TheCell Therapy Processing marketreport [6 Year Forecast 2016-2022] focuses on Major Leading Industry Players, providing info likeCell Therapy Processing product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market driving force and market risks.Profile the top manufacturers of Cell Therapy Processing, with sales, revenue and globalmarket share ofCell Therapy Processingare analyzed emphatically bylandscape contrastandspeak to info.Upstream raw materials and instrumentation and downstream demand analysis is additionally administrated. The Cell Therapy Processing marketbusiness development trends and selling channelssquare measure analyzed. From a global perspective, It also represents overall Cell Therapy Processing industry size by analyzingqualitative insights and historical data.

KNOW MORE WITH FREE SAMPLE STUDY @https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1692341

Summary

There are numerous indications that can be cured using cell therapies, and with increased R&D activities for cell therapies, the number of therapeutic uses is anticipated to increase in the near future. Some of the indications under investigation for the treatment using cell therapy are cerebral disorders such as Parkinsons disease and Alzheimers disease, and also cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease could be treated using cell therapies with the aim to restore normal heart functions. Moreover, many studies are undergoing in the attempt to improve the safety and efficacy in treatment of different malignancies. Cell therapy could also be used to cure metabolic disorder such as diabetes mellitus type 1 where there is lack of insulin production in the patient. Researchers are also trying to restore normal liver and kidney function by introducing modified cells of respective origins. Presently, cell therapy could be a promising technique for the treatment of numerous conditions such as orthopedic, oncology, neurological and variety of autoimmune diseases. The increase in the potential of cell therapies in the treatment of diseases associated with lungs using stem cell therapies is anticipated to drive the markets growth in the near future. In addition, improved understanding of the role of stem cells in inducing development of functional lung cells from both embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells offers lucrative opportunities for the cell therapy processing markets growth. The rising significance of stem cell therapies provides further understanding of lung biology and repair after lung injury, and further a sound scientific basis for therapeutic use of cell therapies and bioengineering approaches in the treatment of lung diseases.

Report Scope:

This research report presents an in-depth analysis of the global cell therapy processing market by offering type, application and geographic regional markets. The report includes key inhibitors that affect various factors that help in growth of cell therapy processing. The report discusses the role of supply chain members from manufacturers to researchers. The report analyzes key companies operating in the global cell therapy processing market. In-depth patent analysis in the report will provide extensive technological trends across years and regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and ROW.

The cell therapy processing market is mainly segmented into three major components: offering type, application and region. Based on offering type, the market is segmented into products (cell lines, instruments, among others), services (product design, process design, among others) and software (enabling software). Based on application, the market is categorized into cardiovascular diseases, bone repair, neurological disorders, skeletal muscle repair, cancer and others. The market is segmented by region into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the ROW.

The cell therapy processing market is mainly segmented into three major components: offering type, application and region. Based on offering type, the market is segmented into products (cell lines, instruments, among others), services (product design, process design, among others) and software (enabling software). Based on application, the market is categorized into cardiovascular diseases, bone repair, neurological disorders, skeletal muscle repair, cancer and others. The market is segmented by region into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the ROW.

Interested in Report: Make an Enquiry to Our Expert @https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=1692341

Report Includes:

40 data tables and 25 additional tables

An overview of the global market for cell therapy processing technologies

Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2016 and 2017, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2022

Analysis of the market by technology, application, and region

An outline of the present state of applications of rainwater harvesting

Descriptions of trends in price and price-performance and other factors, including demand in the market

Profiles of key companies in the market, including Biotime Inc., Cell Design Labs., Flodesign Sonics, Lonza Group Ltd. and Sanbio Co. Ltd.

Contact Us:

ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074Toll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-CANADA)Email:[emailprotected]Follow us on LinkedIn @http://bit.ly/2RtaFUo

Follow us on Blogger @https://marketnews-24.blogspot.com/

Visit link:
Global Cell Therapy Processing Market Growth, Demand, Industry Verticals, and Forecast upto 2022 - News Description

A new study released today in STEM CELLS outlines how fat grafting - which previous studies have shown can reduce and even reverse fibrosis (scar tissue) buildup - also improves the range of motion of the affected limb. The study, conducted by researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine, was conducted on mice.

DURHAM, N.C., Dec. 3, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --A new study released today in STEM CELLS outlines how fat grafting which previous studies have shown can reduce and even reverse fibrosis (scar tissue) buildup also improves the range of motion of the affected limb. The study, conducted by researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine, was conducted on mice.

The tumor-destroying capabilities of radiation therapy can be a life saver for a person suffering from cancer. But it's a therapy that has several unwanted side effects, too, including causing substantial damage not just to cancerous cells, but any healthy tissue in its path. Over time, fibrosis builds up in the treated area which, in the case of an arm, shoulder, or leg, for example, can lead to painful contractures that significantly limit extensibility and negatively impact the person's quality of life.

The Stanford team irradiated the right hind legs of subject mice, which resulted in chronic fibrosis and limb contracture. Four weeks later, the irradiated limbs of one group of the mice were injected with fat enriched with stromal vascular cells (SVCs). These potent cells already naturally exist in fat, but supplementation of fat with additional SVCs enhances its regenerative capabilities. A second group was injected with fat only, a third group with saline and a fourth group received no injections, for comparison. The animals' ability to extend their limb was then measured at baseline and every two weeks for a 12-week period. At the end of the 12 weeks, the hind limb skin underwent histological analysis and biomechanical strength testing.

"Each animal showed significant reduction in its limb extension ability due to the radiation, but this was progressively rescued by fat grafting," reported corresponding author Derrick C. Wan, M.D., FACS. Fat grafting also reduced skin stiffness and reversed the radiation-induced histological changes in the skin.

"The greatest benefits were found in mice injected with fat enriched with SVCs," Dr. Wan added. "SVCs are easily obtained through liposuction and can be coaxed into different tissue types, where they can support neovascularization, replace cells and repair injured issue.

"Our study showed the ability of fat to improve mobility as well as vascularity and appearance," he continued. "We think this holds enormous clinical potential especially given that adipose tissue is abundant and can be easily collected from the patients themselves and underscores an attractive approach to address challenging soft tissue fibrosis in patients following radiation therapy."

Furthermore, said co-author and world-renowned breast reconstructive expert Arash Momeni, M.D., FACS, "Our observations are potentially translatable to a variety of challenging clinical scenarios. Being able to reverse radiation-induced effects holds promise to substantially improve clinical outcomes in implant-based as well as autologous breast reconstruction. The study findings are indeed encouraging as they could offer patients novel treatment modalities for debility clinical conditions.

"Excessive scarring is a challenging problem that is associated with a variety of clinical conditions, such as burn injuries, tendon lacerations, etc. The potential to improve outcomes based on treatment modalities derived from our research is indeed exciting," Dr. Momeni added.

"Skin and soft tissue scarring and fibrosis are well-established problems after radiation. The current study, showing that human fat grafting can normalize the collagen networks and improve tissue elasticity in immune deficient mice, provides molecular evidence for how fat grafting functions," said Dr. Jan Nolta, Editor-in-Chief of STEM CELLS. "The studies indicate that, with the appropriate regulatory approvals, autologous fat grafting could potentially also help human patients recover from radiation-induced tissue fibrosis."

The full article, "Fat grafting rescues radiation-induced joint contracture," can be accessed at https://stemcellsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/stem.3115.

Story continues

About the Journal: STEM CELLS, a peer reviewed journal published monthly, provides a forum for prompt publication of original investigative papers and concise reviews. The journal covers all aspects of stem cells: embryonic stem cells/induced pluripotent stem cells; tissue-specific stem cells; cancer stem cells; the stem cell niche; stem cell epigenetics, genomics and proteomics; and translational and clinical research. STEM CELLS is co-published by AlphaMed Press and Wiley.

About AlphaMed Press: Established in 1983, AlphaMed Press with offices in Durham, NC, San Francisco, CA, and Belfast, Northern Ireland, publishes three internationally renowned peer-reviewed journals with globally recognized editorial boards dedicated to advancing knowledge and education in their focused disciplines. STEM CELLS (http://www.StemCells.com) is the world's first journal devoted to this fast paced field of research. THE ONCOLOGIST (http://www.TheOncologist.com) is devoted to community and hospital-based oncologists and physicians entrusted with cancer patient care. STEM CELLS TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE (http://www.StemCellsTM.com) is dedicated to significantly advancing the clinical utilization of stem cell molecular and cellular biology. By bridging stem cell research and clinical trials, SCTM will help move applications of these critical investigations closer to accepted best practices.

About Wiley: Wiley, a global company, helps people and organizations develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Our online scientific, technical, medical and scholarly journals, combined with our digital learning, assessment and certification solutions, help universities, learned societies, businesses, governments and individuals increase the academic and professional impact of their work. For more than 200 years, we have delivered consistent performance to our stakeholders. The company's website can be accessed at http://www.wiley.com.

SOURCE STEM CELLS

Visit link:
Fat grafting improves range of motion in limbs damaged by radiation therapy - Yahoo Finance

Dr Sister Ltd continues to offer effective skin treatments to both men and women, and they have been doing this for over 45 years now. Doctor Sister provides a comprehensive portfolio of treatments while at the same time delivering natural-looking, regenerative and enhancing results for the face and body. They are big believers in helping slow down the ageing process for each client, as of course, they are unable to stop time for you.

At Dr Sister Ltd, you can be treated by a professional doctor that trains other practitioners. Dr Sisterhimself has introduced over ten ground-breaking treatments to the UK market, along with eight published books, many articles in international peer reviews medical journals and general press, as well as being one of UKs and Europes leading lecturer and trainer in the field of Aesthetic Medicine.

The treatments offered by Dr Sister Ltd are non-invasive so there is no surgery and no downtime. Some of the skin treatments on offer at Dr Sister Ltd include the following; mini face lift, non-surgical face lift, vampire facial, PRP treatment and PRP injection. That is not an exhaustive list and he is also a renowned hormonal expert.

Dr. Sister has perfected safe, effective, natural-looking treatments, which has made him a worldwide expert and teacher in regenerative and innovative procedures such as Dracula PRP, Mint Lift including the new Stem Cell Facelift.

The PRP treatment (Dr. Sister has his own superior trademarked version called Dracula Therapy) may be unfamiliar to some clients. Dr Sister explains the procedure in great detail on their site. APRP treatment is a powerful anti-ageing treatment that involves using your blood as an injectable treatment (PRP Injection). Dr Daniel Sister was the first to introduce the treatment into the UK, and now he calls it Dracula Therapy.

With the Dracula Therapy or vampire facial, you will notice results within 3-4 weeks, and often only one PRP injection is required. However, the treatment may need to be repeated every 2-6 months because of the on-going ageing process.

The PRP injections generally appeal to patients looking for a more natural approach to facial rejuvenation, which is the rejuvenation process of using their cells. This treatment does not use synthetic fillers or animal products and has no risks or side effects.

At Dr Sister Ltd, they are well known for their aesthetic treatments, in particular, the MINT lift and Dr Sister is the training partner for the MINT lift. It is a PDO thread lift that offers exceptional results. Dr. Sister has been particularly impressed by the results as it provides an immediate and obvious lift, which many of his patients are looking for.

Dr Sister Ltd also mentions that local anaesthetic is used making the procedure pain free, and patients generally return to work and usual activities the following day. There are many benefits such as soft tissue lifting, instant lift, results lasting around 18 months.

If you would like to find out more about the treatments on offer at Dr Sister Ltd, there are many ways to get in touch. You can email press@drdanielsister.com your query, and they will get back to you as soon as possible, or you can go online to their website at https://drdanielsister.com. On their site, you will find all the information about the top treatments, fees, testimonials, and Dr Sister Ltd.

Source:https://thenewsfront.com/dr-sister-ltd-offers-effective-skin-treatments-to-both-men-and-women/

Here is the original post:
Dr Sister Ltd Offers Effective Skin Treatments to Both Men and Women - The News Front

The healthcare industry has been focusing on excessive research and development in the last couple of decades to ensure that the need to address issues related to the availability of drugs and treatments for certain chronic diseases is effectively met. Healthcare researchers and scientists at the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of the Hong Kong University have successfully demonstrated the utilization of human induced pluripotent stem cells or hiPSCs from the skin cells of the patient for testing therapeutic drugs.

The success of this research suggests that scientists have crossed one more hurdle towards using stem cells in precision medicine for the treatment of patients suffering from sporadic hereditary diseases. iPSCs are the new generation approach towards the prevention and treatment of diseases that takes into account patients on an individual basis considering their genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment. Along with the capacity to transform into different body cell types and same genetic composition of the donors, hiPSCs have surfaced as a promising cell source to screen and test drugs.

In the present research, hiPSC was synthesized from patients suffering from a rare form of hereditary cardiomyopathy owing to the mutations in Lamin A/C related cardiomyopathy in their distinct families. The affected individuals suffer from sudden death, stroke, and heart failure at a very young age. As on date, there is no exact treatment available for this condition. This team in Hong Kong tested a drug named PTC124 to suppress specific genetic mutations in other genetic diseases into the iPSC transformed heart muscle cells. While this technology is being considered as a breakthrough in clinical stem cell research, the team at Hong Kong University is collaborating with drug companies regarding its clinical application.

The unique properties of iPS cells provides extensive potential to several biopharmaceutical applications. iPSCs are also used in toxicology testing, high throughput, disease modeling, and target identification. This type of stem cell has the potential to transform drug discovery by offering physiologically relevant cells for tool discovery, compound identification, and target validation. A new report by Persistence Market Research (PMR) states that the globalinduced pluripotent stem or iPS cell marketis expected to witness a strong CAGR of 7.0% from 2018 to 2026. In 2017, the market was worth US$ 1,254.0 Mn and is expected to reach US$ 2,299.5 Mn by the end of the forecast period in 2026.

Customization to be the Key Focus of Market Players

Due to the evolving needs of the research community, the demand for specialized cell lines have increased to a certain point where most vendors offering these products cannot depend solely on sales from catalog products. The quality of the products and lead time can determine the choices while requesting custom solutions at the same time. Companies usually focus on establishing a strong distribution network for enabling products to reach customers from the manufacturing units in a short time period.

Entry of Multiple Small Players to be Witnessed in the Coming Years

Several leading players have their presence in the global market; however, many specialized products and services are provided by small and regional vendors. By targeting their marketing strategies towards research institutes and small biotechnology companies, these new players have swiftly established their presence in the market.

The rest is here:
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Market To Register High Revenue Growthat 7% CAGR Throughout 2018 to 2026 - Kentucky Reports

Within days of giving birth, a womans estrogen and progesterone levels quickly drop, leading to chemical changes in the brain that might give rise to shifts in mood. In fact, as many as three in four mothers experience symptoms of depression soon after childbirth. But for one in nine mothers, those symptoms result in a more serious, longer-lasting, and potentially life-threatening condition known as postpartum depression. The disorder, which manifests as a significant change in mood within hours to weeks of giving birth, is the most common complication of pregnancy. Currently, the depression drugs used to treat it take weeks to months to kick intime that new mothers (and their infants) cant afford. Zulresso is the first FDA-approved medication designed to tackle postpartum depression, and it does so at speed. The drug is a synthetic form of allopregnanolone, a hormone that dampens neural activity and eases depression symptoms when estrogen and progesterone levels dip. In double-blind control studies run by the creators at Sage Therapeutics, Zulresso worked within 60 hours. Right now, the drug is administered via a 60-hour intravenous infusion (common among new medicines), but alternative treatments, including a pill form, are currently in clinical trials.

Continue reading here:
100 greatest innovations of 2019: Best of What's New - Popular Science

Glenn Gaudette, William Smith Deans Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), has been named a fellow of theNational Academy of Inventors(NAI), the organization announced today. Gaudette is the founding director of the WPI Myocardial Regeneration Lab, where he has pioneered the use of plants as scaffoldingfor heart regeneration.

The NAI Fellows Program highlights academic inventors who have demonstrated a spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development and the welfare of society. Election to NAI Fellow is the highest professional distinction accorded solely to academic inventors.

I am honored and humbled to be selected as a Fellow of the NAI. This prestigious recognition is a reflection of amazing collaborators, fantastic students, risk-taking funding organizations and a supportive family that I have been fortunate to benefit from, said Gaudette. Today, significant engineering and science advancements require a focus on creating value for society, work that flourishes in an open and collaborative environment like the one I enjoy at WPI.

As director of the Myocardial Regeneration Lab, Gaudette focuses broadly on cardiovascular regeneration techniques, but more specifically on developing better ways to deliver cells to damaged myocardium as well as better techniques to analyze cardiac mechanics. He has authored over 75 publications, including a co-edited book on cardiovascular regeneration, has four issued patents, and founded a company based on the technology developed in his laboratory. His research, which is supported by the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, aims to develop a treatment for the millions of Americans suffering from myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular diseases.

As a member of the NAI 2019 Fellows, Gaudette joins 168 educators and researchers representing 136 universities and governmental and nonprofit research institutes worldwide. Collectively, they hold over 3,500 issued U.S. patents. Among the 2019 Fellows are six recipients of the U.S. National Medal of Technology & Innovation or U.S. National Medal of Science and four Nobel Laureates, as well as recipients of other honors and distinctions. Their collective body of research covers a range of scientific disciplines including neurobehavioral sciences, horticulture, photonics and nanomedicine.

To date, NAI Fellows hold more than 41,500 issued U.S. patents, which have generated over 11,000 licensed technologies and companies, and created more than 36 million jobs. In addition, over $1.6 trillion in revenue has been generated based on NAI Fellow discoveries.

On April 10, 2020, the 2019 NAI Fellows will be inducted at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona as part of the Ninth Annual NAI Meeting. Laura A. Peter, Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO),will provide the keynote address for the induction ceremony. At the ceremony, Fellows will be formally inducted by Peter and NAI President Paul R. Sanberg in recognition of their outstanding achievements.

In addition to being named an NAI Fellow, Gaudette is a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. His teams research usingspinach leavesas scaffolds for growing human heart cells has been featured by media outlets throughout the world, including the BBC, theWashington Post,and Time.com. The work was named one of the top medical breakthroughs of the year byBoston Magazineand was the seventh most popular story of 2017 inNational Geographic. He has also worked on a novel technology using fibrin sutures to deliver stem cells to targeted areas of the body to repair diseased or damaged tissue, including cardiac muscle damaged by a heart attack.Outside the lab, Gaudette teaches biomedical engineering design and innovation, biomechanics and physiology. He promotes the development of the entrepreneurial mindset in his students through support provided by the Kern Family Foundationand serves as the director of the Value Creation Initiative at WPI.In 2015, he was named Faculty Member of the Year by the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN).

Link:
Professor Recognized For Cardiac Regeneration Research - WPI News

I have been reading a book, The Man Who Wouldn't Die, that satirizes Silicon Valley and the venture-capital start-up culture. It's reasonably funny. I was reminded, however, that sometimes culture is crazy.

At one point a character casually describes how stem-cell therapy is obviously going to make 50-year-olds feel like 20-year-olds. Grow a new liver and you're good to go, so to speak! The author clearly meant the idea as a joke. However, that idea is out there and taken seriously. Stem cells made national headlines in the late '90s and early 2000s because of some scientific breakthroughs and their promise for future medical treatments.

Just about all of our body is made up of specialized cells. These are cells that have grown to perform some specific function. Some examples are heart muscle cells, say, or red blood cells.

Stem cells are different; they have not yet specialized. That is, they have not developed many of the specific properties that are unique to the different parts of our bodies.

Given the right environment the right chemicals, for examplethey can grow into specialized cells.

There are, of course, all sorts of important details for how stem cells grow, when they specialize and how much flexibility they have in specializing. Somehow, however, there is now an industry that has skipped all that work and is marketing stem cells as a general cure. Alzheimer's disease and joint pain are frequently mentioned. If that makes you suspicious that these clinics are targeting the elderly, you would be right.

A typical treatment involves taking stem cells from a patient's bone marrow or fat and injecting it back into a sore knee or hip or whatever needs fixing. The idea, somewhat vaguely, is that the stem cells will grow to replace whatever is worn down by age.

As is true of all good scams, this one has a good story, one that can pass as proven medicine for many patients. The treatment also benefits by treating a problem with symptoms that can come and go irregularly, so a patient can honestly claim that they recovered in, say,six months.

The body is a complicated machine. It is hard to predict what will cure or not cure any specific problem. Just because a story involving stem cells sounds reasonable is not a sufficient reason to try something.

For a typical patient, we should have good, strong, positive evidence that a treatment will help. A good story is not strong, positive evidence. In the language of science, it is a hypothesis. Potentially true.

It is worth remembering that many, many things are potentially true. We don't try them all out on ourselves when we are sick.

Many of these ideas have in fact been tested in rigorous, peer-reviewed studies. So far, the evidence for positive effects is weak.

One reason these clinics have managed to skirt the rules is that extracting material from a patient then reinjecting requires less oversight for safety. Depending on the details, this treatment is considered, for Food and Drug Administration regulations, something like plasma donation (where blood is extracted, platelets removed, then reinjected into the body).

Just because a process may be safe does not make it good medicine. Medicine is not and should not be a free market. Patients will almost never have enough knowledge to reasonably choose between treatment options.

The FDA is the federal agency in charge of ensuring companies do not offer useless or harmful procedures. Unfortunately, in 2017 the FDA decided to allow stem cell clinics a three-year grace period to describe their procedures for the FDA's evaluation. As a result of that open window, hundreds of clinics have opened nationwide, offering services for which there is no strong evidence.

In the past year the FDA has realized where the industry has gone with this treatment and begun trying to crack down. Some clinics have unsafe procedures; others are misleading patients about treatments. Many clinics are still operating, unfortunately, and it can be difficult for typical patients to recognize the difference between these treatments and proven remedies. Furthermore, these bad actors could potentially make people skeptical of stem cell-based technology entirely.

That would be a shame because there is still great promise for stem cells. That may be cold comfort for those who want a treatment immediately, but that desire is the exact motivation that has led to terrible medicine for centuries.

Christer Watson, of Fort Wayne, is a professor of physics at Manchester University. Opinions expressed are his own. He wrote this column for The Journal Gazette, where his columns normally appear the first and third Tuesday of each month.

More here:
Stem of the problem | Columns | Journal Gazette - Fort Wayne Journal Gazette

This fall, 21-year-old Jurnee Farrell, a Howard University senior and a member of the universitys volleyball team donated stem cells to a complete stranger.

This fall, 21-year-old Jurnee Farrell, a Howard University senior and a member of the universitys volleyball team, was set to play in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament.

But instead, she was sidelined by a decision she made herself.

Two years ago, she signed up with Be the Match, a nonprofit that registers potential bone marrow and stem cell donors. When she got the call that she was a match for a 57-year-old woman with a form of leukemia, she was surprised.

At first I was like, This isnt real, Farrell recalled, but then said her decision was clear. She would follow through on the commitment she made two years ago when she signed up.

That meant undergoing a series of shots five days before the outpatient procedure, and then undergoing apheresis, a process in which the donor has blood removed through a needle in one arm, blood-forming cells are collected, and then the blood is returned through a needle in the other arm. The session can take up to eight hours.

Farrell said that the actual donation wasnt bad, but that the shots given in a series five days prior proved a little uncomfortable.

Nevertheless, she urges potential donors to sign up.

Its really not that bad, and the person whose life youre saving is probably going through so much more than you are, she said.

And while Farrell missed the tournament last month, shes back on the court already. We are going to the NCAA tournament this weekend, actually, and we play Pitt on Friday, she said. I just started practicing last week!

Farrells decision to register as a donor is one for which the staff at Be the Match is especially grateful.

Lauren Mueller, a public relations specialist with Be the Match, explained that for Caucasian patients waiting for a bone marrow or stem cell donation, the odds of finding a match are roughly 70%. For African-American patients, the odds are much lower, at 23%.

As a result, we are always looking to increase our diversity on the registry, said Mueller, who encourages people to consider registering.

It starts with a cheek swab, and Mueller said its not uncommon for years to go by before a potential donor hears that they might be a match, just as it was in Farrells case.

Your selfless action can help save a life, Mueller said.

Farrell said that shes hopeful her donation will prove successful, and that she would love to meet the recipient one day.

Like WTOP on Facebook and follow @WTOP on Twitter to engage in conversation about this article and others.

2019 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

Original post:
Howard University athlete makes the call to donate stem cells - WTOP

The latest market report published by Credence Research, Inc.GlobalBlood and Bone Marrow Cancer Treatment Market Growth, Future Prospects, Competitive Analysis, 2019- 2027,the global market for the treatment of blood and bone marrow cancer was valued at US$ 38.8 billion in 2018 and is expected to reach US$ 74.9 billion by 2027, increasing to CAGR by 7.7% from 2019 to 2027.

Market Insights

Blood cancer begins in the bone marrow, an integral source of stem cells that are later differentiated between different types of blood cells in the human body. Researchers at Bristol Myers Squibb Company have indicated that around 1.85 million new cases of blood cancer will be diagnosed worldwide by 2040.

Browse the fullreport athttps://www.credenceresearch.com/report/blood-and-bone-marrow-cancer-treatment-market

Lymphoma is the largest indication in the blood and bone marrow cancer treatment market. It is prevalent across the globe in two types of Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The main variables responsible for increasing prevalence worldwide are increasing the prescription of immunosuppressive drugs for the treatment of chronic infections and genetic mutations. Leukemia occurs when the DNA of immature white blood cells is damaged by exposure to ionizing radiation, hazardous chemicals, smoking, etc. The prevalence rate of leukemia is highly variable across different ethnic groups with a male-to-female ratio of 1.4.

Chemotherapy is part of the blood and bone marrow cancer therapy market. The key factor responsible for increasing demand is the availability of its generic version at an affordable cost, which significantly reduces the health burden on sick patients. Oncologists prefer to use them in combination therapy with either radiotherapy or immunotherapy to treat patients with resistance to first-line drug therapy. Immunotherapy will be the fastest growing segment in the forecast period due to its promising drug line for the treatment of blood cancer.

North America representing a market share of 34.6% is dominating the regional segment for blood and bone marrow cancer treatment market. The chief contributing factor for its market supremacy is growing incidence of blood cancer. As per the research citings of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (CDC) figures after every 3 minutes 1 person in the U.S. is diagnosed with blood cancer. In 2019, approximately 176,200 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with blood cancer in the United States. Existence of key players such as F.Hoffman La-Roche Ltd., Pfizer, Inc., Novartis AG, Merck & Co., Inc., etc further strengthens the market growth. Europe holds a market share of 30.8% owing to the supportive regulatory framework provided by the European Medical Agency for the development and sale of medication for the treatment of blood cancer. Asia Pacific accounts for 18.4% market share on account of rising public health awareness related to blood cancer & its treatment and developing healthcare infrastructure.

Pharmaceutical companies spearheading the blood and bone marrow cancer treatment market are Bristol Myers Squibb & Company, AstraZeneca, Plc., Eli Lilly & Company, Johnson and Johnson Company, F.Hoffman La-Roche Ltd., Celgene, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Novartis AG, Varian Medical Systems, Inc. and Pfizer, Inc.

Credence Research is providing Free Sample Get it here: https://www.credenceresearch.com/sample-request/59845

Key Market Movements:

Report Scope by Segments

By Indication Type

By Therapy Type

By Geography Segment

Credence Research is providing Free Sample Get it here: https://www.credenceresearch.com/sample-request/59845

Follow this link:
Blood and Bone Marrow Cancer Treatment Market Is Expected To Reach US$ 74.9 Bn by 2027 - Credence Turbine

WASHINGTON WhenHoward University student athlete Jurnee Farrellsigned up for the Be The Match registry during a Get In The Game campus drive, she didnt know if she would ever be called upon. However, when her phone rang two years later and she discovered she was a match for a 57-year-old woman suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia, she did not hesitate to participate.

The football team was hosting a Be The Match booth after Coach London had donated bone marrow to his daughter, recalls Farrell. I filled out a little form and turned it in. When I got the call a few months ago, they asked if I was still interested in donating. I didnt hesitate to say yes because this is somebodys life and there was no way I could say no to that.

Farrell is a senior criminology major from Denver, Colorado, and a member of the Howard University MEAC Championship Volleyball team. Wearing jersey No. 5 as a defensive specialist, Farrell is known for her bubbly personality off the court and her intensity on the court. At senior night, the day before her donation, the entire team rallied behind her in support of her decision. Unfortunately, the timing of the donation process meant that Farrell was not able to participate in this years MEAC playoffs with her teammates, who brought home their fifth MEAC championship on Nov. 24.

Of course, we were sad to miss out on having Jurnee play in the playoffs, but this is such a worthy cause and we were happy to support her all the way, saysHead Volleyball Coach Shaun Kupferberg.What she is doing speaks directly to Howard Universitys mission of truth and service, that each student comes here not only to learn, but to make a difference in the global community. Im extremely proud of her decision.

Thanks to several medical advances, the process to donate stem cells has drastically changed over the years. In addition to bone marrow donations, doctors can also use a stem cell procedure called Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) donation through a short 4-hour out-patient procedure where blood is circulated from one arm, into a machine and then back into the donor.

Beth Carrion, account manager for Registry Growth and Development, says individuals like Farrell help to demystify the giving process and raise awareness of the need for a more diverse donor registry. The chances of finding a match for a stem cell transplant is dependent on a persons genetic markers. Outside of a family member, finding a donor within in ones ethnicity is the next viable option. According to Be The Match, each year approximately 14,000 patients are waiting for a transplant from someone outside of their family. The current odds to match a patient with a donor in one out of 430.

Be the Match is truly thankful for our partnership with Howard University because it plays a vital role in helping the African American community have a higher rate of finding a match, says Carrion. A white person in the registry has a 78 percent chance of finding a match. For Hispanics, its 46 percent, but for African Americans, its only a 23 percent chance. We look forward to hosting more events with Howard this spring.

One week after her procedure, Farrell is back at volleyball practice with her fellow teammates, preparing for the Tournament. As she looks to finish out her senior year, she says shes also hopeful that shell get to meet the woman she helped one day.

After the donation, I can have anonymous communication, but I cannot tell my identity. After a year, they will deem the transplant successful and then we can communicate, says Farrell. I for sure want to meet her.

To join the Howard University registry, text Howard to 61474, follow the prompts and a kit will be mailed to you. You may also register online atjoin.bethematch.org/howard.

# # #

Media Contact: Alonda Thomas,Alonda.Thomas@Howard.edu

Read more:
Howard University Student Gives a Stranger the Greatest Gift for the Holidays: Life - Howard Newsroom

Hes done it - Stephen Armstrong has scooped a prestigious award for his huge fund raising efforts as his son fought a rare blood disorder.

The doting dad took home the award for Individual Fundraiser of the Year at the Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards 2019 ceremony held at the Tower of London.

The top awards were back for their seventh year to recognise the outstanding achievements of the volunteers, fundraisers and campaigners who help the pioneering blood cancer charity save lives.

And the award is in recognition of Stephens incredible fundraising efforts - leading a group of 19 friends and family in a series of physical challenges, all while his son Jacob was undergoing treatment.

When Jacob was diagnosed in 2017 at two-years-old, Stephen set out to find a matching stem cell donor, as well as raise awareness of the need for more people on the register.

From here Jacobs Journey was born, and through a series of challenges including the Great North Run, the Great North Bike Ride and climbing Ben Nevis, Stephen has helped raise over 20,000 for the charity.

Jacob is now four-years-old and his family have been told he does not need a transplant, but Stephen and his family want to continue raising awareness for others who arent so lucky.

When Jacob was diagnosed, we were stunned by how few people were on the stem cell donor register. I couldnt believe how a stranger in the street could potentially save our little boys life, said Stephen, 33, of Wallsend,North Tyneside.

On winning the award, Stephen said: I feel very proud- I really didnt expect it. You dont do it for recognition, but to get more people to join the register.

Stephen and mum Kirsty, 28, received the news in December 2017 that Jacob was suffering from bone marrow failure, which affects between 30 and 40 children each year.

They first became concerned about his health when they went abroad to get married and noticed he was getting bruised easily. The marks would take weeks to disappear, so when the couple returned to the UK they decided to take Jacob to the doctor for a check up.

After tests he was then diagnosed and was treated at the Great North Childrens Hospital in Newcastle, where he received two blood transfusions.

Stephen, who has raised a further 8,000 for other smaller charities, added: When we were told Jacob did not need the transplant it was the best news in the world, a total relief. He still needs check ups every three months and his consultants is keeping an eye on him. There are so few people on the stem cell donor register so I just wanted to create a ripple effect with awareness and get more people on it.

Henny Braund, Chief Executive at Anthony Nolan, said: Stephen is a hugely deserving winner of this award; his incredible support and passion for our work is a fantastic example of our charity, which is built on making lifesaving connections. It was lovely to meet Stephen and I continue to find myself inspired and humbled by the dedication and strength of supporters like him.

By raising vital funds and much needed awareness, we are curing blood cancer together. We can give families hope, and give more people a future. But without supporters like Stephen, lives cant be saved. Without him, there is no cure.

Anthony Nolan is the charity that finds matching stem cell donors for people with blood cancer and blood disorders and gives them a second chance at life. It also carries out ground-breaking research to save more lives and provide information and support to patients after a stem cell transplant, through its clinical nurse specialists and psychologists, who help guide patients through their recovery.

To see the full shortlist, and find out more about the charity visit the website here.

See the article here:
Wallsend dad who called on the public for stem cells for his son scoops top Anthony Nolan Award - Chronicle Live

2 December 2019

Stem cell therapies may become redundant in repairing cardiac function after a heart attack, suggests a new study in mice.

It showed how stem cell treatments can heal hearts by triggering an immune response which can be achieved by using a chemical instead.

'This work is paradigm-shifting because it demonstrates a mechanism to explain a perplexing phenomenon that has intrigued cardiologists as a result of decades of cardiac stem cell trials,' Dr Jonathan Epstein at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia told The Scientist.

Stem cell therapies to repair damaged heart tissue are currently being tested in human clinical trials. In these treatments, human stem cells are injected into the heart and this leads to an improvement in heart function. However, how this works is not fully understood.

One possibility is that the injected stem cells are incorporated into the heart tissue and repair the damage. However, the latest study, published in the journal Nature, suggests that this may not be the case. Instead, the study indicated that the repair is actually a result of triggering the innate immune response.

Researchers injected different types of stem cell or a chemical inducer (zymosan) of the innate immune response into an experimental mouse model of heart disease. They saw improvement in heart function that was similar in all cases, and showed that this repair occurs via activation of macrophage cells of the innate immune system.

'The innate immune response acutely altered cellular activity around the injured area of the heart so that it healed with a more optimised scar and improved contractile properties,' said Dr Jeffery Molkentin at the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, Ohio, who led the study. 'The implications of our study are very straightforward and present important new evidence about an unsettled debate in the field of cardiovascular medicine.'

The work could open up new possibilities for optimising the treatments currently in development, as well as alternative new therapies.

'If there is a chemical off-the-shelf, it would be a much more feasible therapy [than stem cell transplants],'Dr Kory Lavine at Washington University in St Louis, Missouri, told Nature News.

Excerpt from:
Stem cells may trigger immune repair to mend hearts - BioNews

Collagen seems to be one of the buzziest words in wellness, with just about anyones ears perked up at the mention of the wordno matter how young they are. Because when it comes to healthy skin aging, we know that prevention is everything, and delaying the process before it starts is key to maintaining a smooth, even complexion well into the autumn of life.

Enter all the collagen-promoting creams, serums, supplements, and diets the world has to offerand now, a new drug may do just the trick.

A new study published in the journal, Geroscience, found a new, unexpected formula to help with healthy aging. This specific drugcalled rapamycinhas been primarily used for patients who have undergone an organ transplant, as it helps prevent the immune system from rejecting the new organ. Rapamycin has also been used to combat a rare lung disease called lymphangioleiomyomatosis, as well as inhibiting tumor growth.

Excerpt from:
Study Finds This Medication May Reduce Wrinkles & Even Skin Tone - mindbodygreen.com

Soon youll be able to cover your imperfect flesh with more flesh. (Photo: KaoJapan)

FOX NEWS - Soon youll be able to cover your imperfect flesh with more flesh.

Japanese cosmetics company Kao Corporation has developed a custom synthetic spray-on skin to cover unwanted blemishes, moles or other marks on the natural epidermis.

READ MORE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The artificial product, called est, is composed of tiny, liquid fibers. When sprayed, the substance adheres to human skin, transforming into an extremely thin, derma-like material, the Daily Mail reports.

It has a similar elasticity to skin, and its porous, too. Water vapor and air can pass through this second skin to moisten the living dermis beneath. At its edges, est forms an even thinner bond, helping it blend in with natural flesh.

Est is set to hit the market exclusively in Japan beginning Dec 4. and will sell for roughly $532 as a diffuser and potion combination, with diffuser refills priced at $73. A lotion version will sell for $110, and everything will become available online in January, according to Japanese publication the Asahi Shimbun.

Japanese-language advertisements for the product call it Future Skin, which uses Fine Fiber Technology. Kao has plans to expand the line beginning next year and hopes to soon enter the medical market.

Until then, American consumers can check out the SkinGun by RenovaCare, which shoots a liquid mist infused with human stem cells and can help burn victims skin.

CHECK FOR UPDATES ON FOXNEWS.COM

Continued here:
Makeup brand offers spray-on 'skin' to cover up zits and scars - FOX 10 News Phoenix

Were always happy to geek out over a buzzyskin careingredient when we see it making the rounds on product labels. (See: lactic acid, rosehip oil, bakuchiol) So when we started noticing the proliferation of niacinamide, we were surprised to learn that not only has it been around for a while buttheres a decent body of research behind the multipurpose vitamin. Heres what you need to know about niacinamidesbenefits for your skin.

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 also known as nicotinamide, is a water-soluble vitamin that has potent antioxidant activity and reduces inflammation, saysboard-certified dermatologistDavid Lortscher, CEO of Curology.

It would be an exaggeration to call niacinamide a cure-all, but it does have a pretty extensive range when it comes to the conditions it can treat: acne, oil regulation, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores and sun damage. Its especially good at repairing skins moisture barrier (aka its first line of defense) and protecting against environmental stressorsits even been shown to help prevent skin cancer in certain studies.

Niacinamides nourish and calm redness and inflammation,says DendyEngelman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York. She particularly likes niacinamide for dry and sensitive skin: It has similar effects to retinol by strengthening the skin barrier, but itfortifies from the get-go without sensitivity or irritation.Dr. Lortscher also has high praise: Because of its role in repairing the skin barrier, niacinamide is one of the most effective treatments for photoaging [damage caused by UV rays], according to most anti-aging research.

It starts to get technical here, but as Dr. Engelman explains it, Niacinamide helps support the cellsmetabolic system, specifically fibroblasts. We use fibroblasts tomake and repair DNA,which,in turn, activates collagen production. So by using niacinamides to boost fibroblast production, we are supporting collagen production and repairing damaged collagen.

Lots of products contain niacinamideserums, moisturizers, even cleansersand it works well in conjunction with other active ingredients, like retinol. It can be used both morning and night, though as with any goodskin careregimen, you should follow it up with a sunscreen during the day.

Niacinamide should be compatible with most otherskin careproducts and is well tolerated by all skin types,including sensitiveskin, Dr. Lortscher says. For best results, use leave-on products with niacinamide. Its safe to use around the eyes, anditmay improve the appearance of under-eye darkness and wrinkles.

Convinced yet? Check out a few of our favorite products containing the powerhouse ingredient below.

RELATED: We Ask a Derm: What Ingredients Should You Avoid If You Have Oily Skin?

Of course, the uber-popular, wallet-friendly brand is on top of it. This serum is especially helpful for congested, acne-prone skin: The niacinamides anti-inflammatory propertiescalm active breakouts, while its oil-regulating properties (and the addition of zinc, which also keeps oil in check) help keep new ones from forming.

Buy it ($6)

Nia 24 uses a patented form of niacinamide thats designed to absorb better into skin (and therefore work its magic more effectively). This rich cream strengthens the skin barrier with its namesake ingredient, plus hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract, peptides and ceramides.

Buy it ($118)

Give parched, dull skin a quick pick-me-up with a five-star-rated gel sheet mask. Reviewers rave about its glow-inducing, hydrating properties and the fact that its gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Buy it ($3)

Cursed by the ghosts of pimples past? Niacinamide, glycolic acid and NASA-developed plant stem cells (!) work together to combat hyperpigmentation and scarring.

$20 on Amazon

Derms, dry-skinned gals and makeup lovers alike know oil cleansers are a godsend forwashing off the days makeup withoutstripping any precious natural moisture. This cleanser amps up the effects with niacinamides barrier-strengthening effects, plus offers a gentle exfoliation thanks to fruit enzyme.

Buy it ($42)

SkinCeuticals serums are cult faves for a reason, and this 5 percent niacinamide serum is no exception. Its amped up with amino acids, algae extract and peptides to target the effects of environmental stress and promote collagen production.

Buy it ($112)

RELATED: The Best Face Moisturizer for Dry, Sensitive Skin, According to People Who Use Them

Read this article:
Heres How Niacinamide Benefits Your Complexion (and How to Work It into Your Skin Care Routine) - Yahoo Lifestyle

This picture shows a spirited flying Taiwan Blue Magpie displaying a full array of flight feathers in action. Credit: Shao Huan Lang

If you took a careful look at the feathers on a chicken, youd find many different forms within the same birdeven within a single feather. The diversity of feather shapes and functions expands vastly when you consider the feathers of birds ranging from ostriches to penguins to hummingbirds. Now, researchers reporting in the journal Cell on November 27, 2019, have taken a multidisciplinary approach to understanding how all those feathers get made.

We always wonder how birds can fly and in different ways, says corresponding author Cheng-Ming Chuong of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Some soar like eagles, while others require rapid flapping of wings like hummingbirds. Some birds, including ostriches and penguins, dont fly at all.

This picture shows a the asymmetric vane and tapering main shaft of a single flight feather from a goshawk. Credit: Hao Howard Wu and Wen Tau Juan

Such differences in flight styles are largely due to the characteristics of their flight feathers, Chuong adds. We wanted to learn how flight feathers are made so we can understand nature better and learn principles of bioinspired architecture.

In the new study, the researchers put together a multidisciplinary team to look at feathers in many different ways, from their biophysical properties to the underlying molecular biology that allows their formation from stem cells in the skin. They examined the feathers of flightless ostriches, short-distance flying chickens, soaring ducks and eagles, and high-frequency flying sparrows. They studied the extremes by including hummingbirds and penguins. To better understand how feathers have evolved and changed over evolutionary time, the team also looked to feathers that are nearly 100 million years old, found embedded and preserved in amber in Myanmar.

Based on their findings, the researchers explain that feathers modular structure allowed birds to adapt over evolutionary time, helping them to succeed in the many different environments in which birds live today. Their structure also allows for the specialization of feathers in different parts of an individual birds body.

The flight feather is made of two highly adaptable architectural modules: the central shaft, or rachis, and the peripheral vane. The rachis is a composite beam made of a porous medulla that keeps feathers light surrounded by a rigid cortex that adds strength. Their studies show that these two components of the rachis allow for highly flexible designs that enabled to fly or otherwise get around in different ways. The researchers also revealed the underlying molecular signals, including Bmp and Ski, that guide the development of those design features.

Attached to the rachis is the feather vane. The vane is the part of the feather made up of many soft barbs that zip together. The researchers report that the vane develops using principles akin to paper cutting. As such, a single epithelial sheet produces a series of diverse, branched designs with individual barbs, each bearing many tiny hooklets that hold the vane together into a plane using a Velcro-like mechanism. Their studies show that gradients in another signaling pathway (Wnt2b) play an important role in the formation of those barbs.

To look back in time, the researchers studied recently discovered amber fossils, allowing them to explore delicate, three-dimensional feather structures. Their studies show that ancient feathers had the same basic architecture but with more primitive characteristics. For instance, adjacent barbs formed the vane with overlapping barbules, without the Velcro-like, hooklet mechanism found in living birds.

Weve learned how a simple skin can be transformed into a feather, how a prototypic feather structure can be transformed into downy, contour, or flight feathers, and how a flight feather can be modulated to adapt to different flight modes required for different living environments, Chuong says. In every corner and at different morphological scales, we were amazed at how the elegant adaption of the prototype architecture can help different birds to adapt to different new environments.

The researchers say that, in addition to helping to understand how birds have adapted over time, they hope these bioinspired architectural principles theyve uncovered can be useful in future technology design. They note that composite materials of the future could contribute toward the construction of light but robust flying drones, durable and resilient wind turbines, or better medical implants and prosthetic devices.

Team co-leader and biophysicist Wen Tau Juan of the Integrative Stem Cell Center of China Medical University Hospital, Taiwan, has already begun to explore the application of feather-inspired architectural principles in bio-material design. The team also hopes to learn even more about the molecular signals that allow the formation of such complex feather structures from epidermal stem cells that all start out the same.

###

Reference: The Making of a Flight Feather: Bio-architectural Principles and Adaptation by Wei-Ling Chang, Hao Wu, Yu-Kun Chiu, Shuo Wang, Ting-Xin Jiang, Zhong-Lai Luo, Yen-Cheng Lin, Ang Li, Jui-Ting Hsu, Heng-Li Huang, How-Jen Gu, Tse-Yu Lin, Shun-Min Yang, Tsung-Tse Lee, Yung-Chi Lai, Mingxing Lei, Ming-You Shie, Cheng-Te Yao, Yi-Wen Chen, J.C. Tsai, Shyh-Jou Shieh, Yeu-Kuang Hwu, Hsu-Chen Cheng, Pin-Chi Tang, Shih-Chieh Hung, Chih-Feng Chen, Michael Habib, Randall B. Widelitz, Ping Wu, Wen-Tau Juan and Cheng-Ming Chuong, 27 November 2019, Cell.DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.11.008

This work was supported by the ISCC, CMUH, Taiwan, the Drug Development Center, CMU, Higher Education Sprout Project, Ministry of Education (HESP-MOE), and grants from the National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan, iEGG/Avian Genetic Resource/ABC supported by HESP-MOE, the Human Frontier Science Program, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, NSFC, Academia Sinica Research Program on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Top Notch Project, NCKU, and a University Advancement grant by MOE, Taiwan.

Continued here:
How Flight Feathers Evolved: Study of Chickens, Ostriches, Penguins, Ducks and Eagles - SciTechDaily

Cancer | One of the most common disease in the world

In what may prove as a breakthrough in the treatment of leukaemia and other blood diseases, scientists at UCLA have discovered a protein produced by a gene known as MLLT3 and its connection to the multiplication of human blood stem cells.

The discovery which was published in a study is very much significant as cancers such as leukaemia can be effectively treated using blood stem cells, also known as Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), produced outside the human body and could serve as an alternative to existing treatment options such as bone marrow transplants.

Self-renewal is the process by which stem cells divide to create more cells. The study focused on a specific type of the kind: Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) which are present within the bone marrow where along with self-renewal, they also produce different types of blood cells such as red and white by transforming into them.

Placing HSCs in laboratory dishes after their removal from the bone marrow causes then to lose their ability to self-renew, and they either transform into other blood types or perish. It is this process that the scientists studied. Through a series of steps, the researchers studied the genes that shutdown as the cells lost their capacity to self-renew.

They discovered that the HSCs' ability to self-renew corresponded with the expression of a gene called MLLT3. They also found that MLLT3 generated a protein that instructed HSCs to retain their capacity to self-renew. As the cells divide, the protein works along with other regulatory proteins to keep vital components of the HSCs' functioning.

Employing a viral vector the researchers tried to ascertain if maintaining the MLLT3 protein levels in lab dishes would help improve the self-renewing abilities of HSCs. A viral vector is a specially designed virus that transfers genetic information to the nucleus of a cell without giving rise to a disease. Using the vector, the scientists introduced an active MLLT3 gene into HSCs. They found that there was nearly a twelvefold multiplication of working HSCs in lab dishes.

"If we think about the amount of blood stem cells needed to treat a patient, that's a significant number," said Dr. Hanna Mikkola, a member of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA, and senior author of the study, to the UCLA Newsroom.

The UCLA scientists observed that the use of 'small molecules' organic compounds that help in the multiplication of human HSCs, improved self-renewal in general. However, the cells were unable to maintain stable MLLT3 levels and did not perform well when implanted into mice.

"Our method, which exposes blood stem cells to the small molecules and also inserts an active MLLT3 gene, created blood stem cells that integrated well into mouse bone marrow, efficiently produced all blood cell types and maintained their self-renewing ability," said Vincenzo Calvanese, a UCLA project scientist and the study's co-corresponding author, to the UCLA Newsroom.

The team noted that the self-renewal of HSCs caused by MLLT3 was at a safe rate. This means that they did not acquire potent characteristics such as mutation or excessive multiplication, or the production aberrant cells that can cause leukaemia.

Determining which proteins and constituents within the DNA of the HSCs affect the activation and deactivation of MLLT3 is the next step for the team. Also, understanding the regulation of the process using components in the lab dishes is another step. The information gathered may help find ways in which MLLT3 could be switched on and off without employing a viral vector.

Read more from the original source:
Protein that can help treatment of leukemia identified, UCLA scientists upbeat - International Business Times, Singapore Edition

MAGICAL Nature is Rebecca Bennett's first exhibition in four years following her stem cell transplant.

Running throughout December at Rydal Hall Old School Room Teashop at Ambleside, the exhibition features various media from acrylics and watercolours to photography.

Rebecca loves capturing the magic of colour and pattern within nature in her artwork. She grew up surrounded by the beautiful fells and lakes of Cumbria. Coming from an artistic family, painting and drawing from an early age was natural.

From photographs of lakes seen through the prism of a crystal ball to an enigmatic acrylic painting of a grey heron, Magical Nature includes striking images of the wildlife and countryside of Rebeccas native Lake District.

With a BA(hons) degree in Contemporary Applied Arts from Cumbria Institute of the Arts, Rebecca furthered her art practice and skills to create porcelain ceramic pieces and textile mixed media artworks.

Following university Rebecca completed a variety of successful art projects and workshops alongside her exhibitions. These included art workshops with young people at the Coniston Water Festival and Blencathra Field Studies Centre.

In 2015 Rebecca had a stem cell transplant at London's Kings College Hospital. An unrelated donor provided the stem cells to treat failing bone marrow caused by rare Gata2 deficiency and Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Painting and photography have, she says, been a great therapy throughout her transplant journey.

"When you feel up to it having something to immerse yourself in such as art and photography can be a fantastic way to help you forget about your pain and problems. For those moments, you are focused on what you are creating and can escape for a little while."

Alongside exhibiting her work for the first time since being diagnosed with her illnesses, Rebecca hopes to raise awareness of MDS and blood disorders. Donations to the charity MDS UK patient support will be made from sales of Rebeccas greeting cards and prints during the exhibition.

View original post here:
Artist's first exhibition following stem cell transplant - The Westmorland Gazette

Emi receives kisses from her adoptive parents, Jason and Katie Ballard, at the NIH Clinical Center as she gets ready to receive a lifesaving hematopoietic stem cell transplant, the only way to cure her fatal immune deficiency, using cells donated by her birth mom.

Emi smiles at The Children's Inn at NIH prior to undergoing a hematopoietic stem cell transplant, the only potential cure for her rare and deadly immune deficiency.

Bethesda, Maryland, Nov. 26, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- One Texas family has lots to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Their daughter, now 13, is doing well after undergoing a bone marrow transplantthe only chance for a cure for her rare and deadly disease. But Emis story is not only a story about the triumph of medical research that is making her cure possibleits also a story about extraordinary parental love and sacrifices by her birth mom and her adoptive family that are giving this very ill girl the best chance at life. Emi's birth mom donated her stem cells to make the lifesaving transplant possible.

We are most thankful for an answer to years of prayers, Emis adoptive mom says. Emi got a new start at life, a rebirth day. Every holiday this year will be like the first. Were so grateful to the doctors, nurses and The Childrens Inn.

Emi and her family will be celebrating Thanksgiving at The Childrens Inn at NIH, a nonprofit hospitality house that provides free lodging and a wide variety of support services to families of children with rare and serious diseases whose best chance for a treatment is a clinical research study at the National Institutes of Health. Emi and her mom have spent several months at The Childrens Inn so far and bonded with other families. On Thanksgiving Day, families staying at The Childrens Inn who cannot go home for the holiday will be served a traditional Thanksgiving meal prepared by a group of dedicated volunteers.

It took two moms who love this little nugget to fight for her right to life, Emis adoptive mom says. We finally are getting to see that beautiful part of the story that we always knew was there.

Read Emis full story.

See photos of Emi and her family.

About The Childrens Inn at NIH:

The Childrens Inn at NIH provides free lodging and a wide range of supportive services to more than 1,500 children and their families every year whose best chance for a treatment is a clinical trial at the National Institutes of Health. Opened in 1990 and located across from the NIH Clinical Center, the worlds largest hospital dedicated entirely to medical research, The Childrens Inn has welcomed children from all 50 states and 94 countries. Children staying at The Childrens Inn are making important contributions to rare disease and cancer research, including the successful treatment of childhood leukemia, as well as treatments for HIV/AIDS, childhood asthma, bone and growth diseases, childhood onset schizophrenia and other mental health issues, neurofibromatosis type 1 and a wide variety of genetic and rare diseases. For more information, visit http://www.childrensinn.org. To support The Childrens Inn, make a donation at http://www.childrensinn.org/donate.

###

Go here to read the rest:
The Best Thanksgiving - GlobeNewswire

Birds of a feather may flock together, but the feathers of birds differ altogether.

New research from an international team led by USC scientists set out to learn how feathers developed and helped birds spread across the world. Flight feathers, in particular, are masterpieces of propulsion and adaptation, helping penguins swim, eagles soar and hummingbirds hover.

Despite such diversity, the feather shares a common core design: a one-style-fits-all model with option trims for specialized performance. This simplicity and flexibility found in nature holds promise for engineers looking for better ways to build drones, wind turbines, medical implants and other advanced materials.

Those findings, published today in Cell, offer an in-depth look at the form and function of a feather based on a comparative analysis of their physical structure, cellular composition and evolution. The study compares feathers of 21 bird species from around the world.

Weve always wondered how birds can fly in so many different ways, and we found the difference in flight styles is largely due to the characteristics of their flight feathers, said Cheng-Ming Chuong, the studys lead author and a developmental biologist in the Department of Pathology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. We want to learn how flight feathers are made so we can better understand nature and learn how biological architecture principles can benefit modern technology.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the flight feather, Chuong formed a multi-disciplinary international team with Wen Tau Juan, a biophysicist at the Integrative Stem Cell Center, China Medical University in Taiwan. The work involved experts in stem cells, molecular biology, anatomy, physics, bioimaging, engineering, materials science, bioinformatics and animal science. The bird species studied include ostrich, sparrow, eagle, chickens, ducks, swallow, owl, penguin, peacock, heron and hummingbird, among others.

They compared feathers using fossils, stem cells and flight performance characteristics. They focused on the feather shaft, or rachis, that supports the feather much like a mast holds a sail, bearing the stress between wind and wing. They also focused on the vane, the lateral branches astride the shaft that give the feather its shape to flap the air. And they examined how evolution shaped the barbs, ridges and hooks that help a feather hold its form and lock with adjacent feathers like Velcro to form a wing. The goal was to understand how a simple filament appendage on dinosaurs transformed into a three-level branched structure with different functions.

We want to learn how flight feathers are made so we can better understand nature and learn how biological architecture principles can benefit modern technology.

Cheng-Ming Chuong

For birds such as ducks, eagles and sparrows that fly in different modes, the scientists noted significant differences in the feather shaft compared to ground-hugging birds. On the rigid exterior, the shaft cortex was thinner and lightweight, while the interior was filled with porous cells resembling bubble wrap, aligned into bands of various orientations and reinforced with ridges that operate like tiny lateral beams. Together, it forms a light, hollow and buoyant structure to enable flight. Cross-sections of feather shafts of different birds show highly specialized shapes and orientations of the inner core and outer cortex.

The flight feather is made of two highly adaptable architectural modules, light and strong materials that can develop into highly adaptable configurations, Chuong said.

The researchers discovered two different molecular mechanisms guiding feather growth. Cortex thickness was governed by bone morphogenetic proteins, which are molecular signals for tissue growth. The porous feather interior, or medulla, relied upon a different mechanism known as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-b). Both components originate as stem cells in the birds skin.

By contrast, feathers in flightless birds were simpler, consisting of a dense cortex exterior that is more rigid and sturdy with fewer internal struts and cells found in flying birds. The features were especially pronounced for penguins, which use wings as paddles under the water.

As part of the study, the researchers looked at 100 million-year-old feathers, found embedded in amber in Myanmar. These fossils show early feathers lacked one key feature that modern birds have. Specifically, the researchers report that fossil feathers had barb branches and barbules, which form a feather vane by overlapping, but not hooklets. The hooklets, which act like clasps to turn fluffy feathers into a tight flat plane for high-performance flight, evolved later. The scientists also identified WNT2B, another growth factor, as the agent that controls hooklet formation. These also originated from epidermal stem cells.

Taken together, the findings show how feathered dinosaurs and early birds could form a primitive vane by overlapping barbule plates, although that wasnt aerodynamically fit to carry much load. As more complex composite features occurred in the wing, it got heavier, so feather shafts became stronger yet more lightweight, which led to stiffer feathers and sturdy wings that powered flight to carry birds around the world.

Our findings suggest the evolutionary trends of feather shaft and vane are balanced for the best flight performance of an individual bird and become part of the selective basis of speciation, the study said. The principles of functional architectures we studied here may also stimulate bio-inspired designs and fabrication of future composite materials for architectures of different scales, including wind turbines, artificial tissues, flying drones.

Chuong and Juan are co-leaders of the 31-person team, joined by co-authors Randall B. Widelitz, Shuo Wang, Michael Habib, Ting-Xin Jiang, Zhong-Lai Luo and Ping Wu of the Keck School of Medicine of USC; Wei-Ling Chang, Hao Wu, Yung-Chi Lai, Ming Xing Lei, and Shih-Chieh Hung of the China Medical University Hospital in Taiwan; Ming-You Shie, Jui-Ting Hsu, Heng-Li Huang and Yi-Wen Chen of the China Medical University, Taiwan; Chih-Feng Chen, Ping Chi Tang, Hus Chen Cheng, and Yen-Cheng Lin of the National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan; How-Jen Gu, Yu-Kun Chiu, Tse-Yu Lin, Shun-Min Yang, Tsung-Tse Lee, J.C. Tsai and Yeu-Kuang Hwu of the Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica, Taiwan; Cheng-Te Yao of the Endemic Species Research Institute, Taiwan; Shyh-Jou Shieh of the National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan; Ang Li of the University of Texas, Arlington.

Work at USC was supported by the National Institutes of Health (AR 047364, AR 060306) while team members in Taiwan were supported by grants from their own institutes and the Taiwan government.

More stories about: Biology, Research

View original post here:
How birds fly: New USC study examines the evolution of flight feathers - USC News