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New tools to study the origin of embryonic stem cells

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Immunofluorescence microscopy reveals the completely different protein profiles of immature stem cells (colored pink) and mature stem cells (colored inexperienced). Credit score: Sarita Panula Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have recognized cell floor markers particular for the very earliest stem cells within the human embryo. These cells are thought to own nice potential for changing broken tissue however till now have been troublesome to tell apart from classical embryonic stem cells. The examine is printed within the journal  Cell Stem Cell . Through the first week of fertilisation, the embryo grows from a single cell right into a blastocyst, a hole cluster of some hundred cells. The blastocyst then attaches itself to the wall of the uterus (implantation), and for a restricted interval from fertilisation to a couple days after implantation the embryo incorporates pluripotent stem cells. These cells can grow to be all of the physique's cell varieties and a...

Molecular roadmap of human stem cell states

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Use of the immunofluorescent microscopy visualization method reveals the presence of particular proteins in naive human embryonic stem cells. The stem cells have been coloured to symbolize the totally different proteins detected on this examine. Credit score: Dr. Sarita Panula, Karolinska Institute Researchers have recognized a set of molecular 'flags' which are current on the floor of human stem cells. Stem cells are cells which have the potential to distinguish into quite a lot of specialised cells. By recognising the flags, researchers can now precisely monitor and examine stem cells because the cells transition between totally different states. This method has revealed new insights into the timing and coordination of the modifications in gene exercise and modifications to the DNA that happen as cells are reprogrammed from one state to a different. These findings will open up new methods to enhance the effectivity of cell reprogramming and to drive stem cell...

Stem cells shown to restore erection capability in men with erectile dysfunction

In recent years several groups have worked to develop stem cell therapy as a cure for erectile dysfunction, but until now the improvements have not been sufficient to allow affected men to achieve full sexual intercourse. Results presented at the European Association of Urology conference in London show that 8 out of 21 have successfully regained sexual function. Lead researcher, Dr Martha Haahr (Odense University Hospital) said "What we have done establishes that this technique can lead to men recovering a spontaneous erection -- in other words, without the use of other medicines, injections, or implants. We are now beginning a larger Phase 2 trial to better evaluate its effectiveness and confirm its safety." Erectile dysfunction affects nearly half of men between the ages of 40 and 70 to some degree. There are several possible causes, including surgery (e.g. prostate surgery), high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and psychological problems. Current re...