Embryoid Bodies approximate true embryos

- Clusters of mouse embryonic stem cells called embryoid bodies more closely approximate true embryos in organization and structure than previously thought, according to researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Harnessing the signals that influence the cells' fate may help researchers more accurately direct the differentiation of embryonic stem cells for use in therapy. 
The researchers found
that embryoid bodies have hallmarks of gastrulation -- a remarkable developmental step that launches a hollow ball of cells toward becoming an organism with three distinct types of precursor cells. The scientists showed that this process is initiated by a single signaling pathway in embryoid bodies and in real embryos. Enhancing or blocking this signal affects what the cells become, the scientists found. 

http://www.pr-inside.com/stanford-research-sheds-light-on-key-r903395.htm

Tags: Embryoid Bodies

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First Steps for Stem Cell Use

Many people hoped those products would be therapies, essentially stem cells grown into replacement cells that could be transplanted to replace cells or tissue destroyed by disease.

While that hope has not died, scientists are learning it remains distant. Science must overcome several issues, such as immune-system rejection of transplanted cells or the risk of the cells creating tumors, said Joseph Wu, of Stanford University's School of Medicine.

Tags: stem cells, therapy

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Michigan's Prop 2 passes, biology enters the twenty-first century in the state.

The proposal to loosen restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research in Michigan passed early this morning as election results trickled in from across the state. The initiative was up 52%-48%, with 87% of precincts reporting, mirroring an exit poll conducted for the Free Press and other media outlets. The vote was 2,143,101 in favor to 1,945,035 against.
Proposal 2 would amend the state constitution to allow Michigan researchers to use embryos left over from fertility treatments to create embryonic stem-cell lines for disease research. It is currently prohibited to destroy an embryo for "nontherapeutic" purposes, and is illegal to donate an embryo to science.

Michigan has great research universities that were previously hamstrung by the repressive law in the state.  That situation is now altered.  To the more conservative voters of Michigan, --there will be more chances to review this decision but the discussion need to continue from the basis of more experience.  We will find out what embryonic stem cells mean to humanity.  Now, Michigan will be a more meaningful participant in the discussion.

Tags: ESC, Stem Cells, Prop 2, Michigan, Proposal 2

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