In this issue:  Science   |  Abstracts  |  Industry News   |  Policy Subscribe   |   Unsubscribe    TOP STORIES Amniotic Fluid May Provide New Source of Stem Cells for Future Therapies For the first time, scientists have shown that amniotic fluid (the protective liquid surrounding an embryo) may be a potential new source of hematopoietic stem cells for therapeutic applications. SCIENCE Building a Better Cell Culture System Howard Hughes Medical Institute researchers have created a new type of "intelligent scaffold" for growing human cells that mimics conditions inside the body better than the standard, flat Petri dishes often used in laboratories. Distinguishing Single Cells with Nothing But Light Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a novel optical technique that permits rapid analysis of single human immune cells using only light. Human Embryonic Stem Cells May Revolutionize Treatment of Oral Disease Investigators from Tufts University in Boston report on their research to optimize the potential of hESC cells to generate complex, functional multilayer tissues, such as the oral mucosa and skin, and to understand how tissue fabrication is controlled and directed. 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 Pluripotency-associated Gene Dppa4 is Dispensable for Embryonic Stem Cell Identity and Germ Cell Development, but Essential for Embryogenesis To rigorously assess suggested roles of Dppa4, the researchers generated Dppa4-deficient and Dppa4/Dppa2 double-deficient ES cells, as well as mice lacking Dppa4. Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Human Blood In this study, the researchers describe the derivation of induced pluripotent stem cells from CD34+ mobilized human peripheral blood cells using retroviral transduction of OCT4/ SOX2/ KLF4/ MYC. BAC Transgenesis in Human Embryonic Stem Cells as a Novel Tool to Define the Human Neural Lineage Here we describe a novel technology for the genetic identification of defined hESC-derived neural cell types using bacterial artificial chromosome transgenesis. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Generation Using a Single Lentiviral Stem Cell Cassette  Here researchers describe the use of a single lentiviral vector expressing a "stem cell cassette" composed of the four transcription factors and a combination of 2A peptide and internal ribosome entry site technology, generating iPS cells from postnatal fibroblasts. DNA Damage Mediated S and G2 Checkpoints in Human Embryonal Carcinoma Cells  This paper investigated ionizing radiation-mediated cell cycle checkpoints in undifferentiated and retinoic acid-differentiated human embryonal carcinoma cells. Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation into Smooth Muscle Cells is Mediated by Nox4-produced H2O2 The researchers in this study attempted to identify the potential impact of Nox4 in stem cell differentiation, a producer of reactive oxygen species that are important for vascular smooth muscle cell behavior. An Embryonic Stem Cell Chromatin Remodeling Complex, esBAF, is Essential for Embryonic Stem Cell Self-renewal and Pluripotency Here, the researchers show that BAF complexes are required for the self-renewal and pluripotency of mouse ES cells but not for the proliferation of fibroblasts or other cells. INDUSTRY StemCells, Inc. Closes its Acquisition of the Operating Assets and Businesses of Stem Cell Sciences PLC StemCells, Inc. announced recently that it has closed the acquisition of substantially all of the operating assets and liabilities of Stem Cell Sciences Plc. Advanced Cell Technology and CHA Bio & Diostech to Collaborate on RPE Technology Development in Korea Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. and CHA Bio & Diostech Co., Ltd. announced recently that the parties have entered into a licensing agreement under which Advanced Cell will license its retinal pigment epithelium technology, to CHA Bio for development and commercialization exclusively in Korea. ArunA Biomedical Announces Co-development of Fully Validated Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Kit ArunA Biomedical, Inc. announced recently that it has co-developed a validated kit to produce induced pluripotent stem cells with Open Biosystems now part of Thermo Fisher. Google Launches Venture Capital Subsidiary At a time when many venture capital firms are scaling back their investments in high-tech and life-sciences start-ups, Internet search giant Google Inc. formally launched its own venture arm. College of Dentistry Awarded $1 Million Grant for Stem Cell Research The New York State Department of Health recently awarded an NYU dental research team a three-year, $1 million grant to study the potential use of stem cells to regenerate facial muscles. Cell Line Genetics Gets Technology Venture Fund Loan A Madison stem cell research company has received a $250,000 Technology Venture Fund loan, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle announced recently. POLICY California Stem Cell Program Needs a New Treatment In the annals of wrongheaded things done with the best intentions, the California stem cell program has always been in a category of its own. Missouri Beefs Up Incentives to Attract Startup Companies When states vie for life sciences companies, the competition can be intense. Just ask leaders in Missouri, who've been competing since 2004 against Kansas' formidable Kansas Bioscience Authority. Kaine Blocks Funding for Embryonic Stem Cell Research Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, has signed a bill into law banning the use of some state funds for embryonic stem cell research.  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