Abstract: Systems and methods for shave biopsy are disclosed for extracting tissue at quantifiable specimen depth at the time of tissue acquisition. In particular, a biopsy apparatus is provided that generally includes a suction mechanism and a shaving mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting tissue samples are disclosed herein. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall. The example apparatus also includes a track to receive a blade between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The track is to guide the blade to penetrate skin of a patient to a predetermined depth of invasion.

Abstract: Stem cell lines derived from meningeal tissue such as dura mater, pia mater, or arachnoid mater, are disclosed. In various embodiments, the stem cell lines include greater than 80%, greater than 90%, or greater than 99% of pluripotent meningeal-derived stem cells. In other embodiments, the stem cell lines are induced to form nerve cells, bone cells, cartilage cells, Schwann cells, adipocytes, fibroblasts, or melanocytes with various inducing agents, such as antioxidants, steroid hormones, laminin, or various growth factors. Derivation of the current stem cell lines is accomplished through explantation or enzymatic dissociation of meningeal tissue, followed by expansion to large populations using growth media.

Abstract: Described herein are stem cells derived from the meninges; specifically, the dura mater, pia mater or arachnoid mater. Methods for isolating, differentiating and explanting these cells are described, as well. In particular embodiments, the stem cells of the present invention are differentiated into nerve cells, bone cells, cartilage cells and Schwann cells. The stem cells of the invention can be taken from a small biopsy, and rapidly expanded to large populations of cells using specially defined media that maintain their undifferentiated state. Use of the stem cells of the present invention in biomedical applications is also described.

Abstract: Described herein are stem cells derived from the meninges; specifically, the dura mater, pia mater or arachnoid mater. Methods for isolating, differentiating and explanting these cells are described, as well. In particular embodiments, the stem cells of the present invention are differentiated into nerve cells, bone cells, cartilage cells and Schwann cells. The stem cells of the invention can be taken from a small biopsy, and rapidly expanded to large populations of cells using specially defined media that maintain their undifferentiated state. Use of the stem cells of the present invention in biomedical applications is also described.