HEART TRANSPLANT OPTION? UC Davis researchers are reporting the first functional evidence that heart cells derived from human embryonic stem cells exhibit one of the most critical properties of mature adult heart cells, an important biological process called excitation-contraction coupling.

Scientists hope that these cells can one day be coaxed into becoming functionally viable cells safe for transplantation into the damaged hearts of people with end-stage disease, potentially avoiding the necessity of heart transplants.

Ronald Li and his colleagues, in a study published by the journal Stem Cells, say they observed cells that had begun the maturation process toward becoming heart cells. The study is titled "Functional Sarcoplasmic Reticulum for Calcium-Handling of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes: Insights for Driven Maturation."

-- Charles Casey, UC Davis Health System

SEASON'S GREETINGS IN LED: 'Tis the season to save energy -- by using efficient new holiday lights inside and outside your home, and by putting them on simple timers.

Light-emitting diode, or LED, lights come in vibrant colors, stay cool to the touch and, compared with old-style incandescent lights, use less than one-fourth the electricity, said Michael Siminovitch, director of the California Lighting Technology Center at UC Davis.

Plug-in timers cost as little as $5 at home-supply stores, and can cut energy use substantially.

On the Net: More ways to save energy at home, without giving up lighting quality or comfort: cltc.ucdavis.edu.

-- Sylvia Wright