neuroscience, stem cells

This new understanding could one day lead to targeted treatments. 

Personalized stem cells improved motor symptoms and depression signs in monkeys modeling Parkinson’s disease, paving the way for trials in human patients.

A study has sparked controversy by suggesting that cells made using a popular lab protocol have been misidentified, with potentially serious repercussions for brain research. Critics say the significance of the findings has been overstated.

The Stanford University professor helped develop a technique to grow brain organoids from induced pluripotent stem cells.

A new tool helps stem cells integrate with host neural circuitry after implantation in mice.

After growing in culture for a few months, the mini-brains produced rhythmic neural activity that strengthened over time.

The introduced cells engrafted in the nose, became olfactory sensory neurons, and sent axons to the animals’ brains.

Changes in gene expression also hint at how the brains of people with ASD develop differently from those of other people.

A zebrafish model of the birth defect craniosynostosis provides insights into how the condition develops.

The stem cell–derived transplants were stable for 24 months and led to wide-ranging behavioral improvements in the monkeys.  

The first human experiment with neural precursor cells implanted to treat chronic spinal cord injury suggests the procedure is safe, and hints at a small benefit.  

Brain organoids engineered to carry the genetic material could reveal how our brains are similar to and different from those of our closest relatives.

Once implanted into animals’ brains, neural stem cells that secrete microRNA-containing vesicles seem to contribute to an anti-aging effect.

Two studies report methods to mimic human fetal brain development using neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells that form 3-D, brain-like structures. 

Celebrating 30 years and a resurrection

Since The Scientist published its first issue in October 1986, life-science research has transformed from a manual and often tedious task to a high-tech, largely automated process of unprecedented efficiency.

The cells of the mammalian immune system do more than just fight off pathogens; they are also important players in stem cell function and are thus crucial for maintaining homeostasis and recovering from injury.

Two research groups have devised small-molecule recipes to directly transform fibroblasts into neurons.

The study of mini “brains” in a dish, derived from patient cells, offers a novel approach for autism spectrum disorder research.