Stem Cells
at UW–Madison
In 1998, UW–Madison developmental biologist James Thomson introduced the world to the first laboratory-derived human embryonic stem cells. His lab's accomplishment underpins the new field of regenerative medicine, and the all-purpose cells are used worldwide to test drugs, develop treatments for diseases and further our understanding of basic human biology. Twenty years later, UW–Madison remains at the forefront, an internationally recognized leader in stem cell research.
The Morgridge Institute for Research Presents
Immortal: An oral history of stem cell discovery
In November 1998, the journal Science published James Thomson's groundbreaking work on embryonic stem cells. There has been 20 years of progress since the initial discovery spawned a new field of research, and tremendous potential exists for the future. We reached out to the people who lived it, and they shared the experiences in their own words. This is their story.
Stem Cell News
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New tool for assessing heart muscle cells helps unlock their potential
Researchers have created a way to study how heart cells made from stem cells organize themselves into muscle that could be used to screen drugs or develop therapies for heart disease.
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Moving beyond hype: Could one-two treatment restore damaged heart muscle?
UW-Madison researchers hope a combination of two cutting-edge approaches would use a fabric-like material to prevent “wash-out” and successfully implant cardiomyocytes to damaged hearts.
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Rural Summer Science Camp expands opportunities, curriculum in its 13th year
The camp, where rural high school students and teachers take a deep dive into science research, is offering a third week this July thanks to support from the National Science Foundation.
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A new way to wind the development clock of cardiac muscle cells
A study published in the journal Stem Cells describes a new and unexpected way to accelerate the maturation of induced pluripotent stem cells into cardiac muscle cells.
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Orthopedic injury therapy in rodents may soon be headed to the clinic
The research team is now working to obtain FDA approval for a first human clinical trial to treat devastating injuries in musculoskeletal tissues.
Stem Cell Resources
Events
Past Events
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13th Annual Wisconsin Stem Cell Symposium »
Apr. 18, 2018 -
Capital Times Idea Fest »
Sep. 28–29, 2018 -
Wisconsin Science Festival »
Oct. 11–14, 2018 -
Crossroads of Ideas Public Lectures »
Oct. 16, 2018 -
20 Years of Human Embryonic Stem Cells »
Oct. 31, 2018 -
Crossroads of Ideas Public Lectures »
Nov. 13, 2018
18/6
As of late 2017, there were 18 clinical trials using embryonic stem cells in six countries.
635
The number of people — faculty, staff, students — working in labs conducting stem cell or regenerative medicine research on the UW–Madison campus.
284
The number of stem cell–related patents issued to the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation as of May 2018.