Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for the simultaneous lyophilisation of a plurality of biological samples ensuring the traceability of said samples intended to be housed within coded containers (1); the device comprises a diffuser block (2) comprising a plurality of openings which define receptacles (21) to house the coded containers (1), wherein the diffuser block (2) further comprises a perimeter cavity (24) configured so that the alloy surrounding each receptacle (21) is similar in all the coded containers (1), enabling high thermal homogeneity, and the receptacles (21) have through openings defining an open bottom (23) to scan the coded containers (1). Likewise, the device further comprises a transfer lid (3) to ensure the position of each container (1) when it is transferred to the diffuser block (1) and back to the starting box (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of markers for cancer stem cells. These markers can be used in a number of different ways, including diagnosis and therapy. In particular, the invention relates to a method of detecting, identifying and/or quantifying cancer stem cells, the method comprising the step of assessing the level of expression; the activity; or the sequence of the SLUG, OVOL1 and/or OVOL2 gene, promoter and/or expression product in a cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to animal solid tumour models which comprise a transgenic non-human mammal containing in its genome a DNA construct that comprises a gene created and/or activated by a genetic anomaly associated with human cancer operatively bound to a promoter that directs the expression of the gene in Sca1+ cells. The invention also relates to stem cells capable of specifically expressing in stem cells human genetic anomalies associated with human pathologies. Applications of these models and stem cells, such as diagnostic, therapeutic and prophylactic applications for human diseases, and products and methods are provided.