Science 101: Stem cells

Stem cells are the earliest type of cell, found in both embryonic and adult organisms.

Through differentiation, they can become virtually any type of cell in the human body.

That ability makes them a potentially powerful therapeutic tool, with scientists working in recent years to learn how to differentiate stem cells into cells of specific therapeutic need, from bone marrow transplants to perhaps some day replacing damaged or lost cells involved in everything from baldness reversal to dementia and heart disease.

Stem Cell

Research at Sanford Burnham Prebys

Jul 23, 2024
Mini lungs make major COVID-19 discoveries possible
Scientists infect miniature lung organoids with the virus responsible for COVID-19, revealing new ways in which the infection spreads and…
Jul 23, 2024
Aug 18, 2022
Using stem cells to study the biochemistry of learning
A method for studying human neurons could help researchers develop approaches for treating Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and other neurological diseases.
Aug 18, 2022
Nov 3, 2021
Boosting immunotherapy in aggressive brain cancer
Institute have collaborated the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute to reveal a new approach to enhance the effects of immunotherapy in…
Nov 3, 2021
Oct 11, 2021
New stem cell identified by Sanford Burnham Prebys researchers offers hope to people with rare liver disease
Researchers have discovered a new source of stem cells just outside the liver that could help treat people living with…
Oct 11, 2021
Nov 23, 2020
World’s first: Drug guides stem cells to desired location, improving their ability to heal
Discovery represents a major milestone for regenerative medicine that could help more people benefit from stem cell therapy.
Nov 23, 2020
May 11, 2020
Scientists show MRI predicts the efficacy of a stem cell therapy for brain injury
First “biomarker” for regenerative medicine may help researchers identify the people most likely to benefit from stem cell treatment.
May 11, 2020
Aug 21, 2020
Scientists “turn back time” on cancer using new stem cell reprogramming technique
Discovery opens new research avenues that may help catch cancer early and identify potential preventive treatments Scientists at Sanford Burnham…
Aug 21, 2020
Mar 19, 2020
First supercentenarian-derived stem cells created
Advance primes scientists to unlock the secrets of healthy aging.
Mar 19, 2020
May 21, 2019
Boosting muscle stem cells to treat muscular dystrophy and aging muscles
Scientists have uncovered a molecular signaling pathway involving Stat3 and Fam3a proteins that regulates muscle stem cells.
May 21, 2019