TOP STORIES

Multiple Sclerosis Patients have Higher Spinal Fluid Levels of Suspicious Immune Molecule
A protein that helps keep immune cells quiet is more abundant in the spinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis, further boosting suspicion that the protein, TREM-2, may be an important contributor to the disease.

SCIENCE

Protein Shown to Play a Key Role in Normal Development of Nervous System
The researchers' study shows that the protein GluR1, which is a receptor for the neurotransmitter glutamate, promotes the growth of dendrites, both in nerve cell cultures and in the nervous system of mice.

New Study Proves that Pain is Not a Symptom of Arthritis, Pain Causes Arthritis
Pain is more than a symptom of osteoarthritis, it is an inherent and damaging part of the disease itself, according to a study published recently in journal Arthritis and Rheumatism.

Researchers Identify Novel Mechanism to Reduce Nervous System Inflammation
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered a new way to limit inflammation caused by the activation of microglia.

ABSTRACTS

Ikaros Confers Early Temporal Competence to Mouse Retinal Progenitor Cells
This study shows that Ikaros, a mouse ortholog of Hb, is expressed in all early embryonic retinal progenitor cells, which then give rise to Ikaros-negative RPCs at later stages in the lineage.

Tbr2 Directs Conversion of Radial Glia into Basal Precursors and Guides Neuronal Amplification by Indirect Neurogenesis in the Developing Neocortex
The researchers suggest that intermediate (basal) progenitor cells' progeny contribute to the correct morphogenesis of each cortical layer.

Developing a Tissue-Engineered Neural-Electrical Relay Using Encapsulated Neuronal Constructs on Conducting Polymer Fibers
In this study, the researchers addressed the neurobiological considerations of utilizing small diameter (<400 µm) fibers consisting of a blend of electrically conductive polyaniline and polypropylene as the backbone of encapsulated tissue-engineered neural-electrical relays.

INDUSTRY

University of Cincinnati Awarded $1.96M to Study Short-Circuits of Brain Function
Disturbances in brain activity so silent and subtle that researchers must open the skull to measure them are the focus of a $1.96 million federal grant awarded to researchers at the Neuroscience Institute at the University of Cincinnati and University Hospital.

New Head Aims to Salvage Australian Stem Cell Centre
The new head of the Australian Stem Cell Centre, Graham Macdonald, has identified cost-cutting as a potential strategy as an interim board tries to secure the financial future of the troubled centre.

POLICY

FDA Nets Nearly $300M More Funding for 2009
Congress has assured increased funding for the FDA in fiscal year 2009, with the passage of the continuing resolution by the House of Representatives last Wednesday and by the Senate on Saturday.

Maryland Stem Cell Commission Issues Requests for Applications
Per the Maryland Stem Cell Commission meeting on Sept. 10, 2008, the Commission has issued recently three official Requests for Applications for funding through the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund under the Maryland Stem Cell Research Act.

Review of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine Approved
The state's Little Hoover Commission, an advisory body to the governor and Legislature, said recently that it will examine the structure and governance of the state stem cell institute.