PromoCells in space continues – producing human tissue in a weightless environment
Two research leaders from the University of Zurich (UZH) Space Hub, Professor Oliver Ullrich and Dr. Cora Thiel, have sent adult human stem cells to the International Space Station (ISS). They are testing an innovative method to produce human tissue in a weightless environment, and hope to better understand how human tissue is produced in the weightless atmosphere of space….
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Rocket science: The mystery of how macrophages adapt in space
In recent decades, many in vitro studies with living human cells have broadened our knowledge about the cellular and molecular effects of microgravity. Cells of the immune system are particularly sensitive to it and represent an ideal model for understanding how space flight could affect cell function. Prof. Ullrich and his team have greatly contributed to explaining how cells behave in space….
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Macrophages: The high-flyers of biomedical research
One cell type can fight disease, help form blood vessels, regulate cell stability— and more. Macrophages are true masters of multitasking. In our body they are the first line of defense against invading bacteria, fungi and viruses. But they are not only a key element of our immune defense; they can also play a role in destroying tissue,…
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15 cell culture facts: Things about cell culture you might not know
As a researcher working in cell culture, you must have a deep understanding of your specific research area. However, scientific knowledge is advancing rapidly. Therefore, keeping up with all the developments in cell-based research can be challenging. In this article, we present 15 facts about cell culture that can add to your knowledge….
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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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Growing stem cells in space – PromoCell aboard the International Space Station
In March 2020, two researchers at the University of Zurich (UZH) Space Hub, Professor Oliver Ullrich and Dr. Cora Thiel, sent human stem cells to space to determine if they could develop into three-dimensional organoids. Three years later, the results of this and a subsequent experiment demonstrate that culturing stem cells in space is possible,…
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Introducing a novel high throughput 3D wound healing model
Non-healing wounds continue to cause significant patient burden. This blog details a novel 3D wound healing model that promises to facilitate the development of new treatments to promote wound healing.
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The advantages of using primary cells in respiratory research
Respiratory research benefits from primary cell research as this biological niche has a complex array of cells influencing and acting upon each other. 3D cell culture using primary cells from a disease specific donor allows understanding of in vivo processes in disease specific states, and comparison to healthy donor cells. Learn more about the use of primary cells in respiratory research in our article….
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The importance of MSC characterization
Characterization of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is vital for their successful application in regenerative medicine. These multipotent cells can differentiate into several cell types, making them a promising therapeutic option for various diseases. In our blog post, we discuss the importance of MSC characterization in ensuring standardized and reproducible cell isolation,…
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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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Cells in Action: Human Primary Keratinocytes at the stratum granulosum
Keratinocytes at the stratum granulosum contain two characteristic structures that are visible in this high resolution footage by Nanolive – the lamellar bodies and keratohyalin granules. While keratohyalin granules contain proteins involved in the aggregation of keratin filaments and in the formation of the cell envelope, lamellar bodies contain lipids and fuse with the plasma membrane in order to secrete the content into the extracellular space….
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EV cancer treatment cell media: Importance and challenges
Since the birth of extracellular vesicle (EV) cancer treatment, EVs have provided invaluable biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and stable drug vehicles for treatment delivery. Correct isolation and suitable cell culture growth media are indispensable in producing effective, non-toxic EV cancer treatments….
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