Forebrain and midbrain come from cells expressing Otx2; the hindbrain, which runs breathing and heartbeat, from cells expressing Gbx2. The finding, in Nature Neuroscience, explains why no one could grow human hindbrain neurons in a dish, and now they can, opening a path for ALS and spinal muscular atrophy research.
Two studies find that radial glia — the cells that construct most of the human cortex — take their instructions from how they burn sugar and from thalamic fibers physically touching them.
A UCLA team discovered that a protein called NDRG1 builds up in old muscle stem cells and slams the brakes on repair. Switching it off makes aged cells act young again — but at a cost to their long-term survival.
Texas A&M researchers used a two-step growth-factor treatment to coax adult mice to rebuild bone, joints, ligaments and tendons after amputation — evidence that mammals may retain a dormant capacity to regenerate.
Cambridge scientists grew a miniature human nervous-system circuit that twitched real muscle, then discovered that neurons lose their power to regrow around mid-pregnancy. An existing hormone drug dramatically restored that ability.
By switching off a genetic brake on nerve growth — and repurposing a decades-old hormone drug — University of Cambridge researchers coaxed damaged human neurons to regenerate, raising hopes for spinal injury, MS and motor neurone disease.
Cysteine found in meat, dairy, and beans activates immune cells to release healing signals, helping stem cells rebuild damaged intestinal tissue.
Researchers found that cysteine-rich diets activate immune cells that release healing signals, potentially offering new treatment for cancer patients with gut damage.
Researchers successfully reversed aging in blood-forming stem cells by repairing overactive lysosomes, dramatically boosting their regenerative abilities.
Three-year follow-up data on bemdaneprocel show sustained motor improvement and stable safety in advanced Parkinson's patients, a milestone for cell-replacement therapy.
Scientists at GOSH and UCL grew a functional food pipe from donor scaffolding and the recipient's own stem cells, successfully replacing the organ in eight pigs without immunosuppression — a breakthrough aimed at children born without a complete oesophagus.