Exactly ten years ago today, on January 29, 2014, I wrote about two new Nature papers on so-called STAP cells. The papers claimed that stress alone could convert regular non-stem cells into some of the most powerful stem cells. More specifically, the authors claimed to make pluripotent stem cells similar to iPS cells this way. […]
Most of us have heard of organoids but what about the related model called an “assembloid”, which is a term growing in use including from organoid researcher Sergiu Pasca of Stanford? Before we jump into that, be sure to enter The Niche stem cell image contest for your chance to win $100 or some swag.
Once every year or two here on The Niche I run contests for best pictures or videos. Today’s new contest is for the best stem cell research pictures. Most often what people send in as entries are microscopy images, but you can use your imagination. Today is a fitting day to launch the contest as
The Niche 2023 stem cell picture contest: $100 or swag Read More »
Epigenetic reprogramming is a term used in cell biology that is increasingly ending up in news stories too. Unfortunately, some folks, especially in the cellular rejuvenation and anti-aging space, are getting this term and other things confused. Just to start off, epigenetic reprogramming does not specifically mean cellular rejuvenation. The goal of today’s post is
Defining epigenetic reprogramming, cellular reprogramming & rejuvenation Read More »
Many of us first became aware of Vivek Ramaswamy as a Republican candidate for President. He was most well-known before that as a biotech leader. Given that biotech background, I decided to learn more about him. Surprisingly, his biomedical efforts may have started with embryonic stem cells. That caught my attention. This was way back
Vivek Ramaswamy & his surprising stem cell start Read More »
I often learn about new supposedly stem cell-related products like the LifeWave X39 Patch from readers. Sometimes such products are used by tens of thousands of people, in my view potentially raising risks to the public. If nothing else, people might be spending their money on something that isn’t worth it. As a stem cell biologist,
LifeWave X39 stem cell patch story has holes Read More »
With the pandemic still here but less severe there are more in-person conference opportunities including stem cell meetings. It seems certain that moving forward though that there will be far more virtual opportunities too. That’s a good thing. You can see last year’s stem cell & regenerative medicine meetings 2022 page too. 2023 stem cell
Hub of regenerative medicine & stem cell meetings 2023 Read More »
I get great questions from readers of The Niche including, “Are there multiple ways to get stem cells?” The answer is “yes.” Why is this important? The different sources of stem cells can impact both their use in basic research and their potential clinically. My goal in today’s post is to give an overview of
Digging into the multiple ways to get stem cells Read More »
A new stem cells for ALS treatment trial represents a big step forward. It’s early days still but this trial shows feasibility and provides a helpful foundation for moving forward. It also highlights challenges. The work is from a team led by Clive Svendsen. Stem cells for ALS treatment trial Here’s the study. Transplantation of
Some unproven stem cell clinics like one called Giostar have multiple locations sprouting up. To me the concern with that spreading is the potential of multiplying risks to consumers. It can be hard to get a clear take on what these clinics are doing too. What’s in this article What is Giostar? | Giostar review |
Giostar stem cell clinic chain review, red flags, & lawsuit Read More »