Simplifying stem cell research: many tools--from transfection devices to off-the-shelf cell lines--push ahead the science of self-renewal.(Biochemicals & Kits)

Despite the political battles, especially in the U.S., over which stem cells can be used in federally funded research, this field continues to expand. In fact, many of this area's more troublesome steps can now be attacked with stock kits and supplies. Consequently, even more researchers can turn stem cells into scientific results and even applications.

To turn ordinary cells into stem cells, researchers add genes through transfection, often mediated by a lentivirus or retrovirus. For induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, Life Technologies recently unveiled its CytoTune-iPS Reprogramming Kit, which utilizes a Sendai virus. According to David Welch, senior market development manager for the stem cell business unit at Life Technologies, this kit drives cell conversion that is up to 100-fold more efficient than traditional methods and only requires a single application.

Moreover, the Sendai virus does not integrate into the genome of the cells being reprogrammed. "Techniques in which the virus is integrated can cause problems downstream," says Welch. For example, the integrated DNA might disrupt gene …