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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A science trailblazer retires: Stem cell researcher James Thomson’s legacy changed the future of biology
After more than 30 years with UW–Madison and 12 years with the Morgridge Institute for Research, Thomson has announced plans to retire in July.
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Mouse study may help doctors choose treatments for leukemia patients
By exploring the ways mice responded, researchers hope to gain an understanding of the sorts of human health issues that may bring on a case of this life-threatening form of cancer.
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Stem cell project to create new model to study brain development and Down syndrome
The research is funded through an $11 million Transformative Research grant from the National Institutes of Health, which supports exceptionally innovative or unconventional research projects with the potential to advance their field.
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Individualized brain cell grafts reverse Parkinson’s symptoms in monkeys
UW researchers say the stem cell treatment is an "extremely powerful" step toward a treatment for millions of human Parkinson’s patients.
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UW–Madison leads DoD-funded effort to restore vision to injured service members and people with disease
The technology will be based on a system in which human induced pluripotent cells are used to generate light-responsive eye cells called photoreceptors along with the cells that support them.
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.