Lifeboat Foundation

A process using human stem cells can generate the cells that cover the external surface of a human heart — epicardium cells — according to a multidisciplinary team of researchers.

“In 2012, we discovered that if we treated human stem cells with chemicals that sequentially activate and inhibit Wnt signaling pathway, they become myocardium muscle cells,” said Xiaojun Lance Lian, assistant professor of biomedical engineering and biology, who is leading the study at Penn State. Myocardium, the middle of the heart’s three layers, is the thick, muscular part that contracts to drive blood through the body.

The Wnt signaling pathway is a group of signal transduction pathways made of proteins that pass signals into a cell using cell-surface receptors.

Continue reading “Stem cells used to regenerate the external layer of a human heart” »

In Brief

• Researchers were able to prevent immune system rejection of stem cells, blocking the usual immune responses that trigger rejection of the stem cells by the recipient’s body.
• Using this technique, they were able to restore vision in mice as far out as nine months following the injection of these cells.

Part 2 of the immune system explained in this easy going pop culture style series.

In the penultimate episode of Crash Course Anatomy & Physiology, Hank explains your adaptive immune system. The adaptive immune system’s humoral response guards extracellular terrain against pathogens. Hank also explains B cells, antibodies, and how vaccines work.

Continue reading “Immune System, part 2: Crash Course A&P #46” »

Once again the figures show that young to old disparity in the population is the problem not overpopulation. We really need to develop rejvenation biotechnology with all haste.

Once again overpopulation isnt the problem it is the disparity between young and old in the workforce. This makes rejuvenation biotechnology a suitable solution to avoid economic collapse.

“The world is experiencing unparalleled population aging. This poses problems for productivity and growth, unless we do something about it”

Continue reading “An Aging Population Is Stalling Productivity” »

Researchers from North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University have developed a synthetic version of a cardiac stem cell. These synthetic stem cells offer therapeutic benefits comparable to those from natural stem cells and could reduce some of the risks associated with stem cell therapies. Additionally, these cells have better preservation stability and the technology is generalizable to other types of stem cells.

Stem cell therapies work by promoting endogenous repair; that is, they aid damaged tissue in repairing itself by secreting “paracrine factors,” including proteins and genetic materials. While stem cell therapies can be effective, they are also associated with some risks of both tumor growth and immune rejection. Also, the cells themselves are very fragile, requiring careful storage and a multi-step process of typing and characterization before they can be used.

Ke Cheng, associate professor of molecular biomedical sciences at NC State, associate professor in the joint biomedical engineering program at NC State and UNC, and adjunct associate professor at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, led a team in developing the synthetic version of a cardiac stem cell that could be used in off-the-shelf applications.

The immune system part 1.

Our final episodes of Anatomy & Physiology explore the way your body keeps all that complex, intricate stuff alive and healthy — your immune system. The immune system’s responses begin with physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes, and when they’re not enough, there are phagocytes — the neutrophils and macrophages. It also features the awesomely named natural killer cells and the inflammatory response, and we’ll explain how all of these elements work together to save the day if you happen to slip on a banana peel.

Continue reading “Immune System, part 1: Crash Course A&P #45” »

Silicon Valley luminaries have teamed up to fund research into how AI can benefit humanity.

This billboard will cough every time someone smokes near it.

This is the first time you’ll actually want a case of food poisoning.