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Winning by a Nose
Cells from the human nose are showing further promise in remediating spinal cord injury, according to research from the University of New South Wales.

ABSTRACTS

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The Effect of Chitosan on the Migration of Neutrophil-like HL60 Cells, Mediated by IL-8
Transwell migration assays to chitosan of varying extent of acetylation were conducted using a differentiated model cell line (HL60-PMN) in order to assess the effect of chitosan chemistry and the resultant physical properties such as charge and hydrophobicity on neutrophil migration.

The Influence of Fiber Diameter of Electrospun Substrates on Neural Stem Cell Differentiation and Proliferation
In this study, the researchers cultured rat hippocampus-derived adult neural stem cells on laminin-coated electrospun Polyethersulfone fiber meshes with average fiber diameters of 283 ± 45 nm, 749 ± 153 nm and 1452 ± 312 nm; and demonstrated that fiber diameter of polyethersulfone mesh significantly influences rNSC differentiation and proliferation.

Lectin Panning Method: The Prospective Isolation of Mouse Neural Progenitor Cells by the Attachment of Cell Surface N-glycans to Phaseolus Vulgaris Erythroagglutinating Lectin-Coated Dishes
The present study demonstrated that within 60 min after initial plating, embryonic day 12 brain cells firmly attach to several types of lectin-coated culture wells.

Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Motor Neurons Are Sensitive to the Toxic Effect of Glial Cells Carrying an ALS-Causing Mutation
The researchers ask whether specific neuronal subtypes produced from human embryonic stem cells can be used to investigate the mechanisms leading to neural degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Non-Cell-Autonomous Effect of Human SOD1G37R Astrocytes on Motor Neurons Derived from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
To uncover the contribution of astrocytes to human motor neuron degeneration, the researchers co-cultured hESC-derived motor neurons with human primary astrocytes expressing mutated SOD1.

INDUSTRY

Neuralstem Collaborates with Hospital in Taiwan to Develop Additional ALS Stem Cell Clinical Trials
Neuralstem Inc. announced recently that it has entered into collaboration with the China Medical University & Hospital of Taiwan, to advance development of Neuralstem's human spinal cord neural stem cell therapies.

Cellular Dynamics International Merges Companies, Closes on $18 Million Financing
Cellular Dynamics International announced recently the merger of sister companies Stem Cell Products Inc. and iPS Cells Inc. with Cellular Dynamics International.

SurModics Announces Changes to Its Organizational Structure and Cost-Cutting Initiatives
SurModics, Inc. recently announced changes designed to improve the Company's ability to meet the growing needs of its customers while more effectively managing its operations and cost structure.

Roche Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Memory Pharmaceuticals
Roche and Memory Pharmaceuticals recently announced that the two companies have signed a definitive merger agreement for Roche to acquire all the outstanding shares of Memory Pharmaceuticals in an all-cash transaction for an aggregate price of approximately USD 50 million.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Names Novocell, Inc.'s Alan J. Lewis, Ph.D., as President and CEO
Dr. Lewis, who has more than 30 years of experience in biomedical research, comes to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation from Novocell, where he is currently President and Chief Executive Officer.

Burnham and HeadNorth Foundation Join Forces to Advance Spinal Cord Research
HeadNorth Foundation has pledged $975,000 to Burnham Institute for Medical Research to support cutting-edge stem cell research.

POLICY

European Agency Rules Against Stem Cell Patents
European regulators on Thursday ruled against allowing a patent on developing human embryonic stem cells, a decision that could stifle research by stem cell companies for commercial purposes.

UK Stem Cell Work Under Threat
The UK could lose its place among the world leaders in stem cell research unless adequate funding and legislation is assured.

Obama's Promise on Stem Cells Doesn't Ensure New War on Disease
Some 37 years ago, President Richard Nixon launched a massive, government-led crusade against cancer. Many U.S. scientists are hoping Barack Obama's new administration will similarly jump-start the nascent but controversial field of human-embryo research to develop treatments for deadly diseases.