Understanding Animal Research | Latest News

19
MAR

Faster repair for damaged bones

Stem cells can help repair severely damaged bones quickly, studies on sheep and humans have revealed.

Scientists use stem cells from the periosteum tissue, which lines the outside of all bones, to repair damaged bones. To repair major bone damage, scientists can now shape the stem cell layer into a ‘sleeve' which wraps around major bone breaks, where the stem cells develop into bone to mend the fracture. For those without enough periosteum tissue researchers have developed an artificial substitute using sheep.

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Publication date: 9 Mar 10

19
MAR

Absent gene heals mice without scarring

Mice lacking the p21 gene can be healed scar free, a study has shown.

Scientists believe gene p21, known to protect against cancer, plays a key role in the regeneration of damaged tissues. They have now shown that switching the gene off allows adult cells in mice to turn into stem cells which assist the healing process.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1000830107
Publication date: 15 Mar 10

17
MAR

Tapeworm vaccine helps pigs and humans

A new vaccine successfully blocks tapeworm infection in pigs, helping to break the cycle of infection between pigs and humans.

Tapeworm is a parasite that can grow up to 10 metres, and can live inside the human body for several years. However, the tapeworm eggs, which hatch in the intestine and travel to the brain, can cause the brain disease neurocysticercosis. This disease may make a person more prone to seizures and epilepsy.

Journal: International Journal for Parasitology
DOI:
Publication date: 9 Mar 10

09
MAR

Mouse model develops human liver

Mice could be more useful in the study of hepatitis than previously thought, as research into the possibility of growing a human liver in a mouse has proven successful.

In the past, hepatitis research has been limited to a small number of animal models. Now scientists have created a mouse with a human liver suitable for studies on conditions which affect the liver.