Molecular Machinery Related To Stem Cell Fate Uncovered:
Institute's Xie Lab has revealed how the BAM protein affects germline stem cell differentiation and how it is involved in regulating the quality of stem cells through intercellular competition.Maintaining the proper balance between stem cell self-renewal and differentiation is critical for normal homeostasis. An imbalance between the two can lead to tissue degeneration and to the development of tumors.

Final Rules Broaden Pool for Stem Cell Research:
The U.S. government issued final guidelines Monday describing which embryonic stem cell lines will be eligible for government funding, effectively expanding the universe of stem cells that can be used for research. Going forward, researchers will have to demonstrate that embryonic stem cells used in research were obtained from fertility clinic embryos that otherwise would have been discarded. Also, the stem cells must come with the informed consent of the parents or mother. But stem cells developed earlier will not require such precise documentation, representing a departure from draft guidelines issued in April by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

NIH sets guidelines for use of stem cells:
The government issued final rules Monday expanding taxpayer-funded research using embryonic stem cells, easing scientists' fears that some of the oldest batches might not qualify and promising a master list of all that do. President Obama lifted previous restrictions on the field in March but left it to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to decide which stem cell research was ethically appropriate: Only science that uses cells culled from leftover fertility clinic embryos - ones that otherwise would be thrown away - the agency made clear in draft guidelines.

New Funding Rules Issued On Stem Cell Research:
The Obama administration has lifted some restrictions on stem cell research. Scientists say the new rules will give them a lot more freedom to do research that could one day lead to better treatments for injuries and disease.

Scientists Create Human Sperm from Stem Cells:
Researchers at Newcastle University in England report they have coaxed the first human sperm cells from embryonic stem cells, in a remarkable demonstration of how quickly the field of stem-cell science is moving.

Stem Cell Industry Expert Praises, Encourages Continued Progress On Legislation To Promote Benefits Of Cord Blood: Mercedes Walton, CEO of Cryo-Cell International, one of the largest and most established family cord blood banks, is praising legislative progress to date and encouraging continued momentum for existing bills through the second half of the year. H.R. 1718, the "Family Cord Blood Banking Act," and H.R. 2107, the "Cord Blood Education and Awareness Act of 2009" would continue to build on the progress from the first half of the year to enable and promote the continued research, public awareness and tax benefits related to storing and using cord blood, all of which provide great benefit to families across America.

Cord Blood America Secured $7.5 Million Investment For Series A Preferred Stock:
Proceeds of the investment are anticipated to be used to fund new stem cell initiatives, potential acquisitions, and working capital needs. Matthew Schissler, founder and CEO, said the proceeds, once available and when coupled with internally generated revenues, should be sufficient to fund operations in the foreseeable future.

Deadly Leukemia Stem Cells Found And Eliminated By New Targeted Therapy:
New research describes a molecular tool that shows great promise as a therapeutic for human acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a notoriously treatment-resistant blood cancer. The study, published by Cell Press in the July 2nd issue of the journal Cell Stem Cell, describes exciting preclinical studies in which a new therapeutic approach selectively attacks human cancer cells grown in the lab and in animal models of leukemia.