Initial trigger is not enough to determine a stem cell’s fate

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Rethinking destiny. When hair follicle stem cells lose their ability to respond to BMP they proliferate (top) and eventually form tumor-like masses (bottom). No longer capable of differentiating into hair follicles cells from these masses can still r ...
Rethinking destiny. When hair follicle stem cells lose their ability to respond to BMP, they proliferate (top) and eventually form tumor-like masses (bottom). No longer capable of differentiating into hair follicles, cells from these masses can still re-route their developmental agenda and become skin cells (green).

Disturbing a stem cell from its initial quiescent state was once thought to taint its gold-standard properties. However, research uncovering how a signaling pathway regulates stem cell behavior reveals that stem cells, once activated, enter a window of time during which they respond to their environment and retain their ability to alter their developmental path.


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All News summaries for August 03, 2007

'Green' potato health risk can be eliminated by cutting away affected area

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Potatoes that have turned 'green' can potentially contain a naturally occurring toxin called Glycoalkaloids (GA) and pose a risk to public health according to a review paper published in the latest online issue of SCI's Journal ...

N.M. researchers hope to cultivate 'calming herb'

3 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
(AP) -- The plant has been described by local residents as magical, its qualities almost mythical. The native herb yerba mansa, translated from Spanish as the "calming herb," has been used medicinally for ...

Population policy needed for the UK in order to combat climate change

3 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
The biggest contribution UK couples can make to combating climate change would be to have only two children or at least have one less than they first intended, argues an editorial published on BMJ.com today.

Zoo will reopen exhibit where 16 stingrays died

5 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
(AP) -- A zoo in suburban Chicago plans to reopen an exhibit where 16 stingrays died last week when a malfunction let the tank's water get too warm.

Make your own microfluidic device with new kit from U-M

Jul 24, 2008 | User rating: not rated yet
A type of device called a "lab-on-a-chip" could bring a new generation of instant home tests for illnesses, food contaminants and toxic gases. But today these portable, efficient tools are often stuck in the lab themselves. ...
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