Turning skin cells into heart muscle cells to repair damaged hearts
Skin cells from heart failure patients have been reprogrammed to transform into healthy, new heart muscle cells that can integrate with existing heart tissue.
Technion-Israel Institute of Technology: 23 May 2012
A glass already half-full for nano-based water treatments
Clean drinking water is in short supply for most of the world’s population, but nanotechnology can go a long way to ensuring no one goes thirsty.
The Guardian: 22 May 2012
Quantum dots appear safe in primates
A study to gauge the toxicity of quantum dots in primates has found cadmium-selenide quantum dots to be safe over intervals of time ranging from three months to a year.
Newswise, University of Buffalo: 21 May 2012
Nature Nanotechnology, Ling et al published online 20 May 2012
Two patients get eye stem cells transplanted to restore sight
Two people have had stem cells transplanted into their eyes as part of a clinical trial to treat corneal blindness
BBC: 21 May 2012
Brain-controlled robotic arm toasts success with a drink
A study on people with tetraplegia has shown participants were able to control a robotic arm and hand over a broad space without any explicit training.
The Conversation: 17 May 2012
Growing bone from embryonic stem cells
Human embryonic stem cells can be used to grow bone tissue grafts for use in research and potential therapeutic application.
New York Stem Cell Foundation: 14 May 2012
Gene therapy slows biological clock
Scientists have extended the lifespan of adult mice by boosting the activity of genes that code for the enzyme, telomerase.
Spanish National Cancer Research Centre: 15 May 2012
Restoring sight with wireless implants
A combination of video goggles and photovoltaic retinal implants could make vision restoration more practicable.
Nature News: 13 May 2012
As our DNA defines us, science outpaces ethics
The ability to sequence whole genomes is advancing rapidly, such that the prospect of “personalized” or “precision” medicine is looming. This raises privacy and ethical questions that need to be discussed.
Op Ed Dr. Michael A. Wosnick Global Mail: 10 May 2012
Gene-modified stem cell transplant protects patients from toxic side effects of chemotherapy
Researchers have transplanted brain cancer patients’ own gene-modified blood stem cells to protect their bone marrow against the toxic side effects of chemotherapy.