Putting Stem Cell Research on the Fast Track

Two groups of researchers provide tools to speed stem cell research

A machine creates a 3-D microarray slide. Later, Dordick and his team will add live stem cells to each drop of specialized fluid.
Photo Credit: Rensselaer/Tiago Fernandez

Engineers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed tools to help solve two of the main problems slowing the progress of stem cell research â€" how to quickly test stem cell response to different drugs or genes, and how to create a large supply of healthy, viable stem cells to study from only a few available cells.

The researchers have created methods to study millions of stems cells on devices the size of a standard microscope slide. The techniques enable thousands of individual stem cell experiments to be carried out quickly and in parallel on one small device.

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Putting Stem Cell Research on the Fast Track
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