Computer Vision system predicts stem cell successors

Badri Roysam and Andrew Cohen at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) have developed a computer vision system that can predict with 99% accuracy whether stem cells will divide into self-renewing cells or terminal cells. The predictions, which are based on measuring cell movements, are made in real-time, so that the fate of the cells is known before they divide. The system can also predict characteristics of the specialized cells that result. By helping researchers understand the factors that affect specialization of stem cells, the system has the potential to help researchers create larger numbers of specialized cells from stem cells.

More information is available from the RPI press release.