Cyprus-based molecular diagnostics startup NIPD Genetics has taken another key step toward commercializing its flagship assay, a noninvasive prenatal diagnostic test for Down syndrome.

The company published the findings of its most recent validation study for the test, which combines methylated DNA immunoprecipitation with quantitative real-time PCR, in the October issue of the journal Prenatal Diagnosis, reporting a sensitivity of 100 percent and specificity of 99.2 percent.

NIPD Genetics is now putting together an even larger validation study of 1,000 pregnant women from various European countries with an eye toward completing the trial and offering its assay as a genetic testing service in Europe next year, company officials said this week.

To that end, NIPD Genetics said it is also looking to raise up to 4 million (about $5.2 million) in a second round of equity financing.

NIPD Genetics, a spinout of the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, published the first peer-reviewed study of its test in Nature Genetics in March 2011 (PCR Insider, 3/10/2011).

The test involves collecting 10 mL of peripheral blood from a pregnant woman, then isolating the DNA. This is followed by methylated DNA immunoprecipitation, or MeDiP, which uses an antibody specific for 5-methylcytidine to capture methylated sites and enrich for DNA regions that are specifically hypermethylated in the fetal DNA and hypomethylated in the maternal DNA.

After methylation enrichment of the fetal DNA in maternal circulation, the researchers use qRT-PCR to quantify the amount of fetal DNA in the test sample. By comparing the amount of fetal DNA present in an unknown sample to that of a control sample from a pregnant woman known to carry a normal fetus, the technique can quantify the extra copy of chromosome 21 and distinguish Down syndrome pregnancies from normal pregnancies.

In last year's Nature Genetics paper, the company used the method to correctly diagnose 14 cases of Down syndrome and 26 normal cases from maternal peripheral blood samples, achieving 100 percent sensitivity and specificity.

That test began with a group of 12 differentially methylated regions, or DMRs, that the group had identified, eventually yielding a diagnostic formula for eight of those 12 regions.

However, since that time the company dug further into the literature to discover that some of these DMRs are located on high copy number regions of the chromosome, which could have caused some difficulties in classification, Elisavet Papageorgiou, NIPD Genetics' CSO, told PCR Insider this week.

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Cyprus' NIPD Genetics Validates Updated Trisomy 21 Assay; Eyes 2013 Launch for Testing Services

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Some Horry County Schools students got a first-hand look at how a state-of-the-art genetics laboratory operates, courtesy of a genetics research facility that makes its home in South Carolina but treats people from all over the world.

The Gene Machine, a lab housed in a 41-foot custom bus, is the educational arm of the Greenwood Genetic Center, a nonprofit institute that provides clinical genetic services, diagnostic laboratory testing and research in medical genetics.

The bus made stops this week at the Academy for Technology and Academics, Myrtle Beach High School and Aynor High School with a mission to improve genetic literacy among high schools students using hands-on activities and to introduce them to careers in the fields of genetics and biotechnology.

Its awesome my students just love it, said Teresa Nirenstein, health science and pre-med instructor at ATA, as 25 of her pre-med juniors climbed into the mobile lab Tuesday. Its an impressive display of practical technology on wheels.

The students sat at tables outfitted with various tools of the genetics trade so they could learn how to test faux samples for the sickle cell anemia trait. Genetics instructors Jackie Cascio and Katie Henderson were on hand to guide the exercise step by step, answer questions and hopefully get them interested in science, Henderson said.

Students donned aprons and gloves before checking the tips on their micropipettes, instruments used to measure and dispense microscopic samples. Keeping their instruments vertical, they carefully loaded controlled samples into a gel substance.

Ive never known anything like this, so Im learning a lot, said Chelsea Billingsley, who is aiming to become a psychiatrist.

The gel was then loaded into an electrophoresis box that was put into a buffer liquid mostly made of water. Cascio sent an electric current, 275 volts, through the samples, which pushed them through the gel. The samples could then be identified and compared based on how far they traveled.

Its like jumping your car battery, Cascio said.

Robert Philius said he was already familiar with some things in the lab and was enjoying the exercise.

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Education notebook | Mobile genetics lab brings science to students

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Genetic sequences of drug-resistant bacteria have helped scientists better understand how these dastardly infections evolve--and elude treatment. But these superbugs are still claiming lives of many who acquire them in hospitals, clinics and nursing homes. And recent outbreaks of these hard-to-treat infections can spread easily in healthcare settings. Researchers might soon be able to track outbreaks in real time, thanks to advances in sequencing technology. So say Mark Walker and Scott Beaston, both of the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences and Australian Infectious Disease Research Center at the University of Queensland in Australia, in an essay published online November 29 in Science. "Genomic sequencing can provide information that gives facilities a head start in implementing preventive measures," they wrote. Current preventive measures, such as increasing healthcare worker hand washing and isolating infected patients, have helped to reduce the spread of many healthcare-acquired infections. But these preventable infections still kill some 100,000 patients in the U.S. each year. Walker and Beatson think genomics has the capacity to "revolutionize current practice in clinical microbiology," which currently relies primarily on culturing pathogens in the lab to study strain differences--a time-consuming process. Some promising examples have already emerged. A 2011 outbreak of Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC), which is resistant to most known antibiotics, at the National Institutes of Health's Clinical Center killed 11 patients and infected many others. Genetic sequencing of samples from patients and from healthcare workers allowed epidemiologists to track the outbreak to a single patient and to trace its spread. The KPC analysis even pinpointed a transmission event in which a contaminated ventilator was used on a new patient. This level of detail points to the ability of "genome sequencing-based epidemiology to influence hospital management practices," the researchers noted. These discoveries, however, were made after the outbreak was underway. "In a real-time clinical situation, this information would enable further targeted testing of other patients or healthcare professionals to identify intermediate carriers," Walker and Beatson wrote. Moving closer to real-time tracking, researchers sequenced and analyzed strains from a 2011 outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a neonatal intensive care unit in Cambridge, in the U.K., while the outbreak was still occurring. A local clinical microbiologist wondered whether infants who had contracted the superbug had strains related to those currently circulating in other clinics and hospital areas. A team sequenced samples and found that not all of the strains were related, but that there was indeed a clear outbreak cluster in the neonatal unit. The microbiologists were then able to trace potential means of spread and thereby reduce the risk of further spread. The genetic sequencing, completed on a bench-top sequencer, also provided information about the strain's virulence and nature of its antibiotic resistance. These instances "point to a future in which direct sequencing of clinical samples allows same-day diagnosis, antibiotic resistance gene profiling and virulence gene detection," Walker and Beatson noted. Such sequencing and analysis is still too expensive and labor-intensive for most health care institutions. But as technologies improve, putting the tools within reach, clinical microbiologists might be soon able to stop these superbug outbreaks before they start.

Follow Scientific American on Twitter @SciAm and @SciamBlogs. Visit ScientificAmerican.com for the latest in science, health and technology news. 2012 ScientificAmerican.com. All rights reserved.

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Real-Time Genetics Could Squash "Superbug" Outbreaks before They Spread

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LOS ANGELES, Nov. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Response Genetics, Inc. (RGDX), a company focused on the development and sale of molecular diagnostic tests for cancer, announced today that Thomas A. Bologna, Chairman and CEO, will present at the Canaccord Genuity Medical Technology and Diagnostics Forum in New York, NY.

Mr. Bologna's presentation is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, December 4, 2012. Interested investors can access a live webcast of the presentation by going to the Investor Relations tab on the Response Genetics website: http://www.responsegenetics.com.

About Response Genetics, Inc. Response Genetics, Inc. (the "Company") is a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory focused on the development and sale of molecular diagnostic testing services for cancer.The Company's technologies enable extraction and analysis of genetic information derived from tumor cells stored as formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens.The Company's principal customers include oncologists and pathologists. In addition to diagnostic testing services, the Company generates revenue from the sale of its proprietary analytical pharmacogenomic testing services of clinical trial specimens to the pharmaceutical industry.The Company's headquarters is located in Los Angeles, California.For more information, please visit http://www.responsegenetics.com.

Forward-Looking Statement Notice

Except for the historical information contained herein, this press release and the statements of representatives of the Company related thereto contain or may contain, among other things, certain forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Such forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties. Such statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company's plans, objectives, projections, expectations and intentions, such as the ability of the Company, to provide clinical testing services to the medical community, to continue to expand its sales force, to continue to build its digital pathology initiative, to attract and retain qualified management, to strengthen marketing capabilities, to expand the suite of ResponseDXproducts, to continue to provide clinical trial support to pharmaceutical clients, to enter into new collaborations with pharmaceutical clients, to enter into areas of companion diagnostics, to continue to execute on its business strategy and operations, to continue to analyze cancer samples and the potential for using the results of this research to develop diagnostic tests for cancer, the usefulness of genetic information to tailor treatment to patients, and other statements identified by words such as "project," "may," "could," "would," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "plan" or similar expressions.

These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities Exchange Commission. Actual results, including, without limitation, actual sales results, if any, or the application of funds, may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various factors (many of which are beyond the Company's control). The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Investor Relations Contact:

Company Contact:

Peter Rahmer

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Response Genetics to Present at the Canaccord Genuity Medical Technology and Diagnostics Forum

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwire - Nov 29, 2012) - Atossa Genetics, Inc. ( NASDAQ : ATOS ) announced today that Dr. Steven C. Quay, M.D., Ph.D., FCAP, chairman, CEO and president of Atossa Genetics, Inc., will present at the 5th Annual LD Micro Conference on Wednesday, December 5, 2012, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time, at the Luxe Sunset Bel Air Hotel in Los Angeles, California.

Dr. Quay's presentation will focus on the Company's novel approaches to breast cancer risk assessment and prevention, 2013 growth initiatives for its first year as a public company, and its unique investment thesis.

A link to the live audio webcast with slides of the presentation can be accessed on Atossa's website. After clicking on the webcast link, visitors will be directed to the proper conference's registration page. After completing the required fields and clicking "Register," visitors will then be brought to the dedicated webcast page. A replay of the webcast will be available for 90 days after the presentation and can be accessed at the same web address.

The LD Micro Conference is a two-day conference organized by LD Micro, a by-invitation only newsletter firm that provides micro-cap research for its clients. The LD Micro Conference focuses on undervalued micro-cap companies in a broad range of industries. A record 580 investors attended the 2011 event. Investors interested in attending the conference should call 408-457-1042 or e-mail Chris@ldmicro.com, or visit the conference website.

About Atossa Genetics, Inc.

Atossa Genetics, Inc., The Breast Health Company, is based in Seattle, Washington, and is focused on preventing breast cancer through the commercialization of patented, FDA-cleared diagnostic medical devices and patented, laboratory developed tests (LDT) that can detect precursors to breast cancer up to eight years before mammography, and through research and development that will permit it to commercialize treatments for pre-cancerous lesions.

The National Reference Laboratory for Breast Health (NRLBH), a wholly owned subsidiary of Atossa Genetics, Inc., is a CLIA-certified high-complexity molecular diagnostic laboratory located in Seattle, Washington, that provides the patented ForeCYTE Breast Health Test, a risk assessment test for women 18 to 73 years of age akin to the Pap Smear and the ArgusCYTE Breast Health Test, a blood test for recurrence in breast cancer survivors that provides a "liquid biopsy" for circulating cancer cells and a tailored treatment plan for patients and their caregivers.

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Atossa Genetics, Inc. to Present at the 5th Annual LD Micro Conference

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Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes Game Movie
http://www.gamematics.net During a training mission on Shadow Moses, a nuclear weapons training facility on a remote island off the coast of Alaska, the Special Forces unit FOXHOUND rebelled against the United States government, under the command of Liquid Snake. Their target was the advanced weapon system Metal Gear REX, a gigantic robotic weapons platform able to independently launch a nuclear warhead at any target on the face of the planet. Their demand was the body of the greatest soldier who ever lived, Big Boss, which, through gene therapy, they could use to create an army of ultimate soldiers. With the safety of the entire world at stake, Colonel Roy Campbell, the former commander of FOXHOUND, summoned Solid Snake out of retirement for one last solo covert operation. Gameplay MrPlentl Developer: Silicon Knights Konami Publisher: KonamiFrom:lapman17Views:9 1ratingsTime:03:43:40More inGaming

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Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes Game Movie - Video

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"Spiking Levels" Found At Paulsboro Crash Site Force Evacuation "Spiking Levels" Found At Paulsboro Crash Site Force Evacuation

Updated: Friday, November 30 2012 11:49 PM EST2012-12-01 04:49:14 GMT

Concerns about health safety are growing tonight. About 500 people have been told to evacuate. Officials are concerned with increased levels of a hazardous chemical.

Concerns about health safety are growing tonight. About 500 people have been told to evacuate. Officials are concerned with increased levels of a hazardous chemical.

Updated: Friday, November 30 2012 11:04 PM EST2012-12-01 04:04:06 GMT

Newark Police are investigating a home invasion where three men forced their way into a home and ordered three people to sit on the coach while they ransacked the apartment.

Newark Police are investigating a home invasion where three men forced their way into a home and ordered three people to sit on the coach while they ransacked the apartment.

Updated: Friday, November 30 2012 6:31 PM EST2012-11-30 23:31:59 GMT

In a statement issued Friday, Eagles quarterback Michael Vick says he's focused on rejoining the team on the field.

In a statement issued Friday, Eagles quarterback Michael Vick says he's focused on rejoining the team on the field.

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2 Kids Suffering From Rare Disease Admitted Into Gene Therapy Study

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SCMOM 2012_Stanford Cardiovascular Institute
Stanford Cardiovascular Institute (CVI) is the nucleus for cardiovascular research at Stanford University. Formed in 2004, the Cardiovascular Institute is home to Stanford #39;s myriad cardiovascular-related adult and pediatric research, clinical, and educational programs, centers and laboratories, as well as over 500 Stanford basic scientists, graduate students, clinician scientists, and other researchers in heart and vessel disease and prevention. Within the area of cardiac regenerative medicine, the Stanford CVI has significant research endeavors involving human pluripotent stem cells for (1) cardiovascular disease modeling, (2) drug screening and discovery, and (3) personalized cell therapy. Recently, Stanford CVI investigators received a $20 million CIRM Disease Team Therapy Award for performing pre-IND work that would enable the first-in-man clinical trial involving injection of human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes for patients with heart failure. wulab.stanford.edu Presenter Joseph Wu, Associate Professor, Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of MedicineFrom:AllianceRegenMedViews:3 0ratingsTime:17:06More inScience Technology

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SCMOM 2012_Stanford Cardiovascular Institute - Video

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What #39;s in Your Genes: Whole Genome Sequencing and its Impact on Personalized Medicine
From:SITN BostonViews:0 1ratingsTime:01:55:39More inScience Technology

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What's in Your Genes: Whole Genome Sequencing and its Impact on Personalized Medicine - Video

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Episode 2. Personalized Medicine
#12298;Unveiling the Secrets of Biotechnology #65306;Volume #8741; #12299; Part 1 #65306;DoReMi -- The Notes of Life Part 2 #65306;Unparalleled Genetic Fortune-Telling Part 3 #65306;Gene Testing Prescribing the Right MedicineFrom:ccleestagViews:0 0ratingsTime:22:43More inScience Technology

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Episode 2. Personalized Medicine - Video

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SCMOM 2012_RhinoCyte
RhinoCyte trade;, Inc., is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative stem cell therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 2005, the company has raised $5 million to date to develop this transformational technology to treat Spinal Cord Injury and Parkinson #39;s Disease to extend and enhance the quality of human life. The first RhinoCyte trade; product is for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). The IND submission for SCI is 4Q12. RhinoCyte trade; is currently raising a $10 Million Series B financing to fund the Spinal Cord Injury Phase I Clinical Trial program and facilitate the clinical status of the Parkinson #39;s disease product. http://www.rhinocyte.com Presenter: Teresa Leezer, COO, RhinoCyteFrom:AllianceRegenMedViews:3 1ratingsTime:10:07More inScience Technology

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SCMOM 2012_RhinoCyte - Video

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From Heels to Wheels: My fight from paralysis
I #39;m a c-5 spinal cord injury survivor.. I was never supposed to feel or move anything below my chest ever again... this is my journey to defying the odds.From:taccettaableViews:1436 38ratingsTime:08:40More inPeople Blogs

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From Heels to Wheels: My fight from paralysis - Video

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Trey McClendon
Trey McClendon, a young man in Florida, broke his neck during a diving accident in September 12, and is now living with a spinal cord injury. Trey wrote and recorded this song "Press On". You can get your own copy of the song for just a dollar at helptrey.forabuck.com All proceeds go to help Trey and his family.From:AtlantaProjectWalkViews:0 0ratingsTime:05:46More inNonprofits Activism

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Trey McClendon - Video

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Friends of Belmiro #39;s
A fundraising event to benefit the Friends of The Path Spinal Cord Injury AssociationFrom:Charlotte WViews:3 0ratingsTime:03:56More inTravel Events

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Friends of Belmiro's - Video

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SCMOM 2012_Equalix
Eqalix has received exclusive commercial licensing rights from three prominent institutions for several groundbreaking technologies in Regenerative Medicine which have the potential to revolutionize the unmet needs in multiple commercial and therapeutic applications. These technologies introduce the second generation of products into development and address previously unmet medical needs in the Regenerative Medicine space. Using these technologies, Eqalix plans to develop and commercialize (a) plant-protein based nano-fiber scaffold for use in wound healing and aesthetic dermatology; (b) small-diameter hybrid vessels that foster the creation of a functional endothelium (c) 3-Dimensional tissue scaffolds with adjustable properties for organ and tissue replacement and repair. http://www.eqalix.com Presenter: Joseph Connell, CEO, EqalixFrom:AllianceRegenMedViews:0 0ratingsTime:16:47More inScience Technology

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SCMOM 2012_Equalix - Video

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SCMOM 2012_ViaCyte
ViaCyte, Inc., a leader in the emerging field of regenerative medicine, is headquartered in San Diego, California. ViaCyte #39;s innovative product is based on the differentiation of stem cells into pancreatic beta cell precursors (PEC-01), with subcutaneous implantation in a retrievable and immune-isolating encapsulation medical device. Once implanted, the precursor cells mature into endocrine cells that secrete insulin in a regulated manner to control blood glucose levels. ViaCyte #39;s goal is a product that can free Type 1 and 2 diabetic patients from long-term insulin dependence. ViaCyte has received substantial financial support from both CIRM and JDRF. http://www.viacyte.com Presenter: Paul Laikind, President and CEO, ViaCyteFrom:AllianceRegenMedViews:5 1ratingsTime:16:42More inScience Technology

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SCMOM 2012_ViaCyte - Video

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SCMOM 2012_MaxCyte
MaxCyte is the leader in scalable and clinical cell transfection, bringing to market its patented flow electroporation technology. MaxCyte is applying its significant capabilities in the discovery, development, and manufacturing of virtually all classes of innovative therapeutics targeting a broad range of diseases. MaxCyte #39;s customers and partners utilize its technologies in the development and commercialization of cell-based therapies in regenerative medicine and active cell immunotherapies and in the discovery and development of protein drugs, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and small molecule drugs. This clinical-grade cell loading technology is fully developed, well validated and has received MF designation with CBER at US FDA. http://www.maxcyte.com Presenter: Douglas Doerfler, President and CEO, MaxCyteFrom:AllianceRegenMedViews:2 1ratingsTime:13:14More inScience Technology

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SCMOM 2012_Ensuring Maximum Reimbursement for a Regen Med Product
How to ensure that your regenerative medicine product is appropriately reimbursed is an increasingly difficult task for company executives. Thriving in both the private insurance and Medicare markets requires careful and long-range planning. Using a case-study approach, these panelists will discuss reimbursement challenges, goals, and strategies. They will discuss how to get products covered and reimbursed by payers in an environment that demands cost effectiveness and value.From:AllianceRegenMedViews:7 0ratingsTime:58:34More inScience Technology

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SCMOM 2012_The Regen Med Investment Hypothesis
This session will examine the regenerative medicine investment hypothesis from the perspective of the primary sources of capital at key stages in the development process from discovery to late-stage clinical development. Additionally, panelists will discuss different parts of the sector -- therapeutics, devices, tools, and services - and different types of business models to explore how they evaluate risk and why some models are more compelling than others. Investor perspectives represented on the panel will include traditional venture, angels, institutional investors and corporate strategics.From:AllianceRegenMedViews:3 0ratingsTime:56:18More inScience Technology

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SCMOM 2012_The Regen Med Investment Hypothesis - Video

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Stem Cells 101 - Mayo Clinic
Stem cells and their use in regenerative medicine have been in the media a lot lately. But, what exactly does it mean? Physicians and researchers in the Center for Regenerative Medicine at Mayo Clinic say it has to do with developing completely new ways to treat and manage chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart failure or even degenerative nerve, bone and joint conditions. Experts worldwide will meet this December for the World Stem Cell Summit, where they #39;ll explore and share ideas about regenerative medicine. Here are the basics of how this research benefits patients.From:mayoclinicViews:654 8ratingsTime:02:20More inScience Technology

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Stem Cells for Regenerative Medicine
http://www.ucsf.edu Stem cell banks might one day be used to meet the tissue-transplant needs of most of the population. Just as there are universal blood donors, cells from universal donors could be used to develop induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) or adult stem cells for use in repairing the nervous system, the heart or other organs. Off-the-shelf cell lines could be made available for recipients in a timely way, with matching likely to lower risk of transplant rejection. UCSF stem cell scientist Bruce Conklin, MD, discusses.From:UCSFPublicAffairsViews:20 1ratingsTime:03:29More inEducation

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Stem Cells and Insurance
The current state of the economy is uncertain and cause for concern for any business. Stem cell banks are no exception. When banks close down for any reason, its customers are immediately outraged about the money they have deposited. In the event of a stem cell bank failure, the investment is much more precious. These cells are of great interest in research because of their immense potential in regenerative medicine and other applications. A contingency plan needs to be implemented in order to protect these resources that are being used to find valuable treatments for otherwise incurable diseases.From:Alexandra KellyViews:2 0ratingsTime:02:53More inPeople Blogs

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Stem Cells and Insurance - Video

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Washington, November 28 (ANI): A new method, which transforms aged stem cells into cells that function like much younger ones, may one day enable scientists to grow cardiac patches for damaged or diseased hearts from a patient's own stem cells-no matter what age the patient-while avoiding the threat of rejection.

Stem cell therapies involving donated bone marrow stem cells run the risk of patient rejection in a portion of the population, argues Milica Radisic, Canada Research Chair in Functional Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering at the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (IBBME) and Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry at the University of Toronto.

One method of avoiding the risk of rejection has been to use cells derived from a patient's own body. But until now, clinical trials of this kind of therapy using elderly patients' own cells have not been a viable option, since aged cells tend not to function as well as cells from young patients.

Now, Radisic and her co-researcher, Dr. Ren-Ke Li, have come closer to solving this problem, by creating the conditions for a 'fountain of youth' reaction within a tissue culture.

Radisic and Li first create a "micro-environment" that allows heart tissue to grow, with stem cells donated from elderly patients at the Toronto General Hospital.

The cell cultures are then infused with a combination of growth factors-common factors that cause blood vessel growth and cell proliferation-positioned in such a way within the porous scaffolding that the cells are able to be stimulated by these factors.

Dr. Li and his team then tracked the molecular changes in the tissue patch cells.

"We saw certain aging factors turned off," states Li, citing the levels of two molecules in particular, p16 and RGN, which effectively turned back the clock in the cells, returning them to robust and healthy states.

"It's very exciting research," said Radisic, who was named one of the top innovators under 35 by MIT in 2008 and winner of the 2012 Young Engineers Canada award.

Li and Radisic hope to continue their goal to create the most effective environment in which cells from older patients can be given new life.

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'Fountain of youth' technique may help create heart patches from old cells

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Toronto, Nov 28 (IANS) A new discovery that tricks aging stem cells into rejuvenating mode could enable scientists to create youthful patches for damaged or diseased hearts and heal them, according to a Canadian study.

The breakthrough may enable scientists to create such life giving patches from a patient's own stem cells regardless of the patient's age while avoiding the threat of rejection, the study claims.

Stem cell therapies involving donated bone marrow stem cells run the risk of patient rejection in a portion of the population, argues Milica Radisic, associate professor of chemical engineering and applied chemistry at the University of Toronto, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reports.

One method of avoiding such a risk has been to use cells derived from a patient's own body. But until now, clinical trials of this kind of therapy using elderly patients' own cells have not been a viable option, since aged cells tend not to function as well as cells from young patients, according to a Toronto statement.

"If you want to treat these people with their own cells, how do you do this?" asks Radisic. It's a problem that Radisic and coresearcher RenKe Li think they might have an answer for: by creating the conditions for a 'fountain of youth' reaction within a tissue culture. Li is a professor in the division of cardiovascular surgery.

Radisic and Li first create a "microenvironment" that allows heart tissue to grow, with stem cells donated from elderly patients at the Toronto General Hospital, where Li works.

Li and his team then tracked the molecular changes in the tissue patch cells. "We saw certain aging factors turned off," states Li, citing the levels of two molecules in particular, p16 and (regucalcin) RGN, which effectively turned back the clock in the cells, returning them to robust and states.

"It's very exciting research," says Radisic, who was named one of the top innovators under 35 by MIT in 2008 and winner of the 2012 Young Engineers Canada award.

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Stem cell discovery may revive damaged heart

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

ScienceDaily (Nov. 27, 2012) A new method of growing cardiac tissue is teaching old stem cells new tricks. The discovery, which transforms aged stem cells into cells that function like much younger ones, may one day enable scientists to grow cardiac patches for damaged or diseased hearts from a patient's own stem cells -- no matter what age the patient -- while avoiding the threat of rejection.

Stem cell therapies involving donated bone marrow stem cells run the risk of patient rejection in a portion of the population, argues Milica Radisic, Canada Research Chair in Functional Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering at the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (IBBME) and Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry at the University of Toronto.

One method of avoiding the risk of rejection has been to use cells derived from a patient's own body. But until now, clinical trials of this kind of therapy using elderly patients' own cells have not been a viable option, since aged cells tend not to function as well as cells from young patients.

"If you want to treat these people with their own cells, how do you do this?"

It's a problem that Radisic and her co-researcher, Dr. Ren-Ke Li, think they might have an answer for: by creating the conditions for a 'fountain of youth' reaction within a tissue culture.

Li holds the Canada Research Chair in Cardiac Regeneration and is a Professor in the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, cross-appointed to IBBME. He is also a Senior Scientist at the Toronto General Research Institute.

Radisic and Li first create a "micro-environment" that allows heart tissue to grow, with stem cells donated from elderly patients at the Toronto General Hospital.

The cell cultures are then infused with a combination of growth factors -- common factors that cause blood vessel growth and cell proliferation -- positioned in such a way within the porous scaffolding that the cells are able to be stimulated by these factors.

Dr. Li and his team then tracked the molecular changes in the tissue patch cells. "We saw certain aging factors turned off," states Li, citing the levels of two molecules in particular, p16 and RGN, which effectively turned back the clock in the cells, returning them to robust and healthy states.

"It's very exciting research," says Radisic, who was named one of the top innovators under 35 by MIT in 2008 and winner of the 2012 Young Engineers Canada award.

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'Fountain of youth' technique rejuvenates aging stem cells

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith