or enhance efficiency during somatic cell reprogramming. [Trends Pharmacol Sci]

Extra-cellular Matrix Isolated from Foreskin Fibroblasts Supports Long Term Xeno-Free Human Embryonic Stem Cell Culture
In this study, the researchers have developed a novel method to expand hES cells in xeno-free, feeder-free conditions using two different matrices derived from xeno-free human foreskin fibroblasts (XF-HFFs). [Stem Cells Dev]

INDUSTRY NEWS

Stem Cell Therapy International, Inc. and Histostem Korea Announce $5 Million Financing Commitment
Stem Cell Therapy International Inc. and its soon to be subsidiary, Histostem Ltd. of South Korea, announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for up to a $5 million investment commitment with Socius Life Science Capital Group, LLC.

Rhode Island Hospital Receives $11-million Stem Cell Grant
The five-year grant will pay for the development of a stem cell research center that will examine mechanisms of cell repair and, it is hoped, boost the careers of young researchers.

POLICY NEWS

Stem Cell Research Bringing Jobs and Innovation to Ontario, Canada
Ontario, Canada is supporting a world-class stem cell research project to help revolutionize treatments for major health conditions like cancer, heart disease and traumatic injuries, and create high-value jobs in Toronto.

$2.1M Provided for Stem Cell Education
The Empire State Stem Cell Board has awarded funds to faculty members statewide to develop new curricula for college students seeking to learn about stem cell science.

Bill Could Strictly Regulate Stem Cell Research
Michigan State University researchers are concerned regulations on embryonic stem cell research proposed in a Michigan Senate Committee would interfere with their progress.

Revised PHS 416-9 Progress Report for Continuation Support for the Individual Fellowship Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Now Available - Change for Human Embryonic Stem Cells Implemented (NOT-OD-10-011)

EVENTS

WiCell Human Embryonic Stem Cell Course
December 7-9, 2009
Madison, United States

49th American Society for Cell Biology Annual Meeting
December 5-9, 2009
San Diego, United States

Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine World Congress
January 20-21, 2010
San Francisco, United States

Phacilitate Cell and Gene Therapy
January 25-27, 2010
Washington DC, United States

Molecular Medicine Tri-Conference 2010
February 3-5, 2010
San Francisco, United States

SMi's 2nd Annual Stem Cells
February 15-16, 2010
London, United Kingdom

Keystone Symposium B4 Stem Cell Differentiation and Dedifferentiation
February 15-20, 2010
Keystone, United States

Stem Cell Summit
February 16, 2010
New York, United States

16th Annual ISCT meeting
May 23-26, 2010
Philadelphia, United States

ISSCR 8th Annual Meeting
June 16-19, 2010
San Francisco, United States

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Manager, Market Segment Regenerative Medicine (Sigma-Aldrich Corporation)

Technical Specialist (AABB)

R&D Scientist (STEMCELL Technologies)

Technical Support Representative - France (STEMCELL Technologies)

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