Stem Cells: In search of common ground

With the number of stem-cell lines rapidly increasing, technology developers are working to improve systems for culturing and efficient differentiation — all with an eye on the clinic. Nathan Blow reports. Successful research on — and eventually therapy with — stem cells is dependent on reliable methods of cell culture. In this month's Technology Feature, Nathan Blow looks at the latest products from the major players in the market. The trend is towards a standard technology, or rather, to a few stable standard platforms from which researchers can develop systems tailored to their, or their cells', particular needs.