news
Scientists to test Zika virus on brain tumours
The research, using tumour cells in the laboratory and in mice, will see if the Zika virus can destroy cancer cells.
List view / Grid view
Stem Cells
Stem cells are undifferentiated biological cells that can differentiate into specialised cells and can divide to produce more stem cells.
news
New gene variant identified in ALS provides treatment hope
A new study shows that a variant in UBQLN4 gene has been associated with Lou Gehrig's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study also describes how this gene variant disrupts a cellular process that drives motor neuron development. This new insight opens the door to potential treatment targets for…
news
Using single-cell RNA sequencing to track stem cell development
Adult stem cells have the ability to transform into many types of cells, but tracing the path individual stem cells follow as they mature and identifying the molecules that trigger these fateful decisions are difficult in a living animal.
news
New cell separator could advance cancer and Alzheimer’s research
A new cell separator that began life as a tinfoil and epoxy glue prototype built with supplies from a University shop could revolutionise stem-cell and regenerative cell-based therapies.
news
New chlamydia drug targets discovered using CRISPR and stem cells
Scientists have created an innovative technique for studying how chlamydia interacts with the human immune system...
news
Researchers identify potential Zika Virus target
New research provides insights into why infection with Zika virus after birth generally causes only mild symptoms, whereas devastating foetal malformations can develop when infection occurs during pregnancy.
news
Cancer-causing virus masters cell’s replication & immortality
Viruses are notorious for taking over their host's operations and using them to their own advantage. But few human viruses make themselves quite as cozy as the Epstein-Barr virus, which can be found in an estimated 9/10 humans without causing any ill effects. That is, until this virus causes mononucleosis…
news
Researchers print stem cells using 3D bioprinter to form cartilage
A team of researchers have generated cartilage tissue by printing stem cells using a 3D-bioprinter...
news
Removing old cells could extend joint health & stop osteoarthritis
In a preclinical study in mice and human cells, researchers report that selectively removing old or 'senescent' cells from joints could stop and even reverse the progression of osteoarthritis.
news
Scientists uncover mechanism allowing bacteria to survive the human immune system
Researchers have uncovered molecular details of how pathogenic bacteria fight back against the human immune response to infection.
news
Plasticell and Kings College London to collaborate in trials of blood platelet substitute
Over 10 million units of platelets are transfused worldwide each year in one of the most common procedures in clinical medicine. However, platelets derived from human donors can transmit infections and trigger serious immune reactions that eventually render the therapy ineffective (a condition known as alloimmune refractoriness). In addition, since…
news
Plasticell to produce red blood cell substitute from pluripotent stem cells
Over 90 million blood transfusions are carried out worldwide each year and alternative sources to donor-derived blood are being sought to meet rising demand. In addition there is a need to secure a safer supply of blood products, chiefly in developing countries where there is a relatively higher risk of…
news
Premature cell differentiation leads to disorders in pancreatic development
Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM), or diabetes among infants less than six months of age, is a rare form of diabetes caused by a mutation in genes crusial to the development or function of beta cells. In about half of such cases, the disease becomes permanent (PNDM). Mutations in more than…
news
Stem cell patch shows early promise in treating heart failure
In a Phase I clinical trial, heart failure patients treated with patches made from their muscle cells showed improved exercise capacity and heart function after one year. Stem cell patch-based therapy may be a viable heart failure therapy and should be validated in larger clinical trials, researchers conclude.
news
New gene discovered drives cancer drug resistance
Scientists in Salford, UK, have identified a gene which is ‘revving the engine of cancer’ against the world’s most common breast cancer drug.
