Lyophilized human platelet lysate as a supplementation in the culture of umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are being used in clinical trials given their proliferative potential, immunomodulatory effects, and their pro-angiogenic, anti-apoptotic, and anti-fibrotic properties. Umbilical cord tissue is an excellent source of MSCs. Iron-fortified calf serum is being used to culture MSCs as an alternative to fetal bovine serum since it is relatively inexpensive.

Conservation policies informed by food system feedbacks can avoid unintended consequences.

Understanding the feedbacks between food systems and conservation policies can help avoid unintended environmental consequences. Using a survey-based choice experiment and economic modelling, we quantify the potential impact of tourists' responses to a shift in offshore fish supply after the designation of a large-scale marine protected area in Palau. We find that this conservation policy may increase offshore fish prices and tourists' consumption of reef fish, thereby further endangering local reef ecosystems.