Regular science news
MIT technology accelerates stem cell research
June 11 – MIT scientists have developed a technology to rapidly identify factors that may allow the specific creation of cell types from human embryonic stem cells. The method involves the automated deposit of 1,700 spots of biomaterial on a glass slide. Each spot on the micro-array is exposed to ultraviolet light making the material composing the spot rigid and ready for breeding with a human embryonic stem cell or other cells. Each seeded micro-array may then be placed in a different solution and incubated. In current work, scientists used an initial screening to find biomaterials for the differentiation of hES cells into epithelial cells. Additional screening revealed a host of materials effects that offer new levels of control over hES cell behaviour. The technology also enables minimal use of cells and associated media, compared to traditional methods, which are considered expensive.
[Source: Yale University]
Tears may spread SARS virus
June 21 – Scientists in Singapore have detected the SARS virus in the tears of people suspected of having the virus, and speculate that this may serve as a means for the virus to spread. In the Singapore study three of the eight patients who had probable SARS has the virus in their tears. In one patient the virus was only found in the tears. The virus was not found in the tears of patients whose symptoms had started earlier suggesting that sampling tear ducts may detect the virus in its early developmental stages enabling its isolation.
[Source: Reuters]
