A research team headed by the Paul Ehrlich Institute in Langen, Germany, has generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from a healthy person and two people with rare monogenetic diseases. By comparing the cells between healthy and sick people, it is possible to gain important insights into the processes involved in diseases and the immune response against HIV.

Researchers at the University of Kaiserslautern are working to improve the viability of 3D printed cells. For this purpose, they are developing a micro-electromechanical system, whose electric fields are influencing the growing cells.

Scientists at the University of Houston, Texas, have used three transcription factors to turn fat cells into pacemaker-like cells.

FRAME (Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments) is an independent charity dedicated to promoting the Three Rs and the development of new techniques that will replace the need for laboratory animals in medical and scientific research, education, and testing. The FRAME Summer Studentship Programme has been developed to support undergraduates in undertaking summer research projects in an area relating to the development of alternative methods.