In this issue:  Science   |  Abstracts  |  Industry News   |  Policy Subscribe   |   Unsubscribe    TOP STORIES Study of Cat Diet Leads to Key Nervous System Repair Discovery Scientists studying a mysterious neurological affliction in cats have discovered a surprising ability of the central nervous system to repair itself and restore function. SCIENCE Yerkes Researchers Closer to Determining Why Humans Develop Alzheimer's Disease Researchers at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, have discovered a compound used to diagnose Alzheimer's disease in humans may also be useful in determining why humans develop the disease and other primates do not. Arizona, Pennsylvania Researchers Discover Way to Predict Alzheimer's Dr. Eric Reiman, executive director of the Banner Alzheimer's Institute, led a brain imaging study that found amyloid plaques developing in the brain foreshadow the onset of problems with memory and thought processes. Gene Protects Against Neurotoxins that Spur Inflammation and Parkinson's Disease A new study helps to explain why people who carry mutations in a gene known as Nurr1 develop a rare, inherited form of Parkinson's disease, the most prevalent movement disorder in people over the age of 65. Study Sheds Light on Parkinson's Treatments Researchers used light to illuminate how deep-brain stimulation works, generating insights into the diseased circuitry and also suggesting new ideas to improve Parkinson's therapy. New Analytical Tool Tackles Question of How Our Brain Cells Work Together to React An interdisciplinary team of scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has developed a new analytical tool to answer the question of how our brain cells record outside stimuli and react to them. 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 Development of Human Nervous Tissue upon Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells in Three-Dimensional Culture In this study, researchers report an air-liquid interface-based culture of human ESC. 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. 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. POLICY Obama Signs Reeve Bill on Paralysis Research President Barack Obama signed the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act on Monday, one of several pieces of legislation along with a measure designed to expand wilderness protection. Lawmakers brought almost 170 bills for Obama to sign. 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 Neural 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