HSCI scientists have combined organ-on-a-chip and stem-cell technologies to make a powerful tool for diabetes research and beta-cell transplantation

New microgel encapsulation method paves the way for more efficient cell therapies

Injectable, sponge-like gel helps revive the immune system after a bone marrow transplant

Method for growing kidney organoids under flow enhances their vascularization and maturation, increasing their potential for drug testing and regenerative medicine

George Murphy wants to use stem cells to replace scarring with regenerative healing.

• George Murphy’s goal is to coax skin stem cells into healing wounds by regenerating tissue instead of forming a scar.
• To figure out how to do it, he is studying scarless healing during fetal development and “stem cell burnout” during aging.
• Insights into scarless healing will help research into regenerating other vital organs, including the heart.

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HSCI bioengineer and cardiologist collaborate to design a radically improved model of the heart

Advances in engineering blood cells, treating diabetes, regenerating joints, and growing organs

On May 31, 2018, Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) faculty members shared their research updates at the Harvard Medical School (HMS) Alumni Reunion symposium. Their work showcased the breadth of research being conducted across the HSCI network, both at Harvard University and its...

HSCI, a network of the nation’s top stem cell and regenerative medicine researchers, gathers to exchange ideas and forge new collaborations to advance biomedical research.

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Press release of the Massachusetts General Hospital

Using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), a Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) research team has bioengineered functional small intestine segments that, when implanted into rats, were capable of deliver nutrients into the bloodstream. The investigators describe their accomplishment in the online journal Nature Communications.

“In this study we have been able to bridge the gap between differentiation of single cells – driving stem cells to become a specific cell type – and the...

Brigham and Women's press release - 10-Oct-2017

New approach offers promise for long-term efficacy

by Kelly Lawman, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center 

Blood-contacting implantable medical devices, such as stents, heart valves, ventricular assist devices, and extracorporeal support systems, as well as vascular grafts and access catheters, are used worldwide to improve patients’ lives. However, these devices are prone to failure due to the body’s responses at the blood-material interface; clots can form and inflammatory reactions can prevent the device from performing as indicated....

Stem cell-derived, glucose-stimulated, insulin-producing cells (SC-β) are protected inside capsules engineered to be invisible to the host immune system. Photo courtesy of Omid Veiseh and Andrew Bader/Anderson/Langer Laboratory, Koch Institute at MIT

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The Anc80 virus delivered genes to the mouse retina that fluoresce green when expressed. Pictured here, the delivered genes...

Proof-of-concept study highlights new therapeutic use of engineered human stem cells

Harvard Stem Cell Institute scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital have devised a new way to use stem cells in the fight against brain cancer. A team led by neuroscientist...