Celebrating and sharing the latest research

Keep up to date with the latest scientific news and research on our blog, with insight from labs around the world.

Diego Correa: Stem Cell Therapy Scientist
Behind the Science

Stem Cell Therapy Scientist: Finding Inspiration Outside His Comfort Zone

Crossing the border between medical and biomechanical research fuels the research of stem cell specialist Dr. Diego Correa. We talked to the Colombian-born stem cell scientist, a former clinician with training in mechanical engineering, about his studies with mesenchymal stem cells and their potential clinical applications in cell-based therapy. Soon Correa is going to publish what he believes will be his most important contribution to this field….

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In the lab

Teaching the Body to Fight Tumors Using Cancer Immunotherapy

Selected as the 2013 “Breakthrough of the Year” by Science magazine, cancer immunotherapy shows a completely new way to treat malignancies by using the body’s own immune system, and not by targeting the tumor itself. This cutting-edge area of research and therapy has shown very promising results. However, further investigation is needed to turn immunotherapy into a cancer therapy that can be broadly applied….

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In the lab

Five Steps to Writing a Great Scientific Article

Thousands of scientific articles are published each year. It’s a basic series of steps in biomedical research: do experiments, analyze data, publish your results, and repeat. It seems straightforward, but one question remains. How do you write a paper for publication if it’s your first one?
A blank white page, and a silently blinking cursor: How can an empty document be so intimidating?…

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3D-Tumospheres-A-Home-For-Cancer-Stem-Cells
In the lab

A Home for Cancer Stem Cells:
3D Tumorspheres

Many scientists working in oncology focus on cancer stem cells (CSCs). Targeting these cells specifically could improve cancer therapy significantly. Because CSCs rely heavily on their environment, three-dimensional cultivation offers the unique opportunity to better understand this interaction. We talked to two scientists working in this field of cancer research.

In the human body,…

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Mimicking the Body’s Largest Organ In Vitro with 3D Skin Models
Cells in action

Mimicking the Body’s Largest Organ In Vitro with 3D Skin Models

Researchers are increasingly using 3D cell cultures to study the skin’s features. Three-dimensional skin models offer the potential to study various diseases and test compounds in vitro. Dr. Florian Groeber-Becker from the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC in Wurzburg has developed a highly sophisticated skin model.
It is the first thing people see when they look at us….

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Macrophage Plasticity is More Than Black and White
Cells in action

Macrophage Plasticity is More Than Black and White

Many rules in biology exist, and even more exceptions to these rules. For years, immunologists have tried to classify macrophages into two subtypes, classically activated M1, and alternatively activated M2 macrophages. However, with the growing number of activated macrophage subtypes needing description, established nomenclature falls short. Researchers are seeking an alternative to the traditional black-and-white principle….

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In the lab

Antibiotics in Cell Culture: Friend or Enemy?

Antibiotics are routinely used in cell cultures to prevent bacterial infections. But there are side effects: Studies show that they impair cell growth and differentiation. With good laboratory practice, the use of antibiotics is unnecessary.

A cell culture is a world of its own. The culture dish contains nutrients within the media that cells need to thrive and prosper….

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Behind the Science

PromoCells in Space – Ready For Lift-Off

Three, Two, One, Zero: Two research groups working in space life sciences are investigating the behavior of cells from PromoCell in microgravity on the International Space Station. The launch of a Falcon 9 rocket coupled to a Dragon spacecraft is planned for December 15th in Florida, USA.
Gravity is everywhere on earth,…

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