Latest news with #stemcells
Sustainability Times
a day ago
- Health
- Sustainability Times
Scientists Say 'We're Part Virus' as Ancient DNA Discovery Sheds Shocking Light on What Makes Us Truly Human
IN A NUTSHELL 🧬 Researchers from McGill University and Kyoto University have discovered ancient viral DNA in the human genome that may regulate gene activity. in the human genome that may regulate gene activity. 🔍 The study highlights a newly identified subgroup, MER11_G4 , that is particularly active in human stem cells and found only in humans and chimpanzees. , that is particularly active in human stem cells and found only in humans and chimpanzees. 🛠️ Modern computational techniques have enabled scientists to revisit and refine outdated genome annotations , revealing new evolutionary insights. , revealing new evolutionary insights. 💡 These findings suggest that viral DNA elements could play crucial roles in gene expression and potentially influence human health and disease. In the intricate tapestry of human DNA, there exist ancient viral sequences once thought to be mere remnants of past infections. However, recent research from McGill University and Kyoto University suggests these viral strands might be more than just genetic clutter. These sequences could be instrumental in regulating genes, offering new insights into what makes us human. By tracing the evolutionary history of these viral codes, scientists are unveiling their potential roles in gene regulation, especially in human stem cells. This groundbreaking discovery challenges long-standing assumptions and opens up new avenues for genetic research. Viruses That Engineered Us In an eye-opening study, researchers found that roughly eight percent of our genome comprises viral DNA, remnants from ancient viral infections. Historically dismissed as genetic debris, these sequences are now believed to have been co-opted by evolution to perform critical biological functions. The study highlights a specific viral DNA family, MER11, and unveils a new subgroup known as MER11_G4. This subgroup is uniquely active in human stem cells and appears exclusively in humans and chimpanzees. As Professor Guillaume Bourque from McGill University points out, understanding which parts of our genome are viral in origin brings us closer to comprehending human uniqueness, health, and disease. The discovery of MER11_G4 is particularly intriguing due to its potential regulatory roles. Researchers suggest that this group contains a unique DNA motif, possibly linked to gene regulation. The initial human genome sequencing, conducted 25 years ago, noted viral DNA presence but lacked the tools to explore its significance. Today, with advanced computational techniques, scientists are revisiting these annotations, finding that many were outdated or incomplete. This new perspective is reshaping our understanding of the genome's viral components and their impact on human biology. 'They're Hiding Something Under the Ice': Scientists Clash After Bizarre Radio Signals Emerge from Deep Beneath Antarctica The Code Still Works The evolutionary perspective adopted by the researchers has allowed them to identify cryptic subfamilies of endogenous retroviruses within the MER11 group. Prior to this study, only three subtypes of MER11 were recognized. The identification of a fourth subtype, MER11_G4, highlights its regulatory potential. Notably active in human stem cells, MER11_G4 may influence developmental processes by modulating gene activity. This suggests that these viral elements are not just evolutionary leftovers but integral parts of the gene expression system. Understanding these viral elements could have significant implications for identifying genetic disorders and explaining why certain gene mutations become harmful. The findings, published in Science Advances, emphasize the need to reconsider the role of viral DNA in our genome. By exploring these evolutionary relics, researchers can gain insights into how they continue to influence human biology, potentially affecting cell development, stress responses, and even diseases like cancer. 'Humanity's Red Dawn Is Here': Scientists Claim Terraforming Mars Is Now Possible, Unveiling Astonishing Plans for This Bold New Frontier Revisiting Viral DNA Annotations The current annotation of viral DNA in the human genome is far from definitive. As scientists like Guillaume Bourque suggest, it is time to refine and revisit these annotations. The previous limitations in understanding viral DNA's significance stemmed from a lack of technological tools. However, with modern computational methods, researchers are now able to analyze these sequences in greater detail, revealing evolutionary patterns that were previously overlooked. This new approach does more than just compare sequences; it groups them based on their evolutionary trajectories. By doing so, researchers have uncovered patterns missed by traditional techniques, painting a more dynamic picture of viral DNA's role in gene regulation. The realization that these sequences could be crucial in controlling gene expression is reshaping our understanding of genetic regulation and its implications for human health and disease. 'This Isn't Science, It's an Arms Race': Furious Backlash Erupts Over Invictus Program's Hypersonic Mach 5 Spaceplane by 2031 The Implications for Human Health The potential regulatory roles of viral DNA elements like MER11_G4 could have profound implications for understanding human health. By tracing the origins of these sequences, researchers hope to uncover the genetic roots of certain disorders. This could lead to new diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies, particularly for diseases linked to gene regulation failures. The study's findings also raise intriguing questions about the role of viral DNA in evolutionary processes. Could these ancient sequences have contributed to human adaptability and resilience? As researchers continue to investigate these viral elements, they are likely to uncover new layers of complexity in the genome, further enriching our understanding of what makes us uniquely human. The research into ancient viral DNA and its regulatory roles is transforming our understanding of the human genome. These findings challenge long-held beliefs and highlight the intricate interplay between viral sequences and gene regulation. As we delve deeper into the mysteries of our DNA, one question remains: How will these insights shape the future of genetic research and medicine? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (29)
CBC
a day ago
- Health
- CBC
Edmonton blood bank continues to pose contamination risks, Health Canada cautions
Social Sharing More than two years after Health Canada warned that blood specimens stored at a private clinic in Edmonton could pose serious health risks, officials say the business has failed to address any sanitation concerns. The Canadian Cord Blood bioRepository promises parents the chance to safeguard the stem cells contained in their baby's umbilical cord, as a form of safekeeping for future medical treatments. But the operation, in a northwest Edmonton industrial plaza, has been mired in safety issues. A public advisory, issued by Health Canada in November 2023, cautioned customers that the facility was unsafe. In a statement to CBC News, Health Canada said the warning still stands. The clinic remains prohibited by law from collecting, processing, testing, or storing new cord blood and from accepting new patients. The company has not responded to requests for comment. Financial frustration CBC News has heard from multiple clients of the clinic who say they are caught in financial limbo, forced to pay ongoing storage fees for stem cells that may be contaminated or dangerously degraded. Calgary couple Carly and Ben Seligman said they preserved their children's umbilical cord blood at the facility, but said they no longer trust the specimens are safe or viable. "It's quite frustrating from a financial perspective," Carly Seligman said. "And it's very disappointing too in terms of the medical doors we were hoping to open in the event they were ever needed." Stem cells from umbilical cord blood, collected at birth, can be used to treat a variety of medical issues, including blood and immune disorders, and are preserved through cryopreservation. The Seligmans continue to receive storage invoices for the cord blood of their two children, now aged 10 and 13, but have stopped paying. The facility charges around $900 in processing for each specimen, and roughly $120 per year after that in annual fees. "We just have to hope that there's not going to be any need in the future for these stem cells, for either of our children, because if there is a need, we feel like we've got to write them off," Ben Seligman said. "In many respects, that feels pretty awful." According to Health Canada, the issues date back to 2014 and have left every sample in the clinic at risk of contamination and the transmission of infectious diseases. In a statement to CBC News, Health Canada says the repository has failed to provide any evidence that the issues have been addressed. Clients should not use blood from the clinic unless it has been tested by a qualified third party, officials warned. Failed inspection Issues uncovered during the inspection in March 2023 include processing, testing, and storing cord blood in an unclean environment, with inadequate measures to monitor temperature and humidity. Health Canada also found issues related to a lack of qualified personnel, uncalibrated equipment, poor record-keeping and misleading advertising. Officials said the public warning was issued due to concerns that the clinic had failed to inform its customers of the failed inspection. When investigators first stepped in, cord blood from about 800 clients was stored on site. Health Canada officials said the clinic has confirmed that it is no longer accepting new customers. The agency said it has no plans for further enforcement unless additional complaints come to light. The Seligmans said they are concerned about a lack of transparency from the company and follow-up enforcement. Carly Seligman said Health Canada should conduct additional inspections and do more to inform the public of the ongoing risk. "We would feel better if we knew that other potentially-affected people were all fully aware of the situation so they could just make informed decisions." 'A cautionary tale' Timothy Caulfield, a health law expert at the University of Alberta, said the case demonstrates the need for stronger regulation of the industry. Caufield, who has researched private cord blood clinics across Canada, said the case illustrates some of the common problems within the industry — overhyped marketing and misrepresentation about products that seem scientifically promising. Private cord blood clinics often make overstated claims about the potential benefits of cord blood, preying on the medical fears of expectant parents, he said. "These entities are exploiting the excitement around stem cells to create a product that seems like it's essential. When the reality is, the science is far from there," he said. "The chance that you're actually going to need these samples is very, very small." Caufield called for more robust regulation and enforcement. He said Health Canada has limited resources to conduct proactive inspections but must do more to combat health misinformation and regulate private medical industries, Caufield said. "This story really has emerged as a cautionary tale about the nature of this industry," he said. "It really exploits parents at a very vulnerable time."
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Restore hair growth in just six WEEKS with the protein treatment that completely revives your strands: 'I'm so pleased'
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Losing hair can feel like… well, a losing battle. Strands clog the drain, fill up your hairbrush, and appear practically everywhere you turn. It's frustrating, but it doesn't have to be a permanent situation thanks to the Calecim Professional Advanced Hair System. This six-week program is powered by stem cells and formulated to give your follicles a boost to support healthy regrowth — and it's so effective that one user noted 'LOTS of hair is growing back.' Calecim Professional Advanced Hair System Transform your look with this nourishing system formulated with cytokines, exosomes, and growth factors to support a healthier environment for new hair growth. Over six weeks, the treatment reinvigorates your follicles, signaling them to regenerate hair while promoting collagen formation to leave your scalp healthier. Buy here Shop The system is designed to spur new growth no matter what the cause of your hair loss, as it delivers the signal to your cells to begin regeneration Thin strands can develop for so many reasons, from stress and hormones to illness and aging. No matter what the reason you're experiencing it, this system can help. It's formulated to spur new growth and leave your hair thicker and fuller over the course of six weeks. The stem cell formula essentially reactivates your follicles, signaling to them that it's time to begin regenerating new strands. The difference between this and other treatments is that it truly gets to the 'root' of the problem. At its heart is PTT-6®, a stem cell-derived ingredient consisting of 3,000 proteins. Among those are cytokines, exosomes, and growth factors, all carefully formulated to communicate to your cells. This function is the Calecim difference — and it's what sets the product apart from any other hair loss treatment on the market. PTT-6 is noteworthy because it naturally revitalizes the dormant or quickly weakening follicles. Used regularly, people with hair loss have seen a dramatic improvement in both the look and feel of their hair. In fact, participants in a six-week trial experienced an impressive 24 percent increase in follicle cell growth, along with a reduction of 30x in inflammation. That latter factor is crucial, as it's often considered a key reason hair loss occurs in the first place. Using Calecim also resulted in other turnarounds, including a 14 percent boost in individual scalp hairs and a 16 percent boost in the thickness of the hair shaft. And it accomplished all of this without causing any side effects. The cocktail of proteins, growth factors, and exosomes works efficiently yet gently, stimulating growth and providing a healed environment for new hairs to form. The growth factors can have a wider anti-aging effect on the scalp, too, making this an especially important part of your journey back to thicker, fuller hair. It's known to support collagen synthesis, which can leave the skin more resilient and firm. Using the system is easy and almost like adding a rejuvenating spa treatment to your at-home routine. Simply apply half an ampoule twice a week (totaling one ampoule weekly) using the included derma stamper. The stamper is vital to the process — think of it as microneedling for your scalp. It creates the tiniest openings to stimulate blood flow and support new collagen. After six weeks, you can maintain your results using Calecim once weekly. Using half an ampoule each time, a single box will last for about three months. Users are thrilled with their results. 'Very noticeable hair growth and new hair shoots,' raved one satisfied customer. 'I'm so pleased.' Another said, 'The corners of my hairline have filled in nicely, along with thickening hair growth at the top of my scalp.' 'It has completely restored my hair with the first box!' exclaimed a third. 'You can no longer see through to my scalp and my hair looks a lot more even overall.' Why wait to give your strands — and confidence — a boost? The Calecim Professional Advanced Hair System is the breakthrough that will leave you with fuller hair by fall!
South China Morning Post
21-07-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
China-Singapore team's nanovaccine suppresses cancer recurrence and spread in animal tests
A joint China-Singapore research team is using nanoparticle technology to create a cancer vaccine that has produced promising results in animal tests – reducing the regrowth and spread of tumours up to seven times more effectively than existing treatments. The nanovaccine attacks not only regular cancerous cells but also cancer stem cells (CSCs), which can lie dormant within tumours during treatment, only awakening when conditions are more favourable to the disease. The bioinspired approach developed by the researchers, led by Yang Yanlian from the National Centre for Nanoscience and Technology and Chen Xiaoyuan from the National University of Singapore, has potential for personalised cancer vaccines. The researchers detailed their findings in a paper published last month by the peer-reviewed Nature Nanotechnology. Post-surgical recurrence and metastasis of cancers are mainly driven by CSCs, which are highly resistant to conventional therapies. Some studies have even suggested that traditional treatments like radiotherapy may inadvertently promote their spread. The body's normal stem cells work continuously, whether generating blood or helping to renew the gut's lining every three to five days. But their unique self-renewal and unlimited proliferation qualities are also harboured by CSCs within tumours.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New pocket-size model of ALS 'breathes and flows like human tissue'
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Scientists invented a pocket-sized model of the most common form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The "disease-on-a-chip," made using stem cells, could pave the way for new treatments for the progressive condition, the researchers say. In ALS, the brain and spinal-cord cells that control voluntary muscle movements — known as motor neurons — break down and die. As a result, the brain can no longer send signals to the muscles, leading to symptoms of muscle weakness and paralysis, as well as trouble speaking, swallowing and breathing. In a study published July 3 in the journal Cell Stem Cell, scientists unveiled a new model of sporadic ALS, which accounts for up to 95% of ALS cases and occurs spontaneously without a clear genetic cause or known family history. The platform mimics the early stages of the disease and does so more accurately than previous lab models could. To build the model, researchers collected blood cells from young-onset ALS patients, all under age 45, and healthy male donors, whose cells were used to build a "healthy" chip, for comparison. The blood cells were reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which can be turned into any type of cell in the body. The stem cells were then turned into spinal motor neurons, which normally enable movement and degenerate in ALS. A second set of iPSCs was turned into cells similar to the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which helps prevent harmful germs and toxins from entering the brain. The spinal neurons were seeded into one channel within the chip, while the BBB cells were placed in another channel. Separated by a porous membrane, the two chambers were then perfused with nutrient-rich fluid to mimic continuous blood flow. The resulting "spinal-cord chip" maintained both sets of cells for up to about a month and helped the neurons mature beyond what models without flowing fluids allowed. Related: Scientists invent 1st 'vagina-on-a-chip' The basic chip was developed by the biotech company Emulate and then customized for use in the ALS model by researchers at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, California. Earlier models of ALS also used iPSC-derived neurons and structures mimicking those found in the brain, but they lacked dynamic flow, making it hard to capture specific aspects of the disease. "Our previous models were static, like a dish of cells sitting still, and couldn't differentiate between ALS and healthy cells," said study co-author Clive Svendsen, executive director of the Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute at Cedars-Sinai. "We recreated an in vitro [lab dish] environment that breathes and flows like human tissue, which allowed us to detect early differences in ALS neurons." Other experts agree. "Unlike most lab models that lack vascular features and dynamic flow, this chip improves neuron health and maturation," said Dr. Kimberly Idoko, a board-certified neurologist and medical director at Everwell Neuro, who was not involved in the study. "It captures early disease signals in ALS that are often hard to detect," Idoko told Live Science in an email. With their ALS and healthy chips in hand, the researchers analyzed the activity of more than 10,000 genes across all the cells. One of the most striking findings was abnormal glutamate signaling in the neurons within the ALS chip. Glutamate is a major excitatory chemical messenger, meaning it makes neurons more likely to fire and send on a message to additional neurons; its counterpart, GABA, is inhibitory. The team saw increased activity in glutamate receptor genes and decreased activity in GABA receptor genes in the motor neurons, compared to the healthy chip. "We were intrigued to find this increase in glutamate activity," Svendsen said. "Although there was no visible neuron death, we hypothesize this hyperexcitability could trigger degeneration at later stages." RELATED STORIES —Body parts grown in the lab —Scientists developing new 'heart-on-a-chip' —Could mini space-grown organs be our 'cancer moonshot'? This finding aligns with long-standing theories about ALS, which suggest that boosted glutamate signalling contributes to nerve damage. It also corresponds with the mechanism of the ALS drug riluzole, which blocks glutamate. The new chip adds to the evidence for this mechanism and could help reveal how it manifests in the earliest stages, before symptoms would be evident in a patient, Svendsen suggested. While Idoko praised the model, she noted it lacks glial cells — additional nervous-system cells involved in ALS — and doesn't capture the late-stage degeneration seen in ALS. "However, a model like this could conceivably be useful for early drug screening, to study how a drug might cross a barrier similar to the blood-brain barrier, in preparation for animal or human studies," she said. The team is now working toward maintaining the cells in the model for up to 100 days. They also would like to incorporate other cell types, like muscle cells, to fully mimic ALS progression. As motor neurons die off in the disease, muscle cells also waste away. "Our goal is now to build models where more neurons die, so we can better map disease pathways and test treatments in a human-like setting," Svendsen said. For now, the chip offers a window into ALS's earliest molecular changes and a tool to figure out how to detect and slow the disease before irreversible damage occurs. Solve the daily Crossword
