Stem Cell Research Overview

A cell with the potential to differentiate into various specialized cells and self-renew.

In 1961, they found a special type of cell (stem cell) in bone marrow that could create different blood cells.

A single cell from the bone marrow that can create and grow into a clone/colony of multiple cells.

The process of replacing damaged bone marrow with healthy bone marrow from a donor.

Groups of genetically identical cells that descended from a single original cell.

Small, recognizable growths that appear in the spleens after the introduction of bone marrow cells.

Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These are important for carrying oxygen, fighting infections, and blood clotting respectively.

Reprogramming mature cells into stem cells, demonstrating pluripotency.

Cells capable of becoming any cell type.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells; a type of stem cell.

Early research (largely ignored) on radiation sensitivity of bone marrow cells.

Cells in bone marrow capable of self-replication and differentiation.

Stem cells vital for fixing and regenerating tissues.

Adult stem cells are more specialized than embryonic, but may have greater flexibility in differentiation.

Stem cells are a major advance in biological research with disease-treatment potential.

Experimental procedure examining bone marrow cell behavior in mice after transplants.

Each spleen nodule contained roughly 10,000 bone marrow cells after transplant.

Ernest McCulloch was a hematologist, focusing on blood formation, both normal and malignant.

McCulloch studied medicine at the University of Toronto, qualified as a doctor in 1948, and did research at the Lister Institute in the UK, before joining the Ontario Cancer Institute.

Ernest McCulloch, working with James Till, made critical contributions to stem cell research, transforming cancer research and regenerative medicine.

In 1963, McCulloch published key stem cell research findings with James Till and Andrew Becker in Nature, a significant advancement.

He became the head of hematology at the Ontario Cancer Institute in 1957, showcasing his leadership in the field.

McCulloch was noted for his broad perspective in research.

In the 1970's, McCulloch's research shifted towards investigating the mechanisms of leukemia via stem cell research.

McCulloch was inducted into the Canadian science hall of fame alongside James Till.

James Till chose the University of Toronto over an assistant professorship at Yale in 1957.

Till and McCulloch co-authored a key paper on radiation's effect on mouse bone marrow.

James Till became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) in 1969.

Till, along with McCulloch, received the Albert Lasker Award in 2005 for their basic medical research.

Till and McCulloch discovered adult stem cells in bone marrow, capable of forming many different blood cells.

Till's research career was centered in the Ontario Cancer Institute after working at the University of Toronto.

James Till grew up in a rural community in Canada and later earned a scholarship to the University of Saskatchewan.

Till studied Physics at University of Saskatchewan and received a Ph.D. in Biophysics from Yale University.

Researching medicinal potential in herbal, mineral, and animal substances. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, testing plant extracts to fight Plasmodium parasites.

A plant (sweet wormwood) initially showing promise against malaria, requiring further study.

A standard method involving simmering plant roots to make extracts (decoctions).

Testing plant extracts on mice to see their effect on Plasmodium parasites, causing malaria.

The number of plant extracts studied by Tu Youyou and her team.

Tu Youyou discovered artemisinin, a powerful antimalarial drug, by extracting it from the qinghao plant using a special method.

Artemisinin, combined with other drugs, is widely used and successfully treats millions of malaria cases annually.

Tu Youyou, a Chinese scientist, made significant contributions by developing methods to extract artemisinin and later a more potent form of the drug, dihydroartemisinin.

A more potent form of artemisinin.

Treatment that uses artemisinin along with other drugs to combat malaria.

The plant from which artemisinin is extracted.

A low temperature extraction process using ethanol, water, and ethyl ether to obtain artemisinin.

Tu Youyou discovered artemisinin, a powerful antimalarial drug.

A revolutionary antimalarial drug dramatically reducing incidence.

Chinese government's mission to discover new antimalarials.

A parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes, caused by Plasmodium.

Utilizing traditional Chinese medicine and an ancient recipe.

Provided a path to artemisinin extraction.

Rich resource guiding medicinal discoveries.

Parasites becoming resistant to existing medications (like chloroquine).

Tu Youyou's contracting tuberculosis as a teenager motivated her.

Tu Youyou's early research on a parasitic disease.

Jane Goodall is a world-renowned primatologist specializing in chimpanzee behavior.

Location in Tanzania where Jane Goodall began her chimpanzee study in 1960.

Systematic observation and recording of chimpanzee actions and social interactions.

Jane Goodall's 1960 chimpanzee observational start marked a crucial period in primatology.

Chimpanzees possess complex intelligence, personalities, emotions, social structures, and tool use.

Chimpanzees have a diet that extends beyond fruits and vegetables; they are omnivores.

Chimpanzees demonstrate and exhibit social behavior, including cooperation, conflict, and complex relationships.

Chimpanzees use tools in their environment, demonstrating advanced cognitive abilities that mirror human behavior.

Foundation established by Jane Goodall to promote chimpanzee conservation, research, and education.

Program started by Goodall to encourage young people's participation in conservation.