For decades, scientists have been searching for ways for regenerative medicine to restore movement in patients who've suffered traumatic spinal cord injuries. Unfortunately, due to limitations, stem cells have always been rejected during transplants. But now, a ground-breaking stem cell study has shown promise in restoring movement in injured monkeys, allowing them to grasp objects. AXON QUESTIONS THAT NEED AN ANSWER Axons are the neuronal branches the brain employs to communicate with the rest of the body. When there's spinal cord trauma, axons are essentially cut off from the brain. In order to restore motor function, the lines of communication between the axons and the brain must be regenerated. A crucial road block however, is that the spinal cord quickly reorganizes the extracellular matrix around the damaged site after the spinal trauma. These proteins [...]

The latest clinical trials involving stem cell treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) suggest these differentiating cells can restore some erectile function, allowing impotent men to have spontaneous sex (yet another reason to always carry a condom). While these are the results of an early, Phase 1 trial, which focused on safety and dosage, they're still erecting intrigue in the stem cell community and men looking for a solution to their ED. A NATURAL CURE Several stem cell researchers have been working on a stem cell cure for erectile dysfunction, but none have been able to help impotent men achieve full sexual intercourse. The results presented by the European Association of Urology at a conference in London showed that 8 of 21 participating men regained 'impulsive' sexual function. "What we have done establishes that this [...]

It's estimated that more than five million North American's have Alzheimer's Disease. The fatal neurological disorder develops in adults, usually over the age of 65. Alzheimer's damages and kills brain cells, leading to significant brain shrinkage over time. The symptom most synonymous with Alzheimer's is memory loss   but impulsive behavior, mood/personality changes, hallucinations, and confusion are also common. There may be no cure, but Texas A&M's Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Celltex Therapeutics are investigating whether inflammation-fighting sacs could be used to treat Alzheimer's symptoms. UNTAPPED POTENTIAL Fluid-filled sacs, or vesicles, carry material inside a cell. In the instance when cells release these sacs, they become mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) exosomes. MSCs can develop into almost any type of cell in the body, including bone, cartilage, muscle, or fat. The team plans on [...]

A stroke occurs when blood flow and oxygen are cut off to the brain, adversely damaging brain cells that control parts of the body. Strokes effect 800,000 people every year in the US, killing 140,000 as a result. There are many lifestyle risk factors that leave individuals more vulnerable to a stroke obesity, inactivity, binge drinking, and use of illicit substances. Medical risk factors include high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. Depending on the severity of a stroke, victims can experience muscle weakness, numbness, pressure sores, pneumonia, incontinence, apraxia, appetite loss, speech loss, and vision loss. Since major stroke survivors are typically severely disabled during their recovery, they struggle to carry out simple tasks. For those lucky enough to make a full recovery, the process is long and painful. [...]