TOP STORIES

A Key Mechanism Regulating Neural Stem Cell Development is Uncovered
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism that regulates how neural stem cells of the retina generate the appropriate cell type at the right time during normal development.

SCIENCE

A Fine Balance
Researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have shown how a class of spinal cord neurons, known as V3 neurons, makes sure that one side of the body doesn't get ahead of the other.

ABSTRACTS

Allele-Specific RNA Silencing of Mutant Ataxin-3 Mediates Neuroprotection in a Rat Model of Machado-Joseph Disease
This paper demonstrates that RNAi has potential for use in Machado-Joseph disease treatment and constitute the first proof-of-principle for allele-specific silencing in the central nervous system.

The Effect of the Controlled Release of Nerve Growth Factor from Collagen Gel on the Efficiency of Neural Cell Culture
The method presented reduced the amount of nerve growth factor required for pheochromocytoma cell culture to 1/3rd of that used in daily addition without affecting cell viability, apoptosis, or differentiation.

Tbr2 Directs Conversion of Radial Glia into Basal Precursors and Guides Neuronal Amplification by Indirect Neurogenesis in the Developing Neocortex
The findings from this study suggest that intermediate (basal) progenitor cells progeny contribute to the correct morphogenesis of each cortical layer.

Aquaporin-4-binding Autoantibodies in Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica Impair Glutamate Transport by Down-Regulating EAAT2
In this study, the researchers demonstrate that exposure to NMO patient serum and active complement compromises the membrane integrity of CNS-derived astrocytes.

A Feeder-Free and Efficient Production of Functional Neutrophils from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
A novel, feeder-free hematopoietic differentiation protocol was established for highly efficient production of neutrophils from human embryonic stem cells.

INDUSTRY

University of Georgia Receives $8.3 Million NIH Grant to Study Stem Cells, Cancer
The National Institutes of Health has awarded the University of Georgia a five-year, $8.3 million grant to further its research into the role cell-surface sugars known as glycans play in the development of stem cells and cancer cells.

Lokey Gives $75 Million to Create Nation's Largest Stem Cell Research Center at Stanford
Lorry I. Lokey, the Business Wire founder and philanthropist, is giving $75 million to the Stanford University School of Medicine to help build what is expected to be the nation's largest center for stem cell research.

Neuralstem Licenses Cleveland Clinic Spinal Cord Injection Technology
Neuralstem Inc., recently announced that it has licensed the rights to three inventions from Cleveland Clinic pertaining to Targeted Spinal Cord Therapeutics Delivery.

POLICY

From Embryo or From Blood Cells: Obama and McCain's Stem Cell Showdown
Do either candidate's record support their stance on stem cell research?