New research lights the way to super-fast computers

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

7-Nov-2014

Contact: Amy Sutton a.sutton@surrey.ac.uk 01-483-686-141 University of Surrey @UniOfSurrey

New research published today in the journal Nature Communications, has demonstrated how glass can be manipulated to create a material that will allow computers to transfer information using light. This development could significantly increase computer processing speeds and power in the future.

The research by the University of Surrey, in collaboration with the University of Cambridge and the University of Southampton, has found it is possible to change the electronic properties of amorphous chalcogenides, a glass material integral to data technologies such as CDs and DVDs. By using a technique called ion doping, the team of researchers have discovered a material that could use light to bring together different computing functions into one component, leading to all-optical systems.

Computers currently use electrons to transfer information and process applications. On the other hand, data sources such as the internet rely on optical systems; the transfer of information using light. Optical fibres are used to send information around the world at the speed of light, but these signals then have to be converted to electrical signals once they reach a computer, causing a significant slowdown in processing.

"The challenge is to find a single material that can effectively use and control light to carry information around a computer. Much like how the web uses light to deliver information, we want to use light to both deliver and process computer data," said project leader, Dr Richard Curry of the University of Surrey.

"This has eluded researchers for decades, but now we have now shown how a widely used glass can be manipulated to conduct negative electrons, as well as positive charges, creating what are known as 'pn-junction' devices. This should enable the material to act as a light source, a light guide and a light detector - something that can carry and interpret optical information. In doing so, this could transform the computers of tomorrow, allowing them to effectively process information at much faster speeds."

The researchers expect that the results of this research will be integrated into computers within ten years. In the short term, the glass is already being developed and used in next-generation computer memory technology known as CRAM, which may ultimately be integrated with the advances reported.

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Stem cell transplants may help reduce seizures, study says

New research from McLean Hospital and the Harvard Stem Cell Institute has shown that stem cell therapy reduces seizures in mice.

Researchers used an animal model to transplant seizure-inhibiting, human embryonic stem cell-derived neurons into the brains of mice that had a common form of epilepsy. Half of the mice that received the transplanted neurons no longer had seizures, while the other half experienced a significant drop in seizure frequency.

The transplanted neurons integrated into the mouse brains and began to receive neuronal activity. The neurons then released GABA, an inhibitory response that reversed the electrical hyperactivity that causes seizure.

Previous studies showed increasing inhibition in the epileptic brain can help control the seizure and also a lot of anti-epilepsy drugs are mimicking this GABA, so many of them worked by binding to the GABA receptors, researcher Sangmi Chung, assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard, told FoxNews.com.

Researchers initially set out to test the functionality of human neurons, but later decided to test their effect on epilepsy because it is such a devastating disease. About 30 percent of people do not respond to seizure drugs and one out of 26 people will be affected by seizures in their lifetime, Chung said.

Over 65 million people worldwide are affected by epileptic seizures, which can cause convulsions, loss of consciousness and other neurological symptoms. Patients are treated with anti-seizure drugs, and may choose to have a portion of their brain removed.

Because mouse cells mature more quickly than human cells within weeks instead of years it was unclear how long a stem cell transplant in a human would take before becoming effective, Chung noted.

If we compare it with the mouse [model], we believe it will be years, not weeks, she said.

However, the study found that, even without full maturation, the cells integrated into the epileptic mouse brains, receive signals and release GABA, therefore preventing seizures.

I think its really good news in terms of transplantation even maturing, not fully mature [cells] still work, Chung said.

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Stem cell transplants may help reduce seizures, study says

Scientists create Parkinson's disease in a dish

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

6-Nov-2014

Contact: David McKeon dmckeon@nyscf.org 212-365-7440 New York Stem Cell Foundation @nyscf

New York, NY (November 6, 2014) - A team of scientists led by The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute successfully created a human stem cell disease model of Parkinson's disease in a dish. Studying a pair of identical (monozygotic) twins, one affected and one unaffected with Parkinson's disease, another unrelated Parkinson's patient, and four healthy control subjects, the scientists were able to observe key features of the disease in the laboratory, specifically differences in the patients' neurons' ability to produce dopamine, the molecule that is deficient in Parkinson's disease. In addition, the scientists also identified a potential strategy for developing novel therapies for Parkinson's disease.

Attributed to a combination of genetic and nongenetic factors, Parkinson's disease has no completely effective therapy or cure. Parkinson's disease is moderately heritable, but the mechanisms of this inheritance are not well understood. While genetic forms of the disease exist, sporadic forms are far more common.

"The unique scenario of identical twins, one with this disease and one without, allowed our scientists an unprecedented look into the mechanisms of Parkinson's disease," said Susan L. Solomon, NYSCF Chief Executive Officer. "Advanced stem cell research techniques allow us to push the boundaries of science and see what actually goes wrong at the cellular level, step by step during the disease process."

DNA mutations resulting in the production of a specific enzyme called glucocerebrosidase (GBA) have been linked to a five-fold greater risk of developing Parkinson's disease; however, only 30% of individuals with this mutation have been shown to develop Parkinson's disease by the age of 80. This discordance suggests that multiple factors contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease, including both genetic and non-genetic factors. To date, there has been no appropriate model to identify and test multiple triggers leading to the onset of the disease.

In this study, published today in Cell Reports, a set of identical twins, both with a GBA mutation, provided a unique opportunity to evaluate and dissect the genetic and non-genetic contributions to the development of Parkinson's disease in one twin, and the lack of disease in the other. The scientists made induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from skin samples from both twins to generate a cellular model of Parkinson's in a dish, recapitulating key features of the disease, specifically the accumulation of -synuclein and dopamine deficiency.

Upon analyzing the cell models, the scientists found that the dopamine-producing neurons from both twins had reduced GBA enzymatic activity, elevated -synuclein protein levels, and a reduced capacity to synthesize and release dopamine. In comparison to his unaffected brother, the neurons generated from the affected twin produced less dopamine, had higher levels of an enzyme called monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), and poor ability to connect with each other. Treating the neurons with molecules that lowered the activity of MAO-B together with overexpressed GBA normalized -synuclein and dopamine levels in the cell models. This suggests that a combination therapy for the affected twin may be possible by simultaneously targeting these two enzymes.

"The subject of Parkinson's disease discordant twins gave us an incredible opportunity to utilize stem cell models of disease in a dish to unlock some of the biological mechanisms of disease," said Dr. Scott Noggle, NYSCF Vice President, Stem Cell Research and The NYSCF - Charles Evans Senior Research Fellow for Alzheimer's Disease. "Working with these various different groups and scientists added to the depth and value of the research and we hope our findings will be applicable to other Parkinson's disease patients and other neurodegenerative disorders."

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Scientists create Parkinson's disease in a dish

Direct Generation of Neural Stem Cells Could Enable Transplantation Therapy

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Newswise CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (November 6, 2014) Induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) created from adult cells hold promise for therapeutic transplantation, but their potential in this capacity has been limited by failed efforts to maintain such cells in the desirable multi-potent NSC state without continuous expression of the transcription factors used initially to reprogram them.

Now, Whitehead Institute scientists have created iNSCs that remain in the multi-potent state without ongoing expression of reprogramming factors. This allows the iNSCs to divide repeatedly to generate cells in quantities sufficient for therapy.

Therapeutically, its important to make neural stem cells because they can self-renew and make lots of cells, says Whitehead Institute Founding Member Rudolf Jaenisch, who is also a professor of biology at MIT. If you just make mature neurons, which has been done by others, you never get enough cells.

To make iNSCs via direct lineage conversion researchers use viruses to insert a cocktail of transcription factors into the genome of mouse adult skin cells. A drug triggers these transcription factors to turn on genes active in neural stem cells. This direct conversion, known as transdifferentiation, bypasses the step of pushing the cells first through an embryonic stem-cell-like state.

In previous research, iNSCs remained addicted to the drug and reprogramming transcription factors; if either the drug or the factors was removed, the cells reverted to skin cells or spontaneously differentiated.

If the reprogramming factors are still active, its horrible for the cells, says John Cassady, a scientist in Jaenischs lab. The cells would be unable to differentiate and the resulting cells would not be therapeutically useful.

In a paper published online this week in the current issue of the journal Stem Cell Reports, Cassady and other Whitehead scientists describe how they preserve the cells properties without keeping the reprogramming factors active. First, the cells were grown in a special medium that selects for neural stem cells. Then, the drug is removed. Instead of spontaneously differentiating, the iNSCs remain in a multi-potent state that can differentiate into neurons and glia cells on cue. Cassady also refined the reprogramming cocktail to contain eight transcription factors, which produces iNSCs that are transcriptionally and epigenetically similar to mouse neural stem cells.

Cassady notes that a random sample of skin cells can contain neural crest cells, which may more easily make the transition to iNSCs. To eliminate the possibility that his method might actually rely on cells having this sort of head start, Cassady converted fully mature immune system cells called B-lymphocytes, which have a very specific genetic marker, to iNSCs. The resulting cells had the profile of their new identity as iNSCs, yet retained their B-lymphocyte genetic marker, showing that Cassadys method could indeed convert non-neural cells to iNSCs.

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Direct Generation of Neural Stem Cells Could Enable Transplantation Therapy

Transplant of stem-cell-derived dopamine neurons shows promise for Parkinson's disease

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

6-Nov-2014

Contact: Mary Beth O'Leary moleary@cell.com 617-397-2802 Cell Press @CellPressNews

Parkinson's disease is an incurable movement disorder that affects millions of people around the world, but current treatment options can cause severe side effects and lose effectiveness over time. In a study published by Cell Press November 6th in Cell Stem Cell, researchers showed that transplantation of neurons derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can restore motor function in a rat model of Parkinson's disease, paving the way for the use of cell replacement therapy in human clinical trials.

"Our study represents an important milestone in the preclinical assessment of hESC-derived dopamine neurons and provides essential support for their usefulness in treating Parkinson's disease," says senior study author Malin Parmar of Lund University.

Parkinson's disease is caused, in part, by the death of neurons that release a brain chemical called dopamine, leading to the progressive loss of control over dexterity and the speed of movement. Currently available drug and surgical treatment options can lose effectiveness over time and cause serious side effects such as involuntary movements and psychiatric problems. Meanwhile, another approach involving the transplantation of human fetal cells has produced long-lasting clinical benefits; however, the positive effects were only seen in some individuals and can also cause involuntary movements driven by the graft itself. Moreover, the use of tissue from aborted human fetuses presents logistical issues such as the limited availability of cells, hampering the effective translation of fetal tissue transplantation as a realistic therapeutic option.

To rigorously assess an alternative hESC-based treatment approach, Parmar and lead study author Shane Grealish of Lund University transplanted hESC-derived dopamine neurons into brain regions that control movement in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. The transplanted cells survived the procedure, restored dopamine levels back to normal within five months, and established the correct pattern of long-distance connections in the brain. As a result, this therapy restored normal motor function in the animals. Importantly, the hESC-derived neurons show efficacy and potency similar to fetal neurons when transplanted in the rat model of Parkinson's disease, suggesting that the hESC-based approach may be a viable alternative to the approaches that have already been established with fetal cells in Parkinson's patients.

In a related Forum article published in the same issue, Roger Barker of Addenbrooke's Hospital and the University of Cambridge laid out the roadmap for taking stem-cell-derived dopamine neurons to the clinic for treating Parkinson's disease. "This involves understanding the history of the whole field of cell-based therapies for Parkinson's disease and some of the mistakes that have happened," he says. "It also requires a knowledge of what the final product should look like and the need to get there in a collaborative way without being tempted to take shortcuts, because a premature clinical trial could impact negatively on the whole field of regenerative medicine."

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Cell Stem Cell, Grealish et al.: "Human ESC-derived dopamine neurons show preclinical efficacy and potency similar to fetal neurons when grafted in a rat model of Parkinson's disease."

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Transplant of stem-cell-derived dopamine neurons shows promise for Parkinson's disease

FDA Clears ISCO's Parthenogenetic Stem Cells For Investigational Clinical Use

By Cyndi Root

International Stem Cell Corporation is now approved to manufacture human parthenogenetic stem cells. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the cells for investigational clinical use. The company announced the approval in a press release, stating that it improves its chance for approval of its Parkinsons disease treatment and provides an avenue for using the cells in other indications such as stroke or traumatic brain injury.

Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, ISCO's Chief Scientific Officer, said, "Many stem cell lines can never be used to develop commercial therapeutic products because they don't meet the FDA's ethical and quality standards. With this clearance from the FDA, the Company has removed any uncertainty in the potential clinical use of human parthenogenetic stem cells."

FDA Action

Like all manufacturing to FDA standards, stem cells must be produced in good manufacturing practice (GMP) conditions. The cells must be grown under repeatable conditions and be identical, so that patients receive standardized stem cell therapy. In addition, the federal agency seeks to reduce the risk of an infectious disease. ISCO provided the FDA assurances relating to the original egg donor's risk of infectious diseases, the testing of the master cell bank, and the genetic stability of the stem cell line. ISCO intends to produce the stem cells at its facility in Oceanside, CA and will provide an update on the first batch later.

Parthenogenetic Stem Cells

ISCO states that its parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs) are a new class of stem cells with the best characteristics of other stem cells. The company creates the cells by stimulating the donors oocytes (eggs), which are not fertilized and are not viable embryos. Stimulating the oocytes begins the process of cell division. This method creates cells that are histocompatiblethey do not depend on the target patient. Immunomatching and using unfertilized oocytes provides an ethical advantage and a reliable source for cell-based therapy.

Parkinson's Disease Submission

Dr. Semechkin stated the FDA manufacturing approval provides a boost to its Parkinson's disease submission, which the company intends to submit by the end of 2014. ISCO provided an update on the program in October 2014, stating that none of the preclinical pharmacology and toxicology studies have shown adverse events or pathological reactions. ISCO intends to present the results of those studies at the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting.

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FDA Clears ISCO's Parthenogenetic Stem Cells For Investigational Clinical Use

Signature HomeNow Bringing Spirituality to Home Health Clients

Louisville, KY (PRWEB) November 07, 2014

Signature HomeNow, a provider of skilled home health services with locations throughout Florida, is expanding its service offerings to meet not only the physical needs of its patients, but also spiritual.

Formerly ConfiCare, Signature HomeNow was acquired by Signature HealthCARE (SHC) earlier this year and now operates as a division of SHC, a long-term care operator that is expanding to become an integrated care network servicing the entire post-acute care continuum. SHC already has a thriving interfaith Department of Spirituality that supports full-time chaplains in every Signature facility. This department also operates The Compassion Fund, a 501c3 nonprofit that has doled out more than $1.1 million to individuals in need following catastrophic events, and provides numerous other unique service programs and initiatives.

Now, Signature HomeNow is folding SHCs Spirituality Pillar and culture into its own.

As part of Signature HealthCARE, we share the vision to radically change the landscape of health care, said Signature HomeNow CEO Vickie Norvell. Bringing spirituality to people in their own homes demonstrates our commitment to meet our patients at their point of physical and spiritual need, and to help those we serve live well.

A study published last year by the Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services, in Scotland, found benefit in offering spiritual care for aging populations. The study, titled Spirituality and Ageing: Implications for the Care and Support of Older People, found that developmental support and person-centered care are crucial to maximize a persons ability to age well, and that spiritual care is a part of this person-centered approach.

While spiritual care can be provided in numerous ways regardless of physical location, chaplain services to Signature HomeNow clients include emotional support, comfort, and spiritual guidance and nourishment.

We believe we can expand our spiritual model from the long-term care setting into the home, giving support and defying suffering, and the fear of loneliness, said Dianne Timmering, Vice President of Spirituality and Legislative Affairs for Signature HealthCARE. We can also help remind loved ones to take their prescribed medicines and other means to maintain health and wellness, elongating the joys of life in the beloved comforts and smells of home.

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Signature HomeNow Bringing Spirituality to Home Health Clients

UI graduate student studies rare, dying Korean art

UI graduate student studies rare, dying Korean art

BY AARON WALKER | NOVEMBER 07, 2014 5:00 AM

University of Iowa graduate student Steph Rue is reinvigorating her Korean heritage by helping revitalize a fading artistic tradition.

Rue studies hanji, the ancient Korean art of papermaking and its connection with Buddhist spirituality. Hanji literally translates to the paper of Korea.

I am Korean-American. I kind of came back to my heritage through finding the hanji, Rue said. It allows me to understand a lot more of my own culture. Artifacts made with this paper can speak a lot to traditional Korean heritage and developments in Korean history.

Rue said hanji is a dying art.

While in the West it is rare to find paper more than 400 years old, hanji artifacts date back to the eighth century.

But hanji is not only used as paper.

Its a thick material, made from the inner bark of mulberry trees, that can be used as anything from wallpaper to armor.

Its so durable, they say Korean paper lasts 1,000 years, Rue said.

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UI graduate student studies rare, dying Korean art

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