In this issue:  Science   |  Abstracts  |  Industry News   |  Policy Subscribe   |   Unsubscribe    TOP STORIES Wisconsin, Morgridge Scientists Excise Vector, Exotic Genes from Induced Stem Cells A team of scientists from the Morgridge Institute for Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison reports that it has created induced human pluripotent stem cells completely free of viral vectors and exotic genes. SCIENCE New Stem Cell Therapy May Lead To Treatment for Deafness A new study from the University of Sheffield has successfully isolated human auditory stem cells from fetal cochleae (the auditory portion of the inner ear) and found they had the capacity to differentiate into sensory hair cells and neurons. Researchers Identify Growth Factor that Stimulates Adult Stem Cells Researchers have identified for the first time a critical growth factor that stimulates the stem cells that produce sperm to thrive and renew themselves. 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 The RNA-binding Protein Elavl1/HuR is Essential for Placental Branching Morphogenesis and Embryonic Development Here the researchers reveal an RNA binding protein, HuR's, requirement in embryonic development through its genetic ablation. Thyrotropin-Independent Induction of Thyroid Endoderm from Embryonic Stem Cells by Activin A To model the differentiation of thyroid epithelial cells, the researchers examined embryoid bodies derived from undifferentiated murine embryonic stem cells treated with activin A to induce endoderm differentiation. SWI/SNF-Brg1 Regulates Self-Renewal and Occupies Core Pluripotency-Related Genes in Embryonic Stem Cells Here the researchers report that Brg1 is required for embryonic stem cell self-renewal and pluripotency. Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Progenitors Possess Strong Immunosuppressive Effects Toward Natural Killer Cells as Well as T Lymphocytes This paper studied the immune characteristics of these hESC-derived mesenchymal progenitors and their interactions with T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Noninvasive De novo Imaging of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Teratoma Formation Here, the researchers investigated the angiogenic process within teratomas derived from hES cells and now report the first example of using 64Cu-labeled RGD tetramer (64Cu-DOTA-RGD4) for positron emission tomography imaging of teratoma formation by targeting {alpha}v{beta}3 integrin. Critical Roles of Coactivator p300 in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation and Nanog Expression This study investigated the self-renewal ability and early differentiation process in both wild-type mouse ES cells and ES cells derived from p300 knock-out (p300-/-) mice. INDUSTRY Salk Institute Signs Strategic Alliance with sanofi-aventis The Salk Institute recently announced that it has signed a strategic alliance agreement with sanofi-aventis, establishing a joint program that supports cutting-edge research and promotes an exchange of discoveries focused on scientific advances and therapeutic applications. ArunA Biomedical, Inc. Announces Alliance with Neuromics for Distribution of Normal Human Neural Cells ArunA Biomedical, Inc., announced recently an agreement with Neuromics, Inc. giving Neuromics the right to non-exclusively market and sell the ArunA hN2(TM) Human Neural Cells and Neural Culture Medium to support applications in neurological research. HHMI Gives 50 Early Career Scientists a Jump on Their Next Big Idea Fifty of the nation's best early career science faculty will have more time and resources to focus on their boldest research ideas with support from a new initiative from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Geron Corporation Appoints Karin Eastham to Its Board of Directors Geron Corporation recently announced the appointment of Karin Eastham to its board of directors and will also serve as chair of the company's audit committee. POLICY Louisiana State Law Forbids Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Stunting Industry The moral debate over embryonic stem-cell research is now an issue of economics in Louisiana. US Stem Cell Research Still Limited by a Dickey-Wicker So, President Obama has rescued US stem cell research from the dark old days of George Bush, right? Er, not just yet...  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