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Discovery of stem cells in tendons a potential new way to repair tendons

December 9, 2019

Today, fixing a torn tendon requires surgery. But a recent discovery could serve as a new frontier for tendon repairs.

Researchers from Carnegie Institution for Science were able to find a new group of tendon stem cells that regenerate on their own. When a certain growth factor (platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha) was activated, it led to new tendon cells. Inactivation stopped tendon regeneration and led to scar tissue formation.

The study was published in the journal Nature Cell Biology

“Because tendon injuries rarely heal completely, it was thought that tendon stem cells might not exist. Many searched for them to no avail, but our work defined them for the first time,” said lead researcher Dr. Tyler Harvey on the university’s news release.

Be a part of Giving Tuesday with BioBridge Global

December 3, 2019

Tuesday, Dec. 3 is Giving Tuesday, a global giving movement where millions of people come together to support causes and organizations and launch the giving season of the year.

At BioBridge Global, we have multiple ways you can give and support our mission of saving and enhancing lives:

Give whole blood: The typical blood donation, which takes less than an hour to complete, is known as a “whole blood” donation, since we collect about a pint of your blood and all its components. You can find out more and schedule a donation at SouthTexasBlood.org.

Researchers find new way of printing living tissue

December 2, 2019

Researchers from Harvard University have shown progress toward a 3D bioprinting method that could potentially save the lives of those waiting for organ transplants.

Growing organs in the lab is one of the ways regenerative medicine could be applied to more patients.

The study was published in the journal Science Advances, along with a video of the innovative method.

Researchers grew hundreds of thousands of heart stem cells that were molded and packed into organoids, or tissue that mimics a mini-model of an organ.

A special ink made a pattern in the mold of densely packed cells and was later removed, creating channels in the tissue that replicate blood vessels.

The successfully engineered heart tissue then beat for more than seven days.

Using lasers for faster transfusions

November 18, 2019

A new type of blood warmer using laser technology has the potential to cut pre-transfusion blood testing incubation times from 5-30 minutes to 40 seconds.

A faster turnaround time in blood testing and transfusions presents the possibility of increased survival rates for accident victims, moms and newborns, and patients in surgery.

South Texas Blood & Tissue Center Bloodmobile Tour

November 12, 2019

James Randle, Director of Donor Services for the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center, points out the highlights of one of the center's new bloodmobiles.

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