It’s Electric: Biologists Seek to Crack Cell’s Bioelectric Code
Researchers have found that cells’ bioelectrical communication steers growth and development. It is hoped that if the code can be learned, manipulating cellular signaling could be used to stave off cancer or even regenerate limbs
Famous "HeLa" Human Cell Line Gets Its DNA Sequenced
The genome of the cell line, which originated from a deadly cervical tumor taken from a patient named Henrietta Lacks, is riddled with errors, raising questions about its continued use in research
Painkillers Could Prove Helpful in Stem-Cell Transplants
Inhibition of a prostaglandin with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has been found to cause stem cells to leave marrow, where they could be harvested for patients with blood disorders
Will Cloning Ever Save Endangered Animals?
Right now, cloning is not a viable conservation strategy. But some researchers remain optimistic that it will help threatened species in the future
Bendable Needles Developed to Deliver Stem Cells into Brains
The flexible needles could help doctors deliver stem cells to broader areas of the brain with fewer injections. Such therapies are being investigated for Parkinson's disease, stroke and other neurodegenerative disorders
Researchers Home in on Biological Ways to Restore Hearing [Excerpt]
In this excerpt from Shouting Won’t Help, journalist Katherine Bouton surveys cutting-edge research into biological ways to reverse the “sensioneural” hearing loss that she and millions of others suffer, caused by impaired function of the inner ear
3-D Printed Human Embryonic Stem Cells Created for First Time
A cell printer could make 3-D human tissues for testing new drugs, growing organs or even printing cells directly inside the body
A Dangerous Game: Some Athletes Risk Untested Stem Cell Treatments
Some professional athletes' enthusiasm for certain stem cell treatments outpaces the evidence
Controversial Stem Cell Company Moves Treatment out of U.S.
Celltex Therapeutics of Houston ceased treatment patients in the U.S. last year after a warning from regulators, and will now send patients for treatments to Mexico
Safety of Induced Stem Cells Gets a Boost
Fears of an immune response to replacement tissues have been overestimated, new research suggests, rejecting previous findings about possible side effects
Supreme Court Ensures Funding of Research Using Human Embryonic Stem Cells
The high court declined to hear a final appeal, thus ending a bid to block NIH support for research using these cells
First Road Map of Human Sex-Cell Development
A new study marks a step toward stem cell treatment of infertility