An engineer at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) has developed a software program that can not only predict the types of specialized cells a stem cell will produce, but also foresee the outcome before the stem cell even divides.
Created by Andrew Cohen, an assistant professor of electrical engineering, the software analyzes time-lapse images capturing live stem cell behaviours.
It could also lead to new research into causes of cancer, which involves cells that continuously self-renew.
Stem cells play a key role in human development, and also offer the potential to repair tissues or organs damaged by disease or injury.
"This is a brand-new set of tools for developmental biologists and it supports an area where no other predictive solutions exist," Cohen said.
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Stem Cell Injections to Regenerate Bones on the Anvil
For medical scientists, bone and joint problems are particularly challenging because bone cells sometimes don't heal themselves very well.
For medical scientists, bone and joint problems are particularly challenging because bone cells sometimes don't heal themselves very well.
The research is published Feb. 7 in the journal Nature Methods.
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More Effective Stem Cell Therapies for Leukemia on the Anvil
A critical first step for the development of safer and more effective stem cell therapies for patients with leukemia, multiple myeloma and anaemia has been taken by scientists at UC San Diego.
A critical first step for the development of safer and more effective stem cell therapies for patients with leukemia, multiple myeloma and anaemia has been taken by scientists at UC San Diego.
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