Controlling the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells is the goal of many laboratories, both to study normal human development and to generate cells for transplantation in treating various diseases and conditions. RPE (retinal pigmented epithelial) is one important cell type under investigation as it protects and nourishes the photoreceptors and is vital in maintaining healthy eyesight. UCSB researchers Dave Buchholz, Britney Pennington, Roxanne Croze and Cassidy Hinman, working with Pete Coffey and Dennis Clegg, have discovered a novel method to speed up RPE differentiation.