Link between mouse and human stem cells

Human embryonic stem cells are the source of every cell, tissue and organ in
the body. Scientists want to use them to find cures for diseases like
Parkinson's, cancer and diabetes, although critics say it is wrong to use
any embryo in this way.

Laboratory mice have long been a favourite model for human disease but
researchers have been frustrated by the fact that human and mouse stem cells
behave very differently.

Now scientists think they may have cracked the problem.

Two papers published in the journal Nature show that when mouse stem cells
are derived from the innermost cell layer -- or epiblast -- of a week-old
rodent embryo they are in many ways almost identical to human ones.

Super fruit fly may lead to healthier humans

Super fruit fly may lead to healthier humans: "Super fruit fly may lead to healthier humans
Aging slowed with single protein -- Technique holds promise for new drugs

In a triumph for pests, scientists have figured out how to make the fruit fly live longer.

But humans still may get something out of the deal. As reported online in Nature Chemical Biology, the discovery that a single protein can inhibit aging holds implications for human longevity and for treatment of some of the world’s most feared diseases.

“This work is important for two reasons,” said study author Richard Roberts, associate professor of chemistry, chemical engineering and biology at the University of Southern California.

“First, it demonstrates that a single inhibitor can dramatically alter lifespan, a very complex trait. It is remarkable that you can alter it with a single genetic change.

“We don’t really need to make fruit flies live longer, but if we understand how to do this, our approach may have direct application to higher organisms, such as ourselves.”"