World first: Model embryos made in the lab from human skin cells
March 18, 2021
In breaking news overnight, Australian scientists have created embryo-like structures—dubbed iBlastoids—in the lab from reprogrammed living human skin cells. The research was led by Monash University stem cell scientist Professor Jose Polo, who was one of...
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Science that could save your skin
February 08, 2021
Stem cell project targets two diseases: melanoma and vitiligo The Foundation is backing Professor Mark Shackleton’s stem cell research aimed at preventing melanoma and treating vitiligo – two diseases affecting the melanin pigment-producing cells, called melanocytes.His...
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Tackling cancers through mystery molecules and genetic fingerprints
January 12, 2021
Using stem cell research to fight cancer has won two Australian researchers $55,000 each in the annual Metcalf Prizes for Stem Cell Research, awarded by the National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia. Dr Melanie Eckersley-Maslin—a new...
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2020 year in review
January 01, 2021
2020 highlights … and lowlights … There was no shortage of fascinating stem cell news in 2020, from the birth of living ‘xenobots’, to the legal consequences for controversial scientists, and the role cord blood banks...
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Four $100K funding opportunities in 2021
December 15, 2020
Scientists: funding to help bring your ideas to clinical trials Call for expressions of interest for up to $100,000 per project Next year, the Foundation will provide up to four $100,000 research grants as part of...
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New study to reveal how drugs help ‘constipated’ cartilage cells
November 24, 2020
A promising drug for treating a debilitating genetic cartilage disorder is about to enter clinical trials in Australia. While preclinical results to date have been encouraging, exactly how the drug works remains a mystery. Professor John...
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Life as a researcher under Melbourne’s COVID-19 restrictions
November 10, 2020
Jennifer Hollands on science during a pandemic A thorough understanding of the scientific method has helped stem cell biologist Dr Jennifer Hollands cope with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic – at least to an extent....
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