In this issue:  Science   |  Abstracts  |  Industry News   |  Policy Subscribe   |   Unsubscribe    TOP STORIES Breakthrough Method Produces Parkinson's Disease Patient-specific Stem Cells Free of Harmful Reprogramming Genes Whitehead Institute researchers have developed a novel method to remove potential cancer-causing genes during the reprogramming of skin cells from Parkinson's disease patients into an embryonic-stem-cell-like state. SCIENCE McMaster Study Sheds Light on How Stem Cells Develop into Blood Cells Messages sent within stem cells through a specific pathway can trigger them to specialize and develop into blood cells, according to new research from the McMaster Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute. Protein Complex Shown to Play Pivotal Role in Stem Cell Development in Two Stanford Studies Scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a protein complex important in controlling whether embryonic stem cells retain their ability to become any cell in the body. Cardio3 BioSciences Treats Its First Patient with C-Cure, a Second-Generation Stem Cell Derived Therapy for Heart Failure The patient, who was treated at the Cardiovascular Center of Aalst is participating in a Phase II/III clinical study to assess this second generation cell therapy in patients with heart failure. Stem Cells Replace Stroke Damaged Tissue in Rats Researchers at The University of Nottingham are among a team of scientists who have shown that by inserting tiny scaffolding with stem cells attached, it is possible to fill a hole left by stroke damage with brand new brain tissue within seven days. Nanofiber Diameter can Direct Stem Cell Growth Hopkins researchers show the influence of the fiber diameter of electrospun substrates on neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation and proliferation. University of California Davis Researchers Coax Brain Cells to Mimic Inner Ear Sensory Cells In a recently published study, UC Davis scientists showed that stem cells taken from the lateral ventricle area of the brain can be successfully transformed so that they function like the hair-covered sensory cells of the inner ear. TriMark Point of Care Testing Conference 2009 May 11, 2009  |  San Diego, California Enter "CONNEXON" at checkout and receive 10% off registration. Visit here to register today. Visit our events page to stay up to date with the latest events in the cell, gene and immunotherapy community. ABSTRACTS Noncanonical Wnt Signaling Orchestrates Early Developmental Events toward Hematopoietic Cell Fate from Human Embryonic Stem Cells This paper demonstrates that activation of canonical Wnt signaling by Wnt3a promotes proliferation of human embryonic stem cells-precursors already committed to the hematopoietic lineage. piggyBac Transposition Reprograms Fibroblasts to Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Transgenic expression of just four defined transcription factors (c-Myc, Klf4, Oct4 and Sox2) is sufficient to reprogram somatic cells to a pluripotent state. INDUSTRY Stemcells, Inc. to Aquire Cell-based Drug Discovery Platforms and Related Businesses of Stem Cell Sciences plc for US$4.8 Million Stem Cell Sciences plc recently announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with StemCells, Inc. for the sale of the Trading Subsidiaries of the Company and certain ancillary agreements, assets, properties and rights for a maximum total consideration of approximately US$4,849,000. The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine Completes Briefing Visit to Stemedica Cell Technologies Stemedica Cell Technologies is seeking approval from the California Department of Health to begin the production of adult stem cells for Phase I and II clinical trials at its facility in San Diego, US. Profs Weigh Leaving Harvard over Allston Slowdown The University's  plan to deal with the slowdown by re-assigning cellular biology laboratory space to stem cell researchers has raised concerns that basic biology research is being de-prioritized in the current financial crisis, according to several professors. Stem Cell Patents-Reexamination/Litigation-The Last 5 Years Many patents relating to stem cell technology have faced reexamination, litigation, or both in the last five years. POLICY Obama to Sign Stem Cells Order on Monday President Barack Obama, who opposes limits on federal funding of stem cell research, will sign an executive order about stem cells on Monday, an administration official said on Friday. Obama Is Leaving Some Stem Cell Issues to Congress The officials, who provided details of the announcement Mr. Obama will make Monday at the White House, said the president would leave it to Congress to determine whether the long-standing legislative ban on federal financing for human embryo experiments should also be overturned. Biotech Impact from Obama Plan Muted Most of President Barack Obama's budget will have little impact on large biotechnology companies, according to a Citi analyst, though several will have to prepare for potential competition from copies of their treatments.  Learn more about Embryonic Stem Cell News:  Archives  |  Events   |  Subscribe   |  Contact Us This email was sent by: Connexon Creative 400-570 W. 7th Avenue Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1B3 Canada