MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'cell research'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:58:29 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4753841&cid=t_443357_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fa-decade-living-with-multiple-sclerosis-diagnosis%2F There is a generation of Americans who can tell you exactly where they were when they heard of JFK’s assassination. The next generation has space shuttle Challenger to hold as a common cultural experience. And 9/11 is etched into every living psyche the way December 7th, 1941 lives in the hearts of the “Greatest Generation.” We all have personal dates which we cannot shake as well; dates of births and deaths and, in the case of many of us with multiple sclerosis, there are dates of diagnosis. Today is the 10 year anniversary of my Dx. When I look back, like many of us can, before I heard the words “you have MS”, I know that I’d lived with this disease for many years prior. In fact, a reexamination of mysterious symptoms I experienced in high school lead me (along with my medic... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4753841 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 21:17:34 +0100 4753841 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4372048&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsynthetic-blood-via-artificial-cells-and-platelets-from-stem-cells%2F2011.01.19 There’s hema­tology news, times two (at least): 1. Progress in devel­oping syn­thetic red blood cells A University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill research group has created hydrogel par­ticles that mimic the size, shape and flex­i­bility of red blood cells (RBCs). The researchers used PRINT® (Particle Replication in Non-wetting Templates) tech­nology to gen­erate the fake RBCs, which are said to have a rel­a­tively long half-life. The findings were reported on-line yes­terday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) (abstract available, sub­scription required for full text). According to a PR-ish but inter­esting post on Futurity, a website put forth by a con­sortium of major research uni­ver­sities, tests of the par­ticles’ ability to ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4372048 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 14:00:47 +0100 4372048 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4159242&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fstem-cell-researchers-turn-skin-into-blood-could-help-cancer-treatment%2F2010.11.12 From The Australian: Stem cell researchers have found a way to turn a person’s skin into blood, a process that could be used to treat cancer and other ailments, according to a Canadian study published today. The method uses cells from a patch of a person’s skin and transforms it into blood that is a genetic match, without using human embryonic stem cells, said the study in the journal Nature. Wow. Very cool. I wonder if hopefully someday this could be a replacement for random blood donation? *This blog post was originally published at GruntDoc* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4159242 Fri, 12 Nov 2010 13:00:50 +0100 4159242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3924877&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F198049%2F Stem Cell Case: The Justice Department has filed an appeal regarding the temporary ban on federal funding for stem cell research. (via NPR) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3924877 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:52:41 +0100 3924877 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3545435&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D489 It’s not news that pregnant women should abstain from alchohol.  Evidence of fetal distress syndrome due to extreme alchohol consumption during pregnancy is clear.  So the picture of my mom, pregnant with me, holding a cigarette and a martini is sobering when we look at it today (I’m fine. Really.) On a less humorous note is a new study from the Research Center for Human Nutrition in France; results draw from already-published studies, and resolve that drinking alchohol during pregnancy is associated with a 56% increase in acute myeloid leukemia, or AML, a disease that afflicts about 700 children in the US each year. Fortunately, in addition to the startling headlines  (“Alchohol in Pregnancy Boosts Childhood Leukemia!”), there is balanced reporting that explor... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3545435 Fri, 07 May 2010 19:49:06 +0100 3545435 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3386928&cid=t_443357_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fwhy-are-doctors-such-hypocrites.html This reporter told me that when he asks other doctors for their opinion, so they can provide a balanced article as well as an alternative point of view ( something which is basic to all fair reporting), many doctors flatly refuse to criticise another doctor in the media. While they are extremely happy to bad mouth these doctors and backbite about them ( the amount of medical politics which goes on is mind-boggling !) , they do not have the courage of their convictions to say so aloud ! They refuse to "go on record" and refuse to stick their neck out in public. This is a shame. By refusing to criticise bad doctors, they are abdicating their responsibility and actually encouraging bad doctors to flourish. They are scared to be critical of other doctors because they do not want to break the b... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3386928 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 04:38:00 +0100 3386928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3066993&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2F9y8BQuQZYf8%2Fdonate-50-get-progress-in-bioethics.html Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Women’s Bioethics Project so we may distribute as many copies as possible of the soon to be released book "Progress in Bioethics: Science, Policy, and Politics" (MIT Press 2010) to policy makers, science writers and bloggers around the world. This important book will help ensure progressive values of social justice, critical optimism, practical problem solving inform bioethical debate on issues such as stem cell research, genetic modification, therapeutic cloning and end-of-life issues. I wrote chapter 4 on "Bioethics: The New Conservative Crusade." Don’t let the debate be defined by narrowly driven ideological interests.Help us reach our goal of one hundred books distributed by January 2010. A $50 donation will get a copy of the ... Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3066993 Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:43:14 +0100 3066993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3044889&cid=t_443357_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fhalt-ms-and-stem-cell-research%2F My wife, Caryn and I were talking the other day about my next options for MS disease modifying therapies. As many of you know, interferon treatments are out for me.  Copaxone is prohibitively expensive (and because of Medicare Part B, I am not eligible for drug company assistance) and I’ve used my lifetime maximum of Novantrone.  That would seem to leave Tysabri as our only (FDA approved) option. Then we started talking about the HALT-MS (high-dose immunosuppression and autologous stem cell transplantation for MS) study as a possible option.  HALT-MS is an experimental treatment for multiple sclerosis which is showing some very impressive results. The problem is…well the problems are many.  The first problem was that I didn’t know as much about the treatment as I should! I ma... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3044889 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:40:07 +0100 3044889 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2939323&cid=t_443357_94_f&fid=36906&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDoctorDavidsBlog%2F%7E3%2FkM5yWSBypYw%2Fas-breast-cancer-awareness-month-draws.html As breast cancer awareness month draws to a close, I wanted to highlight a few breast cancer posts from other medical bloggers:Suture For a Living asks: "Is Breast Cancer Over-Diagnosed?"Bayblab writes about research on a diabetes medication killing breast cancer stem cells.Science Update Blog discusses claims that we are "Two years from breast cancer cure".Highlight Health's Allison Bland says "The Review is in: Lifestyle Changes Prevent Breast Cancerand Healthcare Hacks discuss the benefits of weightlifting in breast cancer survivors. If you've found any interesting breast cancer blogs or posts, link to them in the comments!Related posts:Does Vitamin D Help Prevent Breast Cancer?Breast Cancer Risk & AlcoholCancer Stem Cells and Familial Cancer Risk for Breast Cancer (Source: Doctor ... Doctor David's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2939323 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:01:00 +0100 2939323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2891025&cid=t_443357_167_f&fid=36988&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happynutritionistsnuggets.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fstem-cells-and-breast-cancer.html October is breast cancer awareness month, and I'm pleased to have the opportunity to share with you two organizations that are partnering to move us in the direction proper treatment of this disease. There are few of us if any who do not know someone who has been affected by breast cancer, maybe you are reading this and are dealing with it yourself.Cryo-Cell International, Inc., a company that I have been reading and occasionally writing about over the past year or two, is now partnering with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in an effort to study the possibilities of using menstrual stem cells in the treatment of breast cancer. I never was made aware of how rich menstrual blood is in stem cells until reading information on Cryo-Cell's site, for this "baby boomer" it is too late to h... Happy Nutritionist's Nuggets blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2891025 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:00:00 +0100 2891025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2768806&cid=t_443357_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2F-3ZuYBFFwEs%2Fi-love-me-some-stem-cells.php My sister, a person whom I love beyond measure and who also has had type 1 diabetes since she was an innocent little eight year old girl with the whole world in front of her, sent me this Time article. I encourage you to check it out. Hope is a potent thing, and looms large in my heart. Ah, the possibilities! Have a great long weekend! Travel safely! (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2768806 Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:21:45 +0100 2768806 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2766234&cid=t_443357_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fdiabetic-skin-cells-morphed-into-beta-cells-theyre-human.html {Editor’s Note: apparently I’m all over Time magazine this week, or it’s all over me…} Finally, some breakthrough diabetes research that does not only involve mice! Time magazine’s August 31 issue reports on new a stem-cell-based study that involved taking skin cells from two people with type 1 diabetes, exposing the cells to “a cocktail of [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2766234 Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:00:32 +0100 2766234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741396&cid=t_443357_94_f&fid=36906&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDoctorDavidsBlog%2F%7E3%2FCO_iNDjpCiw%2Ftherapeutic-cloning-takes-big-step.html Leber’s Hereditary Optic NeuropathyLeigh SyndromeMyoneurogenic Gastrointestinal EncephalopathyWhat do these disorders have in common? They are all mitochondrial diseases.What is a mitochondrial disease? Mitochondria are the parts of a cell that are responsible for generating energy. Mitochondria contain DNA, just like the nucleus does. Mutations in mitochondrial DNA can cause them not to function correctly, and some of these mutations cause the diseases listed above (and others).When a baby is conceived, we think of the baby’s DNA as coming half from the mother and half from the father. That is true for the DNA in the nucleus, but not true for mitochondrial DNA. All mitochondrial DNA is inherited from your mother.As a side note, the fact that all mitochondrial DNA is inherited from the... Doctor David's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741396 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 03:50:00 +0100 2741396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2715982&cid=t_443357_94_f&fid=36906&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDoctorDavidsBlog%2F%7E3%2FbQNWf35xUNY%2Fwhen-translational-research-really.html All of us who work in a lab and see patients say the same thing: “I do this because I hope one day to be able to discover something in the lab that will really help patients.” This is the essence of what is called “Translational Research.”Our laboratory studies cancer stem cells. I have blogged about these cells before. Cancer stem cells are thought to be a small population of cells within a tumor that are resistant to chemotherapy and are capable of regenerating a new tumor. Thus, these cells are thought to be responsible for local relapses and for metastatic disease. Because they are resistant to chemotherapy, our usual treatments don’t get rid of them, so finding ways to kill these cells is critical to the further advancement of cancer treatment. There are many theories to exp... Doctor David's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2715982 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 02:45:00 +0100 2715982 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2681855&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D213 A scientist at the Loyola University Health System, last month, received a grant from the Amgen Foundation. Dr. Aileen Go is researching the use of cord blood as a treatment for leukemia and lymphoma patients who are 55-75. Dr. Go is exploring the expansion of cord blood stem cells to allow a single cord blood sample to treat an older adult. In the past, older adults have required the combination of multiple cord blood samples to provide enough stem cells for treatment. This type of research is very valuable for families who have banked their cord blood. Since there doesn’t appear to be any “expiration date” on cord blood, the ability to expand the stem cells may eventually allow cord blood to be used multiple times throughout the child’s life. (Source: Cord Blood N... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2681855 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:06:08 +0100 2681855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2653658&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D206 A few months ago, funding restrictions on embryonic stem cell research were loosened.  Earlier this month, the National Institute of Health announced new guidelines for federal funding.  The creation of new cell lines may not be federally funded, but the restrictions have been loosened with regard to what constitutes an existing cell line.  New cell lines may be created, just not with federal funds.  Once a line is created, federal funds may be used for further research. The Minnesota Daily, the newspaper from the Twin Cities campus of the University of Minnesota, recently ran an article discussing how these federal changes will affect research conducted at the university.  It also discusses different stem cell developments that have taken place at the university. Learn more about the... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2653658 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:38:33 +0100 2653658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2510321&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E5%2F7x7v5Us6dDM%2FESSCB_Statement_on_Compensation_of_Oocyte_Donors.pdf According to The Scientist, the Empire State Stem Cell Board determined last week that it's ethical to pay women to obtain eggs for use in stem-cell research.The ESSCB points to the practice of paying women who donate eggs for reproductive purposes, which is not prohibited under New York law, and argues that donation for research purposes is not meaningfully different from that practice. You can read the ethics board's statement here.An interesting difference in this case, however, compared with the reproductive instance, is that ESSCB will be using taxpayer funds to buy eggs. (Yeah, yeah, they're careful to say they're not buying eggs ... they're paying donors. Anybody buy that distinction?) (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2510321 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:52:50 +0100 2510321 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2452365&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D144 Popular Science recently published an in-depth article on stem cell research and some of the treatments that scientists are exploring with stem cells. While a large part of the article is dedicated to embryonic stem cells, the writer includes quite a bit of information on cord blood stem cells as well. It is a great article and offers a wonderful explanation of the different types of stem cells that are currently being explored. (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2452365 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:19:54 +0100 2452365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441275&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F05%2Fgallup-moral-propriety-poll-generally.html Gallup has issued its annual poll on what Americans think are morally appropriate behaviors, some of which deal directly with the issues about which we grapple here at SHS, and some of which don't. My last post on the poll covered issues dealing with the use of animals. Now, we turn to bioethical and biotechnological issues.From the poll:Suicide: Only 15% think that suicide is morally proper, unchanged from last year.This result illustrates why assisted suicide advocates have worked so hard to engineer the language. Gooey euphemisms such as "aid in dying" are intended to mask the real subject at hand.Cloning human beings, 88% think it is improper and only 9% proper, down from 11% last year.The massive popular opposition to human cloning is also why research cloning advocates--with the will... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441275 Thu, 21 May 2009 17:21:00 +0100 2441275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2399118&cid=t_443357_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fstem-cell-research-and-diabetes-realizing-the-promise.html There are so many fascinating diabetes- and health-related events taking place all around the country; I wish I could go to them all!  But thankfully, sometimes I can cover them in absentia here at the ‘Mine with a little help from my friends. A guest post by Allison Blass Last week, I was invited to attend [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2399118 Thu, 07 May 2009 13:00:44 +0100 2399118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2389723&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F05%2Fanimal-to-human-xenotransplantation.html Scientists in Japan have used animal research to explore a potential way around the organ shortage by growing transplantable organs in sheep made from stem cells. In this case, it is monkey organs, but within a decade, it could be human organs. From the story:Huddled at the back of her shed, bleating under a magnificent winter coat and tearing cheerfully at a bale of hay, she is possibly the answer to Japan's chronic national shortage of organ donors: a sheep with a revolutionary secret. Guided by one of the animal's lab-coated creators, the visitor's hand is led to the creature's underbelly and towards a spot in the middle under eight inches of greasy wool. Lurking there is a spare pancreas. This would not be xenotransplantation in the usual sense of the term, since the procured organ wou... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2389723 Tue, 05 May 2009 00:30:00 +0100 2389723 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2390063&cid=t_443357_117_f&fid=38158&url=http%3A%2F%2Famericanacupuncture.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fnew-stem-cell-guidelines-and.html As a medical physician for over 50 years, I strive to give you the best medical information on controversial medical subjects and let you, the reader, come to your own conclusions. I have no ties to any organization, pharmaceutical, or lobby group. As an practicing medical acupuncturist since 1982, I find western medicine and medical acupuncture are very complimentary that results in astounding healing in pain management, addictions to cigarettes and food, and a host of other maladies. Let me know how we are doing. Your constructive comments are always appreciated. Click the RSS post button on the upper right hand corner if you would like to receive by email our future medical blogs. Visit http;//www.americanacupuncture.com/ for more detailed information on healing.CHANGES IN STEM CELL RES... Dr. Needles Medical Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2390063 Mon, 04 May 2009 16:59:00 +0100 2390063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2375952&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F04%2Fsoylent-green-is-people-proposal-to.html More proof in that embryonic stem cell research is not--and never has been--about getting some use out of leftover IVF embryos that are due to be destroyed anyway. A serious proposal has been forwarded to make embryos for the purpose of storing them as a source of future medical need. From the story:Couples could be allowed to store embryos in order to use them to create new body parts or cure diseases.Government legal and ethical experts are to discuss whether families can 'bank' embryos not just for procreation but also for use by doctors to create personalised treatments for parents and their children.Now, [under UK law] embryos--the first stage of life after an egg has been successfully fertilised--can be stored for up to five years but only for procreation. But a huge ethical debate i... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2375952 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:59:00 +0100 2375952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2347906&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F04%2Fnature-decries-attempts-to-redefine.html Considering the discussions we have had here as to what constitutes a human embryo, I thought it worth revisiting an old Nature editorial that decries the sophistic attempt within bioethics and the life sciences to pretend that an embryo before implantation in a uterus isn't really an embryo. Nature supports ESCR, but its editorial notes that the redefinition of the term "embryo" is being pursued for political purpose rather than scientific accuracy. From the editorial, "Playing the Name Game," Nature Vol 4367 July 2005 (No link, my emphasis):Last month's meeting of the International Society for Stem Cell Research in San Francisco witnessed a bizarre semantic debate. Delegates discussed a proposal to refrain from using the term 'embryo' when referring to the blastocysts from which human em... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2347906 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:37:00 +0100 2347906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2347908&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F04%2Fis-governor-of-virginia-anti-science.html This escaped my notice until it was brought to my attention by a regular SHS reader. Last month, Tim Kaine the Governor of Virginia, signed into law a bill that prohibits the state from funding embryonic stem cell research. From the story: Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, has signed a bill into law banning the use of some state funds for embryonic stem cell research. The move puts the DNC chairman at odds with President Obama, who signed an executive order earlier this month reversing the Bush administration's ban on federal funding for research on embryonic stem cells. [Me: They just can't get it right, can they? Bush restricted federal funding, he did not ban it. But loyal SHSers know that.]...The governor signed another piece of legislation Mon... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2347908 Sun, 19 Apr 2009 19:00:00 +0100 2347908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2347910&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F04%2Fbritish-scientists-tout-future-cure-for.html The headline of this story from the Times of London--"Blind to be Cure with Stem Cells"--is really putting the cart before the horse--it hasn't even been tried yet, after all. But such hype is par for the course. From the story:British scientists have developed the world's first stem cell therapy to cure the most common cause of blindness. Surgeons predict it will become a routine, one-hour procedure that will be generally available in six or seven years' time.The treatment involves replacing a layer of degenerated cells with new ones created from embryonic stem cells...This week Pfizer, the world's largest pharmaceutical research company, will announce its financial backing to bring the therapy to patients. The treatment will tackle age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common ... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2347910 Sat, 18 Apr 2009 22:51:00 +0100 2347910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2347911&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F04%2Fpelosi-demagoguery-and-political-hype.html Either Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi doesn't know what is actually happening in biotechnology or she doesn't care. Actually, I think it is both. The other day, she went into utter hype mode about ESCR that was reminiscent of the bad old days when the only agenda of the Democrats and the media was, "Get Bush!" (Come to think of it, it still is.) From the story: We've had a situation where it's faith or science - take your pick. We're saying science is an answer to our prayers," the San Francisco Democrat saidWe've been through this faith nonsense repeatedly here at SHS, so I won't regurgitate it all again, except to note that it is very dangerous to demean rational and important ethical concerns as nothing but "faith," which is a personal and private matter, and thereby assert that ethi... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2347911 Sat, 18 Apr 2009 15:26:00 +0100 2347911 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2347913&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F04%2Fpretense-about-limited-nature-of.html The NIH has released its proposed rules regarding funding for ESCR in the wake of the Obama revocation of the Bush funding restrictions. The media pretends that they contain firm ethical limits. From the story:The guidelines restrict funding of work on cells made using certain more experimental methods, such as creating stem cells from a human egg only, a process called parthenogenesis, and a cloning technique called somatic cell nuclear transfer.They also would prohibit funding of work on embryos created specifically for research purposes, with the aim of keeping the money going to work using cells taken from embryos that parents donated after they decided not to try to use fertility clinic embryos to create a pregnancy.They also lay out guidance to make sure parents know and agree to how... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2347913 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:23:00 +0100 2347913 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2347920&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F04%2Fi-was-right-about-diabetes-story-no-big.html Yesterday, I wrote about a diabetes human trial using adult stem cells in which some of the patients were able to go off insulin. I predicted at the time that it wouldn't make big time headlines--as would happen if the exact same achievement happened with human patients using embryonic stem cells: From my blog:We know that if this were an embryonic stem cell success, the headlines would swamp reportage of the financial crisis. But this is the wrong kind of stem cell success, so I expect, at most, muted coverage.That's precisely what it received, muted coverage. New York Times; crickets chirping. Ditto, the Washington Post. And ditto again, the L.A. Times. No Boston Globe. No San Francisco Chronicle. Some on-line coverage in health and science publications. CNN had a small story. Time did t... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2347920 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 05:22:00 +0100 2347920 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2347921&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F04%2Fadult-stem-cell-repair-successful-in.html People who have badly damaged tendons may soon find relief from their own adult stem cells. From the story:A stem-cell repair technique that has already been used to fix hundreds of injured race horses is to be tested for the first time in people with damaged Achilles tendons.Privately owned British biotech firm MedCell Bioscience Ltd said on Wednesday it would start clinical tests within 12 months and planned to run a larger confirmatory study at several European hospitals in 2011.Patients will receive injections containing millions of their own stem cells, which have been extracted and multiplied up in a laboratory, and can regenerate new tissue to repair damaged regions. More than 1,500 race horses have been treated using the same process and follow-up data suggests a 50 percent reducti... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2347921 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 22:28:00 +0100 2347921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2347926&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F04%2Fanother-study-showing-adult-stem-cells.html Conclusion After a mean follow-up of 29.8 months following autologous nonmyeloablative HSCT in patients with newly diagnosed type 1 DM, C-peptide levels increased significantly and the majority of patients achieved insulin independence with good glycemic control.We know that if this were an embryonic stem cell success, the headlines would swamp reportage of the financial crisis. But this is the wrong kind of stem cell success, so I expect, at most, muted coverage. I'll keep an eye on how the media deal with (or ignore) this important breakthrough and report back tomorrow. (Source: Secondhand Smoke) Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2347926 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:43:00 +0100 2347926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2295063&cid=t_443357_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fstem-cell-research-back-in-the-spotlight%2F A blog posting about multiple sclerosis and stem cell research is always a hot-button issue; however, with the signing of a new Executive Order this month, I thought it appropriate to bring up again. When we’ve discussed stem cell research before there hasn’t been much doubt as to which side of the discussion I’m on.  There are many simple, scientific facts and many complicated ethical issues in this debate.  I don’t think that any of us are going to change anyone’s mind on the topic at this point. I’d like us to take a moment today and do something for which I have little affinity: looking backward. My biggest issue (and trust me it’s not easy to choose from the many I have on the topic) with the two thousand, seven hundred and sixty eight days our best minds were stopped ... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2295063 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 21:57:17 +0100 2295063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2263897&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F03%2Fadult-stem-cells-efficacious-in.html Geron recently obtained FDA permission to try using a potentially risky embryonic stem cell derived treatment developed to treat acute spinal cord injury in a human trial to test the safety of the product. But it turns out that a patient's own adult stem cells appear to already provide the same kind of benefit, and without the risk of tumors found in ES cells. From the story in Science Daily: Researchers from DaVinci Biosciences, Costa Mesa, California, in collaboration with Hospital Luis Vernaza in Ecuador, have determined that injecting a patient's own bone marrow-derived stem cells (autologous BMCs) directly into the spinal column using multiple routes can be an effective treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI) that returns some quality of life for SCI patients without serious adverse ev... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2263897 Sat, 14 Mar 2009 01:04:00 +0100 2263897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2274143&cid=t_443357_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Flife-with-ms-three-year-anniversary%2F Three years, scores of topics, nearly 400 postings, thousands of comments, LOTS of community members and we’re just getting started! Happy anniversary to Life with MS; it’s been three years baby! I’d like to take a moment from our typical conversation to thank all of you.  It is for, with and because of you that this blog has been so successful over the past three years.  You have signed up for RSS feeds, you’ve told your friends, family and support groups to check us out and more importantly you’ve kept coming back to Life with MS over and over again. You take our information. You submit ideas for new topics. You proffer tips and advice. You leave your opinions and comments. You make Life with MS a place I like to be. Upon my return to the US after my extended stay in Ireland,... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2274143 Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:34:28 +0100 2274143 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2263903&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F03%2Fdishonesty-piled-upon-dishonesty-by.html It wasn't bad enough that President Obama stealthily removed a pro science/pro ethics pluripotent Bush stem cell policy, pretending that he was fighting the forces of anti-science. Now Melody Barnes, the president's domestic policy adviser, has written an article extolling the President's decision. That's fine. But what is quickly becoming the norm for this administration, it is deeply disingenuous, based on crucial factual omissions and straw man put downs. From her column:From this time forward, decisions about federal funding of stem cell research will be based on scientific principles. In the Obama administration, the scientific community will be empowered, but not unaccountable. Scientists who wish to conduct stem cell research must do so in a responsible manner and the president Obam... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2263903 Thu, 12 Mar 2009 20:39:00 +0100 2263903 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2263891&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fits-healthbolt-carnival-time-13%2F Hi everyone and welcome to the lastest Healthbolt Carnival.  It’s a little late due to technical difficulties, but if you grab a coffee, sit down, and start clicking, you’ll  find it was worth the wait. Ever wondered what’s it like being a full-time vegan in a world of meat-eaters? QiQi from Celebrating Me let’s us know in What’s It Like Being a Vegetarian Find out why J.D. Bell from It Takes Work says It’ll Cost You To Be A Couch Potato.. Kara-Leah Grant from Prana Flow NZ gives us the top eleven reasons Why you want to start practicing yoga TODAY. Joe E from Promote Health lists Top 10 Healthy Drinks to Help You Lose Weight. Brain Blogger discusses the Logistical Barriers to Stem Cell Research.. Dean Moyer from The Back Pain Blog discusses Aqu... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2263891 Thu, 12 Mar 2009 20:10:01 +0100 2263891 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2258799&cid=t_443357_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fwhat-exactly-are-embryonic-stem-cells%2F Stem cells have been in the news a lot this week because of President Obama’s executive order lifting the Bush administration’s strict limitations on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. But stem cells are quite confusing because they come in so many different forms, involve such complex terminology, and seem to require an advanced degree in science to understand. So let’s try to focus on some basic concepts that are relatively easy to understand, such as what stem cells are, why they are so important, and just what the differences are between embryonic and adult stem cells. In order to understand stem cells, you first have to know a bit about cells in general. Cells are the basic functional units of life. There are countless organisms that consist of just one cell, such... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2258799 Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:49:53 +0100 2258799 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2263905&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F03%2Fdeconstructing-obamas-stem-cell-policy.html I have been mouthing off at President Obama's stem cell actions all week, particularly with regard to his silent evisceration of the "alternative methods" federal funding requirement. Toward that end, I did what I do when steam is coming out my ears; wrote a piece for the Daily Standard. From my column:The mainstream media--still obsessed with discrediting all things "Bush"--focused gleefully on the expected rescission of the restriction that under Bush limited federal funding to embryonic stem cell lines in existence on August 9, 2001. But opening up all existing and future embryonic stem cell lines to federal funding is not all that Obama did. While he made no mention of it in his widely covered East Room speech, a quiet press release issued on Monday stated that in addition to the above... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2263905 Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:16:00 +0100 2263905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2260660&cid=t_443357_140_f&fid=35457&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fbattlingforhealthcom%2F%7E3%2FcsGO5WY1aV4%2F Stem cell research presents hope for people with serious diseases. During the last 10 years, billions of dollars have been spent on research and development using this type of research with the hope that the technology can discover the ultimate cure for cancer. Some research studies did show promising results. However, recent reports also suggest that there are risks associated with stem cell therapy. So what can happen when stem cells go bad? A case study reported in February (PLoS Med. 2009 Feb 17;6(2):e1000029) that a boy who was suffering from the neurodegenerative disease ataxia telangiectasia was injected with fetal neural stem cells in a clinic in Moscow. The stem cell therapy was performed three times when the patient was 9, 10 and 12 years old. When the patient was 13, researchers... Battling-Schizophrenia blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260660 Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:55:37 +0100 2260660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2256070&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F03%2Fgreat-obama-straddle-oxymoronic-stem.html I'm finally getting around to reading President Obama's stem cell speech. It contains the usual bromides about how we are in danger of falling behind in science, yadda, yadda, yadda. But it also seems oddly oxymoronic to me. First he said: I can also promise that we will never undertake this research lightly. We will support it only when it is both scientifically worthy and responsibly conducted. We will develop strict guidelines, which we will rigorously enforce, because we cannot ever tolerate misuse or abuse. And we will ensure that our government never opens the door to the use of cloning for human reproduction. It is dangerous, profoundly wrong, and has no place in our society, or any societyBut then in the very next paragraph, he said: This Order is an important step in advancing the... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2256070 Wed, 11 Mar 2009 02:41:00 +0100 2256070 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2256071&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F03%2Ftaking-next-bite-of-apple-new-york.html The New York Times' editorial extolling the lifting the Bush stem cell funding policy--as it ignores the purely gratuitous trashing of the Bush order requiring funding for "alternative sources"--is the usual mix of ignorance and ideology that typifies its side's method of arguing this issue. First, it accuses Bush of having appointed "scientific" advisers on the issue based on ideology rather than expertise. But this has always been an ethical debate, not a science debate. Besides, Leon Kass not an expert in both science and ethics? William Hurlbut not an expert? Please.But here is the point of this post: Note that now it has obtained its way on ESCR funding, the NYT wants to take the next bite of the apple, calling for the rescission of the Dickey Amendment that prevents destruction of em... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2256071 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:20:00 +0100 2256071 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2255994&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FZ0ku5vOastI%2F Yesterday, President Obama coupled his lifting of an executive order banning federal funding for embryonic stem cell research with the signing of a memorandum directing “the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop a strategy for restoring scientific integrity to government decision making.” In other words, at the very moment he was directly injecting politics into science by forcing taxpayers to fund research that many find immoral – and that could be funded privately – Obama declared that he wouldn’t politicize science. Don’t insult our intelligence. When government pays for scientific work that science is politicized. Yes, it could be argued that government not funding something is also political, but which is inherently more politicized, government f... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2255994 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:38:30 +0100 2255994 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2258808&cid=t_443357_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fbushera_bans_on_stem_cell_research_lifted_by_president_obama.php Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 4344837 The bush-era bans on stem cell research has been lifted by President Barack Obama this Monday - thereby allowing federal financing of medical research... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2258808 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 03:40:31 +0100 2258808 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2260357&cid=t_443357_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fjdrf-on-stem-cell-research-boost-an-interview-with-larry-soler.html As you all know, President Obama lifted Bush’s longstanding restrictions on federal funding of human embryonic stem cell research yesterday — a huge breakthrough for all those who believe this avenue could produce unprecedented treatments for many incurable diseases. Like diabetes. Among others, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) has fought long and hard for this [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260357 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 01:20:45 +0100 2260357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2260358&cid=t_443357_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fstem-cell-research-finally-unleased-follow-it-via-jdrfs-new-twitter.html As a person with Type 1 diabetes, whose life is all wrapped up in helping others with this incurable illness, it’s hard to express the relief and yes — joy — that I feel knowing that researchers hands will finally be untied by Obama today to freely explore the enormous possibilities of stem cell research! Fortunately [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260358 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 01:52:40 +0100 2260358 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2249468&cid=t_443357_94_f&fid=36906&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDoctorDavidsBlog%2F%7E3%2FXlNfSM14QoI%2Fbright-new-day-for-stem-cell-research.html The “Breaking News” alert came to my phone last night: on Monday, President Obama is planning to sign an executive order reversing the restrictions on embryonic stem cell research put in place by President Bush in 2001. This comes as a surprise to no one, as Obama made it clear that he was opposed to these restrictions throughout the 2008 presidential campaign.The occasion of this reversal of federal policy seems to be a good time to talk a bit about stem cells. The President’s decision is sure to provoke intense debate, and this debate can only be healthy if it is based on fact, not emotion.Let’s start with the basics. What is a stem cell? Photo CreditAs I discussed in a prior post, a stem cell is a primitive cell that is capable of generating more “daughter” cells with more s... Doctor David's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2249468 Sun, 08 Mar 2009 03:39:00 +0100 2249468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2210294&cid=t_443357_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fgene-discovery-could-lead-to-a-new-approach-to-preventive-and-restorative-dentistry%2F   The strongest substance in the human body might be duplicable as a result of scientists finding the gene responsible for producing tooth enamel. Ctip2, a transcription factor, has been known to contribute to immune response, as well as development of skin and the nervous system. This gene is now known to be responsible for tooth enamel. Scientists hope that the finding will advance cavity prevention, restoration of decayed teeth, and possibly the creation of replacement teeth. Stem cell research to this point has allowed labs to grow the inner part of teeth, but they could not produce enamel to coat teeth. Now that we know Ctip2 produces enamel, research could progress significantly and quickly. Researchers at multiple colleges at Oregon State University and Genetique et de Biologie Mo... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2210294 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:22:44 +0100 2210294 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2144447&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F01%2Fwas-fdas-escr-human-trial-approval.html When the FDA approved Geron's application to conduct human trials of their embryonic stem cell treatment for acute spinal cord injury, some noted that it might be political, coming as it did within days of the change of the presidential guard. I wasn't among those, but perhaps I should have been more cynical. Science has an article about the decision ("Celebration and Concern Over U.S. Trial of Embryonic Stem Cells Jennifer Couzin Science 30 January 2009: Vol. 323. no. 5914, p. 568--no link). This reaction from a stem cell research supporter should set off alarm bells:Evan Snyder, a neuroscientist who directs the stem cell research center at the nonprofit Burnham Institute for Medical Research in San Diego, California, warns that a shaky start could set the field back enormously. "There's ... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2144447 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 22:34:00 +0100 2144447 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2138220&cid=t_443357_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-other-side-of-embryonic-stem-cell-research%2F It is hard to watch people suffer. I think most people are sensitive and empathetic to the pain of others. When something is available that can alleviate that suffering, or reverse a traumatic injury, or eliminate a condition that is debilitating, we want to support and grasp for it. That is the promise that our society is looking for in embryonic stem cell research. I truly understand that. As much as I want to see people healed and perfected, I personally struggle with that outcome coming at the expense of human life. I personally wonder about the ethics of sacrificing the one we have not seen for one we love. For me as a Christian that question has been answered; we treasure all life in all forms, including the unborn. My equality of man then extends to the point of conception. That mea... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2138220 Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:59:09 +0100 2138220 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2128813&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F01%2Fgeron-escr-drug-approved-for-human.html Well after years of saying it was coming, finally Geron got permission to attempt a human trial of its ESC-derived drug for acute spinal cord injury. (This is not a direct infusion of stem cells, but of a type of adult neural stem cell created by differentiating the ES cells.) This is not an efficacy trial, but a safety trial, and will only target patients with new injuries since it did not work in rats with older paralysis. From the story: Although the FDA says it does not make decisions based on politics, the company made the decision public just days after Obama was sworn into office. Stem cells are the body's master cells, giving rise to all the tissues, organs and blood. Embryonic stem cells are considered the most powerful kinds of stem cells, as they have the potential to give rise ... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2128813 Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:12:00 +0100 2128813 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2125228&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F01%2Ftale-of-two-cadaver-cell-trials.html This study is the first of its kind anywhere in the world and it is exciting to be involved in such groundbreaking work," said Professor Bal Dhillon, who is heading the trial.More controversially, scientists expect to use fetal tissue in an attempt to treat stroke injuries:Doctors are hoping to launch the world's first trial for a treatment that aims to improve the quality of life for thousands of stroke victims on patients in Glasgow in June, although the procedure must still be approved by an ethics committee.The treatment, which uses cells taken from an aborted foetus that are to be injected into the brains of stroke victims to see if they can effectively regenerate damaged areas, was developed by Britain-based company ReNeuron. "That single cell was expanded by means of technology so w... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2125228 Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:53:00 +0100 2125228 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2115498&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F01%2Fobama-not-to-rescind-bush-escr-funding.html I am not sure what to make of this. According to a Politico writer, President Obama many not rescind President Bush's embryonic stem cell funding executive order. He is going to leave it to the Congress. From the story:Obama pledged during the campaign to lift the restrictions, and political observers had expected him to move swiftly to reverse President Bush's 2001 executive order--most likely with his own executive order.But the president-elect suggested Friday that he would wait for Congress to weigh in on the issue. "Well, if we can do something legislative then I usually prefer a legislative process because those are the people's representatives," Obama said in a CNN interview. "And I think that on embryonic stem cell research, the fact that you have a bipartisan support around that i... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2115498 Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:55:00 +0100 2115498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2083913&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F01%2Fembryonic-stem-cell-cancer-issue.html Scientists have been working on this for nearly a decade now on making ES cells capable of being used directly in therapies. They have been stymied by three primary problems; the potential for tissue rejection (which we will not get into in this post), the cells' propensity to form tumors called teratomas, and the problem of some ES cells appearing to be pre cancerous, making them very risky to inject into a living patient. With regard to the latter issue, it turns out that the healthiest appearing ES cells may be the most dangerous. From a blog entry over at Nature:Are ruddy cheeks a sign of health or a symptom of sickness? New work from Mickie Bhatia and colleagues at McMaster University suggests that, when it comes to embryonic stem cells, the very qualities researchers use to pick out ... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2083913 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:35:00 +0100 2083913 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2073793&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F12%2Fmore-stem-cell-excuses-from-escr.html It is a given that President Obama will dismantle the funding limitations on ESCR imposed by President Bush. Even though Bush's plan still resulted in about $160 million in human embryonic stem cell NIH funding, "the scientists" complain that it is his fault the field has not proved as fruitful as expected. From the story: Though optimistic about the effects of a new federal policy, research institutes caution that the fruits of this research will take time and that cures are not around the corner. "There's still a lot of basic science to be done....The [Bush] policy has set research back five to six to seven years in this country," Devitt said.Oh please. First, thanks to Bush probably more money was thrown at ESCR than ever would have otherwise been the case--think Proposition 71 among ot... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2073793 Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:43:00 +0100 2073793 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2065366&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E5%2F495291346%2FAAAS_workshop_report_education_of_dual_use_life_science_research.pdf Whatever it is you may celebrate at this time of year, we at the Women’s Bioethics Project wish you a happy and healthy holiday! Here is our week in review:~ Rat embryonic stem cells created; genetically engineered rats should follow soon, providing new models of human disease.~ AAAS workshop report recommends how to address education for scientists about biosecurity and the dual use dilemma for federal government, research institutions, and scientific organizations (co-authored by Mark Frankel).~ An analysis of biosecurity policy in the context of gene synthesis. How much is too much regulation?~ Biodefense Research: A Win-Win Challenge. An editorial proposing the optimal level of oversight of life-sciences research—coauthored by a number of National Science Advisory Board for Biosecu... Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2065366 Fri, 26 Dec 2008 03:43:40 +0100 2065366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2017449&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F12%2Frevolving-door-journalism-from.html My good pal Ralph Nader often has complained of the "revolving door" between government regulators and legislators and the big corporations that are subject to regulation, giving the corporations, in his view (to which I subscribe), undue influence over their own oversite.But the same phenomenon can be seen increasingly in media, with reporters who essentially advocate for certain ideological agendas in their reportage eventually getting into the formal shilling business about those same agendas when they leave journalism. Case in point, Rick Weiss, formerly of the Washington Post. He used to cover the biotechnology beat, and it was clear which side had his sympathies (although more than most reporters on the science beat, he would occasionally pierce through the ESCR hype). Now, he is wit... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2017449 Fri, 05 Dec 2008 17:02:00 +0100 2017449 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1996206&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F11%2Fembryonic-stem-cell-method-denied.html Well, well, well: We are told that only the desire to impose religious belief stands in the way of the development of a thriving embryonic stem cell regenerative medical sector. That has always been wrong, but now there is vivid proof: The EU patent office has rejected a patent request for the primary method of deriving human embryonic stem cells. From the story: This application describes a method for obtaining embryonic stem cell cultures from primates, including humans, and was filed by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) in 1995.In 2006, the Technical Board competent for the case referred legal questions to the EBoA, in order to obtain clarity on a number of points. Decisive in the EBoA ruling was the application's claim regarding human stem cell cultures. The EBoA decided ... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1996206 Thu, 27 Nov 2008 15:43:00 +0100 1996206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1955160&cid=t_443357_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fdental-news-monkey-teeth-lend-hope-to-regenerative-medicine%2F No kidding! Apparently, stem cells from monkey teeth can promote growth of many kinds of neural cells. We already use dental stem cells to regenerate craniofacial and dental cells, and many dentists work with stem cell banks for patients who want to preserve their children’s dental stem cells in case of a future emergency. Neural cells are different than dental and craniofacial cells, though. A research team at Yerkes National Primate Research Center at Emory University recently found that dental stem cells from monkeys can generate neural cells. The research was published in The Journal of Stem Cells (October 2008). Dr. Anthony Chan, a member of the research team, explains in an article at ScienceDaily.com that the research shows adult (mature) stem cells from dental pulp in primate... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1955160 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:18:21 +0100 1955160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1939196&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2F444913257%2Fobama-election-signals-change-in-stem.html A commentary by friend and colleague Art Caplan in his MSNBC column:'Change' was the horse that Barack Obama's presidential campaign rode to victory. Indeed the 2008 election will be remembered not only for Obama becoming the first African-American president, but also for its impact on core bioethical topics that have long dominated American domestic politics. Divisive issues such as abortion bans failed to gain traction on state ballot initiatives, while newer bioethical concerns that are likely to dominate American politics for years to come, including physician-assisted suicide, emerged.The past eight years of the Bush White House have seen stem cell research and the status of embryos at the center of the moral values debate. Obama's election has brought the fight over embryonic stem ce... Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1939196 Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:26:11 +0100 1939196 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1911289&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F10%2Fstem-cell-brain-drain-in-uk-due-to-escr.html For years we have been warned that there would be a "brain drain" if we did not pour billions into ESCR and human cloning research. I have called this the "blank check" demand.Meanwhile, in Brave New Britain--the country that never says no--scientists wanting increasing funds warned that unless they received all of their demands, stem cell scientists would flee to the USA when President Bush leaves office and the policy changes. And now, a brain drain may have begun in the UK--only it is over the country's insufficient support for adult stem cell research. From the story:A leading British scientist is leaving the country to work in France after claiming that British science gives too much priority to embryo experiments over "more ethical" alternatives.Colin McGuckin, professor of regenerat... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1911289 Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:54:00 +0100 1911289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1901308&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F10%2Fsingle-mouse-adult-stem-cell-grows-new.html Here's an exciting animal experiment. Scientists found an adult prostate stem cell in mice and one cell grew an entire new prostate gland. From the story. Here we identify CD117 (c-kit, stem cell factor receptor) as a new marker of a rare adult mouse PSC population, and demonstrate that a single stem cell defined by the phenotype Lin-Sca-1+CD133+CD44+CD117+ can generate a prostate after transplantation in vivo. CD117 expression is predominantly localized to the region of the mouse prostate proximal to the urethra and is upregulated after castration-induced prostate involution—two characteristics consistent with that of a PSC marker. CD117+ PSCs can generate functional, secretion-producing prostates when transplanted in vivo.It's a very long way from human application, obviously, but anot... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1901308 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:29:00 +0100 1901308 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1856176&cid=t_443357_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FtLOKtPCkwUc%2F This article does contain some interesting facts about stem cell research and Alzheimer’s. (c)2008 Mary Emma Allen Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimer's Research, Alzheimers, Barack Obama, embryonic stem cells, health, men's health, mental health, Obama, political ads, stem cell research, women's healthShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1856176 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:23:55 +0100 1856176 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1696295&cid=t_443357_134_f&fid=35152&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsstrumello.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Furgency-for-stem-cell-research-rewrites.html Over the years, I've been a vocal supporter of stem cell research, including embryonic stem cell research. From my own perspective, there is simply no ethical argument which justifies not doing potentially life-saving research using embryonic stem cells, especially on cells destined for the trash can anyway. Nothing anyone can do, say or write will convince me otherwise. In my view, blastocysts do not constitute life until they're in the womb. Those cells cannot sustain life on their own, therefore they do not constitute an "unborn" child. Of course, there's a very vocal minority of people who feel otherwise, and they have some influential supporters including the Catholic Church. For the past 8 years, thanks to a President who is more concerned about the lives of the unborn than he is abo... Scott's Web Log blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1696295 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:55:00 +0100 1696295 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1679289&cid=t_443357_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fstem-save-you-may-play-a-role-in-saving-a-life%2F We now know that stem cells can be extracted from teeth, which means that your dental practice can become a resource for patients to conveniently save and professionally store the cells that could one day save their lives. Stem cells are still being researched, but what we understand for certain is that they can be used to generate virtually any type of human cell. So stem cells can help patients recover from life-threatening injuries and systemic diseases. As they relate to oral issues, stem cells can be used to regenerate bone, cartilage, and salivary glands. Traditionally, stem cells are harvested from the placenta when a person is born, though they may also be taken from bone marrow or fat tissue. However, dental-derived stem cells are the most convenient to acquire and extract. When... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1679289 Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:54:05 +0100 1679289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1531704&cid=t_443357_150_f&fid=35779&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pharmamanufacturing.com%2Fonpharma%2F%3Fp%3D2091 Scheduled meetings kept me from the events I’d most wanted to attend: • the live versions of Schwarzenegger’s and Craig Venter’s keynotes (I made it to the tail end of the “overflow” line, where we were treated to lunch and the keynotes on video) • a meeting of former FDA commissioners, “A Blueprint for FDA” in which [...] (Source: On Pharma) On Pharma blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1531704 Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:35:10 +0100 1531704 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1328997&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F03%2Fmouse-study-alzheimers-could-be-helped.html This is a proof of principle experiment, with a long way to go for human application (if evern), but this is a very encouraging experiment. UCB stem cells may open a door to treating Alzheimer's disease. From the story: A novel strategy based on targeted immune suppression using human umbilical cord blood cells may improve the pathology and cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease, based on the results of a study in a mouse model of this currently untreatable neurodegenerative condition, as described in a groundbreaking report in Stem Cells and Development.Following a series of low-dose infusions of human umbilical cord blood cells into mice with Alzheimer’s-like disease, the amount of amyloid-ß and ß-amyloid plaques--hallmarks of Alzheimer's pathology in the brain--was ma... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1328997 Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:54:00 +0100 1328997 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1301918&cid=t_443357_94_f&fid=36906&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FDoctorDavidsBlog%2F%7E3%2F245273844%2Fcancer-stem-cells-and-familial-cancer.html One of the most important current trends in cancer biology is the study of cancer stem cells. The cancer stem cell model holds that cancer originates in tissue stem cells, and that dysregulation of these cells underlies the development of the tumor. Also, the cancer stem cell model suggests that tumors contain a small population of cells with stem cell properties (self-renewal and limitless proliferation), that these cells are resistant to chemotherapy, and that these are the cells that cause the majority of relapses.Another important concept in oncology is hereditary cancer. Although 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer, it has long been known that women with a family history of breast cancer are more likely to develop breast cancer themselves than are women with no such history. This ... Doctor David's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1301918 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 04:31:00 +0100 1301918 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1259893&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F02%2Fescr-superiority-myth-is-crumbling.html With the exception of the Missouri media and perhaps, the New York Times, it is now clear that adult stem cells offer tremendous hope for treatments for a wide variety of ailments. The Journal of the American Medical Association reports some good news. From a video presentation: Adult stem cell therapy has become a standard of care when treating several types of cancer. Now a review of clinical trials involving adult stem cells during the past ten years indicates they are helping patients who have a variety of diseases and even heart trouble. One patient diagnosed with multiple sclerosis says his symptoms are gone. Jennifer Mitchell explains in this week's JAMA Report...Dr. Richard Burt and his colleagues at Northestern University reviewed the outcomes of about twenty-five hundred patients... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1259893 Tue, 26 Feb 2008 22:13:00 +0100 1259893 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1223727&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2F233415721%2Fembryonic-stem-cell-trials-in-humans.html If all goes as planned, a California biotech firm will begin human testing using human-based embryonic stem cells by Spring of 2008. Dr. Thomas Okarma, CEO of Geron, said the firm plans to conduct... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1223727 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 22:49:28 +0100 1223727 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1162811&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F01%2Fadult-stem-cells-build-new-heart.html I reported on this story previously from a different angle, e.g. the need for using animals in basic medical research. But this picture is so amazing, that I thought the breakthrough was worth revisiting to discuss the biotechnological implications.To recap: scientists created a new beating heart using cells from newborn mice and and hearts from dead rats. From the story:[Doris] Taylor's team started with a heart removed from an adult rat. The researchers soaked it in chemicals to remove the living cells, leaving behind a "skeleton" composed of the heart's nonliving structural tissues, which are made of proteins and other molecules. Onto this scaffolding the researchers placed heart cells from a newborn rat, which are not stem cells but can give rise to multiple types of tissue. The cells ... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1162811 Sun, 20 Jan 2008 00:22:00 +0100 1162811 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1131295&cid=t_443357_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fwhat-will-2008-hold-for-those-of-us-living-with-ms%2F I, along with many of you I suppose, spent part of this week taking down the tree, removing garland, wrapping up fairy lights and packing away ornaments. Truth be told, this is the first year I’ve really decorated since Christmas of 2000; wow, has it been that long? For the record, I wasn’t a humbug during all of those years! As the hangovers, credit card, food and alcohol slip from my consciousness, the new year (and Presidential Election season) is hitting me squarely between my bloodshot eyes. I wonder what’s in store for 2008. I suspect I’m not alone. Election years are typically good for bringing issues to the table, but seldom for carving them up and doing something about them. Will 2008 see any action on political hot buttons like funding for stem cell research and insurance... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1131295 Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:53:21 +0100 1131295 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1093161&cid=t_443357_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F199788042%2F Oh boy, I get so darn excited when I read anything about the progress of stem cell research. Yes, you know which side of the debate I sit on. Scientists are getting closer and closer to the use of stem cells to help rejuvenate damaged cardiac tissue! The two major hurdles that needed to be tackled are becoming a reality… …via Science Daily- solve two problems in the development of a stem cell heart patch. The first is undesirable side effects, such as arrhythmia, that can result from immature and undeveloped cardiomyocytes being introduced to the heart. The second is the need for a scaffold that is biocompatible with the heart and able to hold the new cardiomyocytes in place while they integrate into the existing heart tissue. Matching the material to human heart muscle is also... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1093161 Thu, 13 Dec 2007 15:41:33 +0100 1093161 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1061008&cid=t_443357_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F11%2F30%2Fthe-latest-stem-cell-breakthrough-what-is-in-it-for-you.html This study estimated the per-individual yearly cost of PD in 1997 at $24,041 ($24,425 in 1998). Based on a prevalence of one million affected individuals, the total economic burden was calculated at $24 billion. So there you have it. I listed only four diseases that may be amenable to stem cell therapy. The reason I included the costs of these diseases is to highlight the cost to you, in the form of health-care insurance and direct costs, before you die.What is a stem cell?Just think of it as the stem of a plant, which gives rise to the branches and leaves. The developing embryo is formed by a few cells that have the potential to develop into any of the body’s almost 200 cell types. We call such cells ‘pluripotential’, and when their origin is from an embryo they are call... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1061008 Fri, 30 Nov 2007 07:22:40 +0100 1061008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=976579&cid=t_443357_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fyou-may-have-asked-yourself-what-is-a-stem-cell%2F Self, what is a stem cell and why does it matter to me and my MS? Well, tomorrow night is an excellent opportunity to answer that question and chime in on very important research. Tomorrow night, the HealthTalk MS webcast is called, “Stem Cells and MS,” we are going to have a panel discussion with two very prominent researchers in the field of stem cell research. This topic has been a hot button with this community (and some whom I think just found us looking for a fight) since we started some 17 months back. It will be an interesting webcast for me in more ways than one. As many of you know, I am currently in Dallas, Texas. I’m here to attend and present at the National MS Society’s national conference. I’ll be hosting the webcast from a phone in my hotel room; that sh... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=976579 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 20:38:46 +0100 976579 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=959069&cid=t_443357_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fim-tired-of-ms-and-im-just-plain-tired%2F I cannot tell you; I cannot begin to tell you how tired I am of living with multiple sclerosis… I’m tired of shots and infusions and injection site reactions. I’m tired of the MRI tunnel. I’m tired of explaining why I don’t have my cane one day and have it another. I’m tired of asking people for money for our cause. I’m tired… I’m tired of wondering when I go to bed what I’ll wake up with the next day. I’m tired of the pain and the numbness. I’m tired of the weakness and the rigidity. I’m tired of the lack of sensation and the hypersensitivity. I’m tired of the juxtaposition and diametric opposition of MS. I’m tired of my friends slipping and sliding down a slope and it being called “progression”. I’m tired… I’m tired of my brain working so hard to f... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=959069 Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:01:15 +0100 959069 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=931492&cid=t_443357_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Fa-civil-conversation-about-stem-cell-research%2F Every time I bring up the topic of stem cell research on this blog, the conversation spirals. I hope in this post that we can have some real and civil questions; not a statement of opinion or ranker, but rather a forum of questions. The HealthTalk webcast this month will be on the topic of stem cell research. We are lining up some great guests and I want to make sure we address as many of your questions as we can. I already have several hundred questions posed by our listeners as they signed up for the October 25th event, but I would like more. The questions don’t have to be strictly about MS and stem cell research they can be on anything pertaining to stem cell research. It’s a subject that may affect many of us in our lifetime. Stem cell research has been white hot at times here on t... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=931492 Fri, 05 Oct 2007 19:31:46 +0100 931492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=874641&cid=t_443357_134_f&fid=35152&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsstrumello.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fstem-cell-pioneer-to-join-california.html In the past year, the news on stem cell research has been pretty limited. Due in part to the severe restrictions (which did not exist prior to President Bush's policies, even under Presidents Reagan or George H.W. Bush), and in part, due to the scandals coming from South Korea. But we have seen progress, most notably in the private sector, as South San Francisco-based Geron Corp. reported in late May that they had cultured pancreatic beta cells in vitro. But unlike previous efforts of culturing beta cells in vitro at labs in Sweden, Israel and elsewhere in the U.S., however, the Geron-cultured beta cells were actually responsive to changes in blood glucose levels, whereas prior efforts were not, therefore, this was an important breakthrough. But other news has been slower in coming.Califor... Scott's Web Log blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=874641 Sat, 15 Sep 2007 20:57:00 +0100 874641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=817602&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F23%2Fdiabetes-talkfest-live-chat-with-stem-cell-researcher%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset, Research, Events, Opinion, Services, Allie Beatty, Support, PersonalitiesJuan Domínguez-Bendala, Ph.D., is Director of Stem Cell Development for Translational Research at the Diabetes Research Institute. Once again, thanks to Gina and Jon at Diabetes Talkfest - you'll have the opportunity to chat live with Dr. Domínguez-Bendala on August 23rd at 9pm Eastern Standard Time. Dr. Domínguez-Bendala is currently involved in several projects that focus on the use of embryonic stem cells to obtain pancreatic islets, in the hopes that these newly developed cells could one day be transplanted into patients with type I diabetes. Join Dr. Domínguez-Bendala to discuss his work and ask questions pertaining to embryonic stem... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=817602 Thu, 23 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 817602 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=765680&cid=t_443357_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F7%2F30%2Frestylane-an-anti-wrinkle-drug-is-the-long-promised-revoluti.html by Dov MichaeliSometimes revolutionary developments come out of the most unexpected corners. There is new branch is medical research called regenerative medicine. The “old” way of treating disease (which we are still practicing today) is through drugs that treat the consequences of the disease. For instance, anti-inflammatory drugs to treat arthritis, or statins to lower cholesterol through inhibition of its synthesis, or chemotherapeutic drugs to kill tumor cells. The bold vision of investigators in the regenerative medicine field is to simply replace the ailing organ with a healthy one. I am not talking about transplantation; I am talking about stem cells that can be programmed to replace an injured muscle, a severed spinal cord, or damaged pancreatic beta cells that can no l... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=765680 Mon, 30 Jul 2007 02:52:46 +0100 765680 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=755696&cid=t_443357_134_f&fid=35152&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsstrumello.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Fmissouri-barometer-of-american-values.html Missouri has long been viewed as kind of a bellweather for the American population's views on the world. The state sits in the middle of the country, but has both Midwestern and Southern cultural influences, reflecting its history as a border state between the two regions. But its also a state where a slight majority (52%) of voters live in two major urban areas: St. Louis and Kansas City. Although voter turnout surges in the state's rural counties, with its strong contingent of so-called Christian conservatives, managed to tip the elections in favor of Republicans in the late 1990s, that delicate balance has been tipped the other way in the past, which opened the doors to prominent Democratic Congressmen like Dick Gephardt.More recently, incumbent Republican Senator Jim Talent barely sque... Scott's Web Log blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=755696 Tue, 24 Jul 2007 14:30:00 +0100 755696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=747667&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34980&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fightaging.org%2Farchives%2F001267.php A short news piece on cancer stem cell work caught my eye today: According to the "stem cell theory", only a minute number of cells within each tumour can multiply enough to keep the tumour growing and spreading. The vast majority of the cells cannot do this so were viewed as passengers. The Melbourne researchers, however, found that many tumours are fuelled to grow by a substantial portion of the tumour cells - sometimes even the majority. "(This) suggests that the proportion of cells that can propagate tumours was previously grossly underestimated," the institute said. Determining whether most cells in a tumour, or only a rare population, can maintain its growth has important implications for therapy, they say. Very true: we'll all be very lucky indeed if it turns out that a majority o... Fight Aging! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=747667 Fri, 20 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 747667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=683168&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34980&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fightaging.org%2Farchives%2F001243.php Scientists are knocking down the hurdles to the full potential of stem cells, one by one. The latest to fall is the use of SCNT in primate cells: In a world first Mitalipov of the Oregon National Primate Research Centre in Beaverton, USA, provided evidence that he had successfully achieved somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in a primate. This means he managed to clone a rhesus monkey embryo from adult cells. Previously it has proved impossible to derive embryonic cells from adult cells in primates. He then went on to derive two batches of embryonic stem cells from the cloned embryo. ... And as Natalipov dramatically demonstrated in his presentation with a slide of beating cells, the CRES cells passed another test of stem cells and where able to transform into either throbbing heart c... Fight Aging! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=683168 Mon, 18 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 683168 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=675909&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34980&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fightaging.org%2Farchives%2F001242.php If stem cells - or stem-like cells - of distinctive character turn out to be the heart and root of cancer, that'll be a lucky break in the world of complexity formed by our biochemistry. As scientists understand the workings of stem cells and the microenvironment of stem cell niches, more possibilities are coming to light - and just as the biomedical research community is becoming very good at safely killing specific cell types, too. Lucky indeed if it works out that way, as most of us have cancer in our future - especially if we plan on living many more years in health and vigor than our ancestors had the chance to enjoy. Researchers Detect Small Set of Cancer Stem Cells That Are Similar To Normal Stem Cells: Current cancer therapies often succeed at initially eliminating the bulk of th... Fight Aging! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=675909 Fri, 15 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 675909 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=674823&cid=t_443357_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F6%2F12%2Fmore-on-the-stem-cell-act-and-bushs-promised-veto-take-actio.html As I wrote earlier, President Bush has vowed to veto the bipartisan Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, SB5, when he returns from his European trip. This bill offers hope of a cure or, at the very least, more effective treatments for many chronic illnesses, including Types 1 and 2 diabetes, Parkinsons, Alzheimers and many others.In an eloquent Op-Ed in the San Francisco Chronicle, Dwight Holing, a member of the national Board of the American Diabetes Association, explains why this bill is so important. (I have had the pleasure of serving as President of the SF Bay Area's ADA Leadership council with Dwight serving, until recently, as Chairman.  When Dwight speaks on the subject of diabetes, we all should listen.)Here are some excerpts from his opinion piece [with my comm... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=674823 Tue, 12 Jun 2007 22:18:57 +0100 674823 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=675912&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34980&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fightaging.org%2Farchives%2F001239.php The role of stem cells in aging, as well as the changes in stem cell populations and capacities that come with aging, would seem to be the topic of the day. I've touched on it before; the presently ongoing research is fascinating to watch. For example, the debate over whether, how and how much changes in the surrounding environment and signaling of other cells is responsible for the decline in stem cell activity with age. Or is it that stem cell populations become worn out and decline in numbers? It's an important difference for those seeking to safely repair this age-related degeneration. One hypothesis is that aging directly affects stem cells as a consequence of exhaustive proliferation. Alternatively, it is also possible that aging indirectly affects stem cells by acting on their micr... Fight Aging! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=675912 Tue, 12 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 675912 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=674827&cid=t_443357_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F6%2F9%2Fsupport-hope-bombard-pres-bush-with-demands-to-not-veto-s-5.html "Yesterday President Bush confirmed his intention to veto the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (S. 5). We need your help to fight this threat.  A veto of S. 5 would be a devastating setback for the nearly 21 million Americans affected by diabetes.  This is a historic opportunity to advance scientific research, and it should not be squandered!"This is language from an American Diabetes Association (ADA) e-mail to diabetes advocates, but the same message could have come from Parkinsons, Alzheimers, and innumerable other medical advocacy groups.  It is time to (once again) send a loud and clear message to President Bush et al that we want the US to pursue all avenues of stem cell research.  "Protecting" discarded embryos that are going to be destroyed... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=674827 Sat, 09 Jun 2007 02:10:39 +0100 674827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=676328&cid=t_443357_134_f&fid=35152&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsstrumello.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F06%2Fthis-just-in.html During the past several months, we have seen some extraordinary progress in stem cell research. As I previously reported, last month, a private company known as Geron Corp., based in Menlo Park, CA (near Stanford University) reported that they had successfully transformed human embryonic stem cells into the pancreatic beta cells. The cultured beta cells released insulin in response to glucose, something which earlier efforts failed to do. This research, funded by a private company, is not subject to any of the limits the Bush Administration has placed on embryonic stem cell research using Federal Funds. Proponents quickly seized upon this finding, combined with another study that suggested adult stem cells were not involved in beta cell development as justification for continued funding in... Scott's Web Log blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=676328 Wed, 06 Jun 2007 18:07:00 +0100 676328 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=675916&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34980&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fightaging.org%2Farchives%2F001235.php Your cells are machinery; complex, but no less mechanical for that complexity. Each cell contains all the information needed to create any type of cell in the body, and the only thing preventing researchers from being able to do just that, given a cell and some raw materials, is a lack of knowledge. That lack of knowledge won't last. The tools of modern biotechnology and the funds pouring into cell-focused fields like stem cell or cancer research will lead to a complete knowledge of our cells sooner than you might expect. People tend to overestimate what can be done in a decade and dramatically underestimate what can be accomplished in two decades - the state of regenerative medicine in 2027 will be impressive, I'll wager, and cancer will be a shadow of its former threat. In the process ... Fight Aging! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=675916 Wed, 06 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 675916 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=603592&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34980&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fightaging.org%2Farchives%2F001210.php A revolution looks like a real grind when you're up close and living it. Every little thing has to be done for the first time at seemingly great expense and endeavor, every new tool and technique built from scratch. Fast forward ten years and the first decade of this new century will look like a steep, rapid climb to new heights in hindsight - but working in the trenches today can be a matter of one step after the other. Some articles illustrative of this theme today; compare where we are with where we'd like to be in our use of stem cells and knowledge and control of biochemistry. Fast doesn't always look like fast when you're the guy turning the crank. Embryonic stem cells trial on track to start: The first clinical trial of embryonic stem cells is on track to start early next year on... Fight Aging! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=603592 Fri, 11 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 603592 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=583810&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34980&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fightaging.org%2Farchives%2F001200.php This article focuses on these dual roles of p21 in aging stem cells. This is essentially cancer versus aging, as is often the case in regulatory functions related to the cell life cycle. Do you want damaged stem cells churning away, raising the risk of the biochemical accidents that generate cancer, or do you want to damp down the repair function, thereby accumulating more damage that causes aging? No good choice there, but the future of medical science provides other approaches - such as repairing the damage via new technologies. Age-Dependent Effects on Functional Aspects in Human Satellite Cells: In humans aging is a complex process that determines many physical and metabolic alterations correlated to the accumulation of oxidative damage in different tissues. Sarcopenia is an age-rel... Fight Aging! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=583810 Tue, 01 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 583810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=579298&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F04%2F30%2Fnovocell-a-stem-cell-engineering-company%2F Filed under: Type 1, Childhood, Drugs, Research, Services, SupportNovocell is the first company to use polyethylene glycol (PEG) to encapsulate clusters of insulin-producing cells. This biocompatible substance allows glucose and insulin to pass freely through the coating while preventing the body's immune system from destroying the islets. The encapsulated islets release human insulin through natural mechanisms in response to the recipient's blood glucose. The islet cells used in this study are isolated from human cadavers. The implant procedure is performed under local anesthesia and the encapsulated islets are injected into a surgically formed micropocket in the subcutaneous tissues of the thigh or lower abdomen of the recipient. The patients received temporary low dose cyclosporine (50-... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=579298 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 579298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=541239&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F04%2F13%2Fbush-to-veto-stem-cell-research-bill%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset, Drugs, Research, Daily News, Events, SupportAfter the successful outcome of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007, the White House has announced that it will veto the bill. However, congressional leaders have said that if the bill is vetoed, they will consider this legislation again later in the year. The Senate passed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 last Wednesday, April 11th. The bill would change existing federal policy to allow the use of stem cells that were derived from human embryos donated from in vitro fertilization clinics. The Senate also considered another bill, S. 30, the Hope Offered through Principled and Ethical Stem Cell Research Act sponsored by Senators Norm Coleman (R-MN) and Johnny Isakson (R... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=541239 Fri, 13 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 541239 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=525458&cid=t_443357_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F04%2F06%2Fstem-cell-research-bill-government-through-guilt%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset, Lifestyle, Drugs, Research, Daily News, Events, Opinion, SupportThe JDRF Government Relations would like to encourage all diabetics to take action and let your Senators know that you want them to support the Senate Bill 5 (S.5) - the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. Of course, if you do not support this bill you are in no way expected to do any of the following - but for the sake of enlightenment, I invite you to read on. This bill is similar to H.R. 3, which passed the U.S. House in January and H.R. 810, which passed both the House and the Senate last year. This legislation will allow federally funded researchers to use additional stem cell lines for their research. If you wish to take action, and let your Senators know that you sup... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=525458 Fri, 06 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 525458