One of the defining features of stem cells is their ability to self-renew, or make carbon copies of themselves while remaining in an undifferentiated state. Now researchers have discovered a key gene which enables cells to remain in this undifferentiated state.
Nearly one-quarter of the world’s population lives at altitudes less than 100 feet above sea level. With climate change being blamed for creating more intense tropical storms (storm surges often registering in the 20 to 50-foot range), there is a general call for better preparation in case of a natural disaster.
A mother has chosen to freeze her own eggs for possible use for her infertile daughter, to preserve her fertility options. The scenario, if the daughter chooses to use the eggs, would result in the daughter giving birth to her half-sister. Egg freezing is a relatively new option for women; it is unclear whether the eggs will survive 15-20 years in the freezer, until the daughter reaches typical childbearing age.
The daughter’ infertility is a result of Turner’s syndrome, a genetic condition in which a female is born with only one X chromosome. Females normally have two X chromosomes, while males have one X and one Y chromosome.
A Northwestern researcher has used adult stem cell injections to reset the immune systems of patients with early-onset Type 1 diabetes. After the therapy, patients no longer needed to take insulin for up to 35 months.
The political battles over stem cell research are heating up once again, but it’s the states which are moving forward, not the federal government.
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