It’s been a little slow around here with stem cells–related news, so I’ve compiled some things from the past few weeks to make this entry.

Here are some recent research highlights from Nature Reports Stem Cells:

• First, recent research shows that bone marrow cells injected directly into patients’ heart muscles result in better blood flow and function.
• Second, we have an in vivo study that may give clues to making sperm in vitro.
• Third, these researchers showed thatcells containing mutations for Fanconi anaemia can be repaired and reprogrammed.
• Fourth, the eye may be the site of the first successful stem cell therapy.
• And last, but not least, two recent papers seem to indicate that Hedgehog is not needed for haematopoiesis.

Elsewhere in NPG (with the most recent listed first):

• Perhaps a bit unconventional, but this job posting, for a position in Maryland, may be of interest to some readers.
• This editorial in this month’s Nature highlights the good and the bad of the draft NIH guidelines for federal funding of stem cell research.
• A News and Views in Nature explores the possibility of using induced pluripotent stem cells to turn skin or blood cells into functioning heart muscle. If that interests you, also check out a related Nature Reports Stem Cells Research Highlight from earlier this year.
• A Review in Nature discusses the role of adult neural stem cells in the central nervous system.
• Another Review discusses scaffolds that influence cell fate. If that interests you, check out a related Nature Reports Stem Cells Research Highlight.
• And, finishing off our list, a News piece in Nature Medicine discusses the NIH draft guidelines, a recent popular topic in the stem cell field, for obvious reasons.