The Cross-Border Biotech Blog

Functioning Neurons from Canine Embryonic Stem Cells University of Guelph ♦ University of Toronto ♦ Published in PLoS ONE, May 17, 2011 Scientists have successfully created functioning neural cells from canine embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The protocol used was similar to those used to create neural stem cells from human ESCs. In order to produce [...]

Genetic Architecture: How a Cell is Wired University of Toronto ♦ National Institute of Health ♦ Albert Einstein College of Medicine Published in Nature Biotechnology, May 15, 2011 A great deal of effort has been invested in elucidating the physical interactions of proteins in order to understand their functional relationships. The research community is also [...]

Environmental Stimuli Enhance Visual System Function McGill University ♦ Published in Neuron (Cell Press), May 12, 2011 The developing nervous system utilizes sensory inputs to lay down the correct neural circuits, strengthening and weakening specific connections where necessary. Sensory cues from the external environment can play a role in neural development as well.  A new [...]

Heterochromatin Structures Disperse as Somatic Cells Move to Pluripotency University of Toronto ♦ Hospital for Sick Children ♦ Ontario Human iPS Cell Facility ♦ Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research Published in EMBO Journal, May 4, 2011 Cellular reprogramming of adult cells is achieved through the introduction of genetic factors that make widespread changes to [...]