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 'embryonic'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:55:23 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069712&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F1046-Judge-rejects-lawsuit-to-stop-federal-funding-of-embryonic-stem-cell-research.html In a reversal of a previous ruling, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth has rejected the case brought by two adult stem cell scientists to halt the federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.  Theresa Deisher, co-founder of the Sound Choice Pharmaceutical Institute, and James L. Sherley, a biological engineer at Boston Biomedical Research Institute claim that their research is negatively impacted by the National Institiutes of Health funding of embryonic stem cell research.  They rightly argue that the NIH has limited funds for stem cell research.   Money that is granted to embryonic stem cell research  is not only prohibited by the Dickey Amendment but is money that could be spent on adult stem cell research instead.   The Dickey-Wicker Amendment is a ver... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069712 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:34:40 +0100 5069712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028855&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F1039-Embryonic-stem-cell-trial-begins-to-treat-macular-degeneration.html Last year the FDA gave Geron approval to begin trials with cells derived from embryonic stem cells on patients with recent spinal cord injury.  Now the second trial with embryonic stem cell derivatives has begun.  This time two women with different kinds of macular degeneration have been injected with these cells in what is being called a trial to "treat" eye disease.  From the LA Times:Stem cell clinical trials to treat eye diseases begin at UCLAAfter more than 20 years of research, doctors at UCLA’s Jules Stein Eye Institute have begun treating the first patients in clinical trials for two progressive eye diseases that cause blindness: dry age-related macular degeration and Stargardt’s macular dystrophy.The patients were given an injection of specialized eye cells that wer... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028855 Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:42:55 +0100 5028855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953028&cid=t_114898_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fhow-to-improve-vitrification-of.html This is a guest post by our embryologist, Sai Gundeti.Vitrification is the newer alternative to the traditional ‘slow freezing’ technique of cryopreservation of embryos for storage and future use. It is far more efficient and effective than the older technique, which is why we now use only vitrification in our clinic for cryopreservation of eggs and embryos.It is the duty of the embryology team to learn this new technique, so they can offer the best possible care to their patients.Here’s how we vitrify embryos in our lab.It’s usually the supernumerary embryos which are vitrified, which is why embryo vitrification is generally carried out after the best ( top ) embryos have been transferred in the fresh IVF cycle . However, in some cases we may electively freeze all embryos , and no... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953028 Sat, 18 Jun 2011 03:12:00 +0100 4953028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911735&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F1027-A-look-back-at-Proposition-71.html Actor Brad Pitt expresses his endorsement of Proposition 71, the California Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative, at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2004.Back in 2004, California voted to fund embryonic stem cell research to the tune of $3 billion dollars, $6 billion with interest.  Considering that no one had ever been treated with embryonic stem cells, Proposition 71 was an outrageous proposal. The priority for funding was to be given to embryonic stem cell research, including cloning human embryos to harvest stem cells, when adult stem cell research was already treating patients.  It seemed impossible that such a large sum of hard-earned tax payer dollars was going to be spent on research that had yet to even receive an approval from the FDA for human trials. The... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911735 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:46:56 +0100 4911735 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4372048&cid=t_114898_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_114898_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=4061006&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F986-First-US-patient-injected-with-embryonic-stem-cells.html The first patient ever the US has been injected with cells derived from embryonic stem cells.  From the Atlanta Journal Constitution:First stem cell treatment for human administered in AtlantaTaking a landmark step, Atlanta doctors have injected millions of embryonic stem cells into a partially paralyzed patient, treating a human for the first time in the U.S. with the controversial research, officials said Monday.The medical procedure took place Friday at an unknown local hospital and the person, who was not identified, later entered the Shepherd Center, which specializes in brain and spinal cord injuries, for rehabilitation.While supporters hailed the treatment as a monumental medical advance, others derided it as a moral atrocity. There was some irony in Atlanta being selected as the f... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4061006 Tue, 12 Oct 2010 01:17:41 +0100 4061006 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4061007&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F985-Controversial-Stem-Cell-Poetry-Winner-Acknowledges-Loss-of-Embryonic-Life.html The California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is the body that regulates the $6 billion tax payer funding for mostly embryonic stem cell research in California.  Recently they had a poetry contest to promote Stem Cell Awareness Day and they picked this gem:Stem C.
By Tyson AndersonThis is my body
which is given for you.But I am not great.
I have neither wealth,
nor fame, nor grace.
I cannot comfort with words,
nor inspire to march.
I am small and simple,so leave me this.Let me heal you.This is my bodywhich is given for you.
Take this
in remembrance of me.There has been much to do about the sacrilegious nature of this poem because it is a direct literary allusion to the words that Christ spoke at the Last Supper.  CIRM has s... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4061007 Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:34:19 +0100 4061007 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3907733&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F980-A-Renewed-Challenge-to-Those-Who-Support-Embryonic-Stem-Cell-Research.html As a Catholic, I am morally opposed to all research on human embryos.  Of course not all Americans agree.  Some think ripping open tiny members of our species for parts is morally acceptable.  To those, I have issued this challenge before and in the wake of the US Court ruling placing a temporary injunction on the use of tax payer money to fund embryonic stem cell research, I will issue it again: There is no federal ban on research on human embryos.  It is legal to conduct therapeutic cloning in most states.  Companies and universities are free to create and destroy human embryos all day long.  I wish that was not the case, but it is.If you believe the hype that embryonic stem research is going to save lives and want to support embryo-destructive research, then reach for your checkbo... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3907733 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:27:16 +0100 3907733 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3902872&cid=t_114898_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F196962%2F Stem Cell Debate: Officials from the Obama administration said that they would appeal the federal ruling temporarily prohibiting federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. (via Reuters) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3902872 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:15:47 +0100 3902872 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3896034&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F979-US-Judge-funding-ESC-research-is-same-as-funding-the-destruction-of-embryos.html President George W. Bush was the first President to fund embryonic stem cell (ESC) research with federal dollars.  To use tax payer money for such research, Bush put a restriction in place that stated that funds would only be available for embryonic stem cell lines created before August of 2001.  This way funds could go to embryonic stem cell research without encouraging the destruction of more human embryos which is a necessary part of deriving an embryonic stem cell line.  Bush was attempting to fund the research without being in violation of the Dickey-Wicker Amendment, signed into law by President Clinton, which states that federal dollars cannot go to the destruction of human embryos.  The Dickey-Wicker Amendment, as I have stated before, is a very important piece of legislation t... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3896034 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 01:38:54 +0100 3896034 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3849001&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F978-The-Politics-of-Stem-Cells.html How many times I have the read the line in the media that "embryonic stem cells hold more promise than adult stem cells" and have asked myself, "How can they know that?"  Just because embryonic stem cells become every cell in the body inside a growing embryo, does not mean they can and will become every cell type in a lab.  And even if scientists had already made all 200 cell types in the lab from embryonic stem cells (which they haven't), ESCs still have never been used to treat a single patient.  Looking at the overwhelming clinical facts, it is adult stem cells that have more promise. But that doesn't stop our elected representatives from trying to permanently ram the funding embryonic stem cell research down our throats by introducing legislation.  Rep Diana DeG... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3849001 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 16:40:32 +0100 3849001 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3366366&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F948-Obamas-New-Embryonic-Stem-Cells-Rules-More-Troublesome-than-Bushs.html Ohhh the irony.  From the Washington Post:One year after President Obama announced he was lifting his predecessor's controversial restrictions on federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research, some scientists are complaining that so far the new policy is -- ironically -- more of a burden than a boon to their work."The situation at the moment is worse than it was under the Bush administration," said Charles Murry, a professor of pathology and bioengineering at the University of Washington in Seattle. "Because of this, we are going to waste a lot of time."At issue is the fate of the 21 "lines of cells" that President George W. Bush said could receive federal funding.Bush limited federal funding to the lines that were already in existence in 2001....Oba... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3366366 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:30:00 +0100 3366366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3239747&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F934-South-Dakota-Woman-Claims-she-received-ESC-Transplant-in-Mexico.html This story is either super sloppy journalism or outright deception.  KSFY in South Dakota reports that a South Dakota woman, Paula Barber received an embryonic stem cell transplant for her multiple sclerosis (M.S.) in Tijuana, Mexico:The controversial issue of embryonic stem cell treatment in South Dakota hits the senate floor Wednesday.That's when the full senate is expected to vote on a bill aimed at legalizing stem cell treatments in South Dakota.The main part of this debate is between adult stem cell treatment versus embryonic stem cell treatment.Opponents of this bill say embryonic stem cell treatment is "not" proven to work.But tonight we hear from an Onida, South Dakota woman who says embryonic stem cell treatment saved her life.South Dakota native Paula Barber just turne... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3239747 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:50:44 +0100 3239747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3197819&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F926-Investors-Business-Daily-ESC-researchers-politicized-science.html Wow! is all I can say after reading this editorial in the Investors Business Daily.  I have always said if you want the best information on stem cell research look to the business sector.  Here is an excerpt:Supporters of the California Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative, passed in 2004, held out hopes of imminent medical miracles that were being held up only by President Bush's policy of not allowing federal funding of embryonic stem cell research (ESCR) beyond existing stem cell lines and which involved the destruction of embryos created for that purpose.Five years later, ESCR has failed to deliver and backers of Prop 71 are admitting failure. The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, the state agency created to, as some have put it, restore science to its rightful place... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3197819 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:12:00 +0100 3197819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3108501&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F914-Why-California-is-such-a-mess.html Prop 71 was a California proposition that the tax-payers of California swallowed whole.  They were told by advocates and celebrities if they approved the $3 billion for cloning and embryonic stem cell research, cures would be theirs.  Never mind that is was simply easy funding for scientists at Stanford, UCLA and UCSF to tinker with human life at its earliest stages.  Never mind that no one had actually been successful in cloning a human embryo and extracting stem cells.  Never mind that embryonic stem cells had not even treated one patient.  The advocates cried that it just HAD to be funded.Prop 71 passed back in 2004.  In 2009, human cloning for stem cells is overshadowed by induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells), embryonic stem cells still have not received FDA approval for hu... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3108501 Sun, 20 Dec 2009 22:37:39 +0100 3108501 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3026856&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F911-An-almost-Hurray-for-George-Bush%21-in-The-Scientist.html I loved this article in The Scientist all about how bold predictions made by scientists can hurt.  It specifically discusses the claims by some scientists that embryonic stem cells and cloning were going to revolutionize medicine.  Meanwhile adult stem cells have quietly made tremendous advances leaving ESC and cloning research in the proverbial dust.My favorite part was buried near the end.  It is an "almost" acknowledgement that Bush's restrictions on funding for embryonic stem cell research and the moral objections to research on embryos actually did good by encouraging scientists to find alternatives to embryos for pluripotent stem cells:Hilary Rose says that while there are plenty of reasons to be critical of the former U.S. President George W. Bush’s hostility to hESC r... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3026856 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:55:34 +0100 3026856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832345&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F885-Embryonic-stem-cell-researcher-founder-of-Low-Cost-IVF-Foundation.html I blogged about this a few days ago and heard crickets.  Maybe because it was at the end of a long post.  Maybe it is because I am the only one who found this suspect.  (Please let me know which it is, cause I maybe growing more and more out of touch ) Digging into the Low Cost IVF Foundation that wants to increase access to IVF in third world nations by dropping the price to only $360, I discovered that the first founder listed is Alan Trounson.  Alan Trounson is president of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) which presides over a $3 billion dollar budget for embryonic stem cell and cloning research.  He was also the founding CEO of the Australian Stem Cell Centre which among other things provides human embryonic stem cell lines and training to researchers on ... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832345 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 05:33:12 +0100 2832345 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778607&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FQmimtbtYCaA%2F Take a look at this! Scientists have found a way to change our fat into the “miracle” cure-all that stem cells are purported to be. Using fat that were removed during liposuction, Stanford researchers found a method that reprograms these millions of fat cells into a state that is similar to embryonic stem cells! The fat cells are genetically reprogrammed back into “induced pluripotent stem cells” or iPSCs which have the potential to grow into any cell or tissue. Like embryonic stem cells, iPSCs can be used to replace damaged or destroyed organs, and treat a variety of diseases like Alzheimer’s diseases, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. And fat cells-turned-stem-cells have none of the ethical controversie... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778607 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:40:42 +0100 2778607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2766234&cid=t_114898_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=2741526&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F869-Embryonic-stem-cell-study-put-on-hold-for-cysts.html Geron, a California company, was very close to conducting the very first human trial using human embryonic stem cells.  The FDA has put a indefinite hold on the study due to the development of cysts in some animals in their earlier trials.  From San Jose Mercury News:But in a prepared statement Thursday, Geron said the hold resulted from the discovery of cysts in some animals given the cells. Although the cysts had appeared in some earlier animal studies, they appeared with "a higher frequency" in more recent animals tests, the company said.Despite the finding, however, Geron said the cysts were "non-proliferative, confined to the injury site and had no adverse effects on the animals."It added that the company found no evidence of teratomas — a kind of tumor — in th... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741526 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 02:57:13 +0100 2741526 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2653658&cid=t_114898_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=2580411&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F851-NIH-public-consensus-trumps-ethics.html Yesterday the NIH release its final guidelines for the funding of embryonic stem cell research.  There is nothing too new from the draft that they had published a few months ago.  The main difference is that the draft guidelines had strict rules on informed consent of parents donating their embryonic children to research.  These rules made embryonic stem cell lines that were previously eligible for federal funding under the Bush regulations, ineligible.  The final guidelines allow for a review board to look at the funding existing stem cell lines on a case by case basis.I want to focus on a few things about these guidelines that I find disturbing.  The first is that there are paragraphs upon paragraphs regarding the informed consent of parents who want to donate their "left-over&... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2580411 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:10:45 +0100 2580411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2593218&cid=t_114898_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.metastaticlivercancer.org%2F2009-06-26-cancer-treatment%2Ffarrah-fawcett-death%2F Give your condolences here: Farrah Fawcett death, June 25, 2009. Watch her home video taped documentary of her last 2,5 years battling cancer including seeking alternative cancer treatments in Germany.   Farrah Fawcett died surrounded with her loved ones   Farrah Fawcett dies after a 2,5 year battle against anal cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, anal cancer is rare (an estimated 4,650 cases in 2006) but the number is rising, with those most affected being female and in their early 60’s. Farrah Fawcett dies at the age of only 62, born Februari 2nd, 1947.   At first it looked as if the chemotherapy and radiation treatments where working, but in 2007 came the abrupt Farrah Fawcett cancer update: it was back and Farrah Fawcett’s cancer had spread to her l... Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2593218 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 02:35:08 +0100 2593218 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512341&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F835-Harvesting-embryos-and-slashing-prices%21.html This guy just cracks me up! (Source: Mary Meets Dolly) Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512341 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 21:21:25 +0100 2512341 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2510321&cid=t_114898_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=2442269&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F812-The-prolifers-made-us-do-it.html It is funny that after all the hype, people are finally stating to realize that embryonic stem cells just aren't living up to expectations.  And now that "Cures! Cures! Cures!" are not coming as fast as we were led to believe, everyone is talking about a reality check.  Scientific American's piece "Reality Check: The Inevitable Disappointments from Stem Cells" even says we will be disappointed:So scientists at last mostly have what they have been asking for. And the public should now prepare to be disappointed.Perhaps “disappointed” is an overstatement, but a realistic recalibration of expectations is surely in order. The problem with turning a scientific issue into a political football is that the passionate rough-and-tumble of the game can leave the science itself... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442269 Fri, 29 May 2009 15:24:58 +0100 2442269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442271&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F810-What-ESC-advocates-are-telling-the-NIH.html I know I promised this entry last week, but life got in the way.  This entry is going to be dry and boring, but I believe it is important.Yesterday was the last day to give the NIH your opinion on the 2009 draft guidelines for the federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.  I was sure that ESC advocates would be screaming about the fact that the NIH guidelines restricted the federal funding of ESC research to lines created by embryos "leftover" from infertility treatments.  The NIH guidelines did not allow for funding ESC lines extracted from embryos created especially for research including cloned embryos, and I was positive that restriction would get the most criticism.I was wrong, and I am glad.  It turns out that the 2009 guidelines, which are very strict on the don... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442271 Wed, 27 May 2009 18:40:39 +0100 2442271 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405816&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F800-Tell-the-NIH-what-stem-cell-research-you-want-to-fund.html Recently, the NIH published their draft for the federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.  It was a relatively conservative stance that would allow funding only for embryonic stem cell lines derived from donated embryos "left-over" from IVF treatments.  It could have included funding for stem cell lines derived from embryos created especially for research including human embryos created with somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) better known as cloning.The NIH has asked for comments on their funding draft.  There is no doubt strong pressure from advocates, scientist and lawmakers for the NIH to fund embryonic stem cell lines created not just from "left-over" embryos, but also from embryos created expressly for research.  It is important that we tell the NIH th... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405816 Thu, 14 May 2009 21:59:33 +0100 2405816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405817&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F799-Support-cures-we-can-all-live-with.html I have been remiss in not blogging about this sooner, but better late than never.  The US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has asked everyone to get vocal about our opposition to destructive embryonic stem cell research.  From their website:Following President Obama’s March 9 executive order, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has proposed guidelines for federally funded embryonic stem cell research. The guidelines would – for the first time – use taxpayer funds to encourage the killing of embryonic human beings for their stem cells.This marks a new chapter in divorcing biomedical research from its necessary ethical foundation, respect for human life at all stages.Embryonic stem cell research treats innocent human beings as mere sources of body parts, as commodities for our... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405817 Thu, 14 May 2009 21:25:44 +0100 2405817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405516&cid=t_114898_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Femy8-FOsxI0%2F Here’s some fabulous news if you are a Type 1 diabetic. Scientists in Israel have reversed Type 1 diabetes in primates “by transplanting embryonic pancreatic tissue from pigs, a procedure called interspecies organ transplant.” As if that wasn’t good enough news, they also discovered an important point when it comes to doing this procedure effectively. Apparently, it’s all about the timing. “Pancreatic tissue taken from pig embryos at 42 days of gestation appeared to offer the best combination of characteristics for xenotransplantation.” If they harvest the cells too early, they may not have enough of the all-important pancreatic cells in order to work. If taken too late, “the tissues’ ability to grow into a new organ is diminished.” Image: sxc.hu Share and Enjoy... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405516 Wed, 13 May 2009 15:02:08 +0100 2405516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2375952&cid=t_114898_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=2353991&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F790-Tonight-it-is-leftovers-but-science-is-hungry-for-fresh-fair.html After President Obama lifted the restriction on federal funding of human embryonic stem cell research, the NIH was charged with developing guidelines as to which embryonic stem cell lines will be eligible for funding and which will not.  The NIH published a draft of these new guidelines last week.The 2009 NIH guidelines are surprisingly conservative.  And here is why.  Because of the Dickey-Wicker Amendment, which prohibits federal funding of research on human embryos, NIH funds can only go to research on the embryonic stem cell lines themsleves.  Federal funds cannot go to the actual creation of the embryonic stem cell lines (ESC) because that violates the Dickey Amendment.  The creation of the embryonic stem cell lines have to be performed elsewhere because the derivation of ESC lin... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2353991 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:13:18 +0100 2353991 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2347906&cid=t_114898_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_114898_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_114898_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_114898_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_114898_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=2323379&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F785-Dr.-Oz-tells-Michael-J.-Fox-stem-cell-debate-over.html Finally!  Someone tells Michael J. Fox, on prime-time television, the truth that embryonic stem cells are not going to help his Parkinson's.  Here is Dr. Oz on Oprah telling everyone that he thinks the stem cell debates are over. What strikes me is that even Dr. Oz mentions that our fighting over embryos has slowed down progress in ethical stem cell research. Unfortunately, many lawmakers like President Obama and Congressmen Tom Harkin (D-IA), Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Diana DeGette (D-Co) are still focused on embryos. How much more time, money and energy will be wasted on embryonic stem cell research? Time, money and energy that should go to bringing about the treatments that Dr. Oz speaks about. (Source: Mary Meets Dolly) Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2323379 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 03:03:20 +0100 2323379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2323382&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F782-Stem-Cell-Funding-Bait-and-Switch.html Stem cell research funding has gotten super complicated.  I will attempt to clarify it for you here and discuss a possible stem cell funding "bait and switch."  (Bear with me and make it to the end.  I promise it will be worth it.)Currently, the NIH is now allowed to fund research on human embryonic stem cell lines.  The funding can only go to lines that were created from embryos "left-over" from fertility treatments.  This tax-payer funded research cannot directly destroy human embryos but can perform experiments on stem cell lines derived from recently destroyed embryos.  The Dickey-Wicker Amendment prevents federal funding for any research that creates or destroys human embryos.  I have blogged recently on the importance of the Dickey-Wicker Amendment in part ... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2323382 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:06:18 +0100 2323382 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2323385&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F781-A-Catholic-Democrat-that-acts-like-one.html Apparently, Virginia Governor Tim Kaine is.  From CNN: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.Kaine approved the Virginia bill on Monday, according to the governor's office, the same day he enacted legislation that would permit "Choose Life" license plates in the commonwealth — an act that angered state and national abortion rights advocates.The governor signed another piece of legislation Monday aimed at promoting "science and technology-ba... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2323385 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:00:11 +0100 2323385 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2323386&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F780-Catholics-starving-for-information-and-guidance-on-life-issues.html As part of the 40 days for Life, I was asked by a local parish to give a simple 5 minute speech after Mass about the current state of federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.  I also had hundreds of Quick Facts Stem Cell Research and Cloning for Catholics on hand to pass out as people were leaving. I was shocked at the response.  I assumed that everyone would simply file my speech in the back of their minds and begrudgingly take a pamphlet to look at if they had time in their busy schedule.  I was wrong.  I not only got a rousing ovation at every Mass, but the brochures went like hotcakes.  I had to hastily print more between Masses, just to keep up.  The Catholics at this parish were truly grateful that someone had taken the time to explain to them what was legal and what t... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2323386 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:57:23 +0100 2323386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2323389&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F777-What-is-the-Dickey-Amendment-and-why-should-you-care-Part-2.html A few weeks ago I blogged about the Dickey-Wicker Amendment and why this piece of legislation is so very important.  I have been politely chastised by one of my readers for not giving an update about the Dickey Amendment. The Dickey-Wicker Amendment is the last impediment to a government funded Brave New World where human life is created, manipulated and destroyed in the name of science.The Dickey Amendment, which prohibits federal tax dollars to be used to fund research that creates or destroys human embryos has again been passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama.  This is good news.But, I believe this was a political move and not an ethical one.  This year, President Obama lifted the funding restriction for embryonic stem cell research put into place by President Bush... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2323389 Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:39:07 +0100 2323389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2295366&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F776-Members-of-Presidents-Council-on-Bioethics-say-Obama-stem-cell-action-a-step-backward.html As I posted yesterday, the restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cells that have been in place for the last seven years have been grossly misrepresented and therefore misunderstood.  Instead of praising George W. Bush as the first president to fund research on embryonic stem cell lines without totally pushing ethics aside, now the story is that Bush "banned" federal funding for "life-saving" embryonic stem cell research.  And with inaccurate headlines that scream about "Bush's ban on stem cell research," many Americans thought he banned stem cell research altogether.Ten members of the President's Council on Bioethics have answered this twisted misrepresentation of stem cell research funding policies.  They write about Obama's speech:At the outs... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2295366 Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:50:34 +0100 2295366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2295367&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F775-Q-The-first-president-to-fund-embryonic-stem-cell-research-A-George-W.-Bush.html It is funny how things in our modern society get so twisted and turned around.  George W. Bush is known now as the president that banned funding for embryonic stem cell research.  (Our current President even said so.)  Reading the headlines, you think that before Bush there must have been all kinds of NIH dollars for embryonic stem cell research.  In fact, some headlines even suggest that Bush made all stem cell research illegal.  The public sentiment raged: How dare Bush limit science like that?  Bush was an evil man who wanted all Americans to die suffering.Here is the reality check. Bush was the first president ever to federally fund embryonic stem cell research.  Bush compromised.  He provided funding for embryonic stem cell research but he restricted the funding to cell lines ... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2295367 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:29:51 +0100 2295367 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2295372&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F770-Are-these-stem-cells-No%21-theyre-my-kids.html After the ghoulish entries of the last couple of days, I was in for a laugh.  Although, after that piece by Appel, I'm not sure this is so far fetched....  Cartoon by Lisa Benson. (Source: Mary Meets Dolly) Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2295372 Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:49:36 +0100 2295372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2274493&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F765-9-things-media-messed-up-in-stem-cell-story.html This piece by Josh Brahm is everywhere and well it should be.  He painstakingly outlines the nine things that the media messed up in reporting about President Obama's executive order lifting the restrictions on funding embryonic stem cell research.  Well worth the read. I just wish I had wrote it. (Source: Mary Meets Dolly) Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2274493 Tue, 17 Mar 2009 20:15:47 +0100 2274493 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2260114&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F761-What-is-the-Dickey-Amendment-and-why-should-you-care.html Jay DickeyWhen I talked to my mother today and she had never heard of the Dickey Amendment, I knew we pro-lifers had a huge problem on our hands.  If a woman who has been fighting for pro-life issues for nearly four decades did not know what the Dickey Amendment was, I realized there was a lot of work to do getting the word out about this very important piece of legislation.Let us start with some history.  In 2001, President Bush allowed federal funds to be used for research on human embryonic stem cells.  These funds were restricted to research on human embryonic stem cell lines created before August of that year. This executive order order did not outlaw embryonic stem cell research nor eliminate funding altogether. It simply meant that from that point forward no federal tax dollars c... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260114 Fri, 13 Mar 2009 03:12:14 +0100 2260114 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2263903&cid=t_114898_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=2258799&cid=t_114898_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_114898_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=2256070&cid=t_114898_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_114898_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_114898_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=2260121&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F756-It-was-never-about-the-left-over-embryos....html Today President Obama lifted the restrictions on the federal funding of human embryonic stem cell research.  This is tragic in so many ways, not only because it would mean that limited federal tax money will be diverted to fund research that has never been shown to cure any disease in humans. This means that dollars that might have gone to ethical stem cell research which is already decades ahead, will go instead to study destroyed human life just to see if it might save human life.  And now you and I get to pay for it.  Red letter day.What I want to point out it that the current federal funding rules require that the embryos being ripped open for parts are left-over from IVF treatments.  The Dickey Amendment prohibits federal funds to be used to CREATE human embryos just for research.... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260121 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 18:19:19 +0100 2260121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2200625&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F6hZf_SGbMRc%2F The potential and safety of using stem cells to treat diseases suffered a setback with the news of a botched experimental treatment of a human being. A teenage boy who received fetal stem cells developed brain cancer four years after the transplant, reports PLoS Medicine this week. The patient suffered from a recessive genetic disorder called ataxia telangiectasia (AT), an incurable rare disease that causes degeneration of the part of the brain that controls movement and speech. When the boy was 9 years old, his parents took him to Moscow to have experimental stem cell therapy. Russian researchers injected the boy with transplants of neural stem cells taken from the brains of aborted fetuses. Four years later, the donor stem cells inside the boy’s brain differentiated into a cancerous... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2200625 Thu, 19 Feb 2009 02:57:22 +0100 2200625 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2190678&cid=t_114898_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2F540229564%2Fposition-of-france-regarding-stem-cells.html In conclusion, we think that regarding stem cells, France must not be afraid of there to reflect as all the others imminent bioethics problems, as euthanasia or gene therapy... In FrenchLa France est un pays un peu en retard et en retrait dans le domaine de la bioéthique, spécialement en matière de nouvelles thérapies. Concernant les cellules souches, bases de la thérapie cellulaire, la France a une position qui n’est pas toujours claire.Les cellules souches adultesIl n’y a pas de problèmes majeurs les concernant vu leur origine de prélèvement (placenta, cordon ombilical tissus adultes)Nous pensons, toutefois, qu’il serait important de généraliser la collecte de cellules souches de cordon ombilical ou de placenta, en respectant des règles d’hygiènes et de respect des in... Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2190678 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 13:16:54 +0100 2190678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2188484&cid=t_114898_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F539678504%2F Eric Jensen alerted me to a research study published in the February 4th Journal of Neuroscience --- Transgenerational Rescue of a Genetic Defect in Long-Term Potentiation and Memory Formation by Juvenile Enrichment. We both had the same initial WOW! feeling that we had experienced when we first read about the discovery of mirror neurons a decade+ ago. The study's findings seemed to suggest that acquired characteristics can be genetically transmitted, a Lamarckinan belief that had long been discarded by biologists. This seemed improbable, so we decided to check out what the scientific community thought. It's the kind of research that educators certainly need to understand because the potential educational implications are profound, no matter how this particular study sorts out. I've thus a... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2188484 Sat, 14 Feb 2009 16:21:17 +0100 2188484 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2188053&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F737-Financial-Advisor-Gerons-Stem-Cell-Research-Hype-Soaks-Investors.html Geron is the California company that has finally been approved by the FDA to do the first human trial with cells derived from embryonic stem cells.  The media has had a frenzy reporting how this trial gives hope to millions.  For a reality check, I look to the business sector.  They always seem to know better what is the real score in the stem cell arena.  Adan Feuerstein from theStreet.com:Geron's Stem-Cell Research Hype Soaks InvestorsA surefire way to ensure some measure of public enmity is make a public recommendation to short a stem-cell stock. That's what I did on Jan. 26, when I added Geron(GERN Quote - Cramer on GERN - Stock Picks) as a short to the model portfolio I manage as part of TheStreet.com's Biotech Select investment newsletter.As I told my subscribers at that time, I'... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2188053 Sat, 14 Feb 2009 03:39:45 +0100 2188053 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2172993&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F732-Well-just-take-my-organs-while-you-are-at-it....html Mary Kate Cary, a pro-life conservative, thinks that embryonic stem cell research is all right as long as it is only done on the left-overs.  She argues in her piece Obama and a Conservative, Pro-Life Case for Embryonic Stem Cell Research that since left-over IVF embryos are going to be discarded anyway, why not make good use of them.  She likens destroying embryos for their parts to organ donation.  In fact, she argues that ripping open abandoned embryos would be the "pro-life" thing to do: Until we stop fertilizing more than one egg at a time, why not have a some good come from discarded embryos? It's the most pro-life choice one can make in an otherwise tragic situation.Oh yes, the "only the left-overs" argument is so very heart-wrenching and compelling and it see... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2172993 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 07:02:07 +0100 2172993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2144447&cid=t_114898_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_114898_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=2134753&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F721-Approved-1st-human-trial-with-embryonic-stem-cells.html In 2001 the hype was suffocating.  Embryonic stem cells were going to cure everything, tomorrow.  Of course that is hyperbole, but I am sure that is the message many Americans took home from the media frenzy.  Eight years later, the FDA has finally approved the first human trial with cells derived from embryonic stem cells.  From WebMD:Jan. 23, 2009 -- Geron Corp. will test its OPC1 cells in 10 patients completely paralyzed by recent spinal cord injuries. It's the first FDA-approved study of an embryonic stem cell product in human patients.Patients enrolled in the study will have suffered very severe spinal cord injuries that have completely cut off nerve signals from the spine to the brain. A major factor in such injuries is loss of the myelin sheath that protects nerve cells. It's ho... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2134753 Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:56:57 +0100 2134753 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2128813&cid=t_114898_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=2115498&cid=t_114898_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=2092596&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F713-Why-will-more-tax-payer-money-be-wasted-on-ESC-research-in-2009.html This article goes on to talk about the advantages of iPS cells:Scientists say iPS cells carry two significant advantages over regular embryonic stem cells. No embryos are destroyed or even used to create the cells, offering a potential solution to an ethical dilemma that has plagued the field. And since the cells are crafted from a donor's skin cells, they can be genetically matched to patients, reducing the risk of immune system rejection of potential therapies developed from the cells.No human eggs, no human embryos AND a genetic match without human cloning!  Sounds like a total no-brainer to me.And how are iPS cells progressing?  Is the progress painfully slow as with human cloning and ESC research?:With the UW-Madison cell line and other iPS cell models for diseases — including thos... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2092596 Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:31:01 +0100 2092596 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2083913&cid=t_114898_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=2084604&cid=t_114898_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D78 Michael A. Werner, MD, the clinical director of M.A.Z.E. Cord Blood Laboratories has put together a white paper defining the different types of stem cells, as well as the current and potential uses for treatment.  Read the stem cell white paper here. Enjoy, (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2084604 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:32:01 +0100 2084604 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2073793&cid=t_114898_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_114898_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_114898_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_114898_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=1980853&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F709-Support-ESC-research-Stop-calling-yourself-Catholic%21.html Support embryonic stem cell research? "Stop calling yourself Catholic. You're not." What a hoot! From RealCatholicTV.com: (Source: Mary Meets Dolly) Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1980853 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:04:08 +0100 1980853 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1939196&cid=t_114898_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=1892025&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F695-If-I-was-sick%2C-I-would-be-pissed-off..html If I had Parkinson's or diabetes or any other degenerative disease, I would be hopping mad.  Why?  Because of the insistence of the American media and some politicians that embryonic stem cell research is the only hope for regenerative medicine, when in other countries treatments with adult stem cells ARE ALREADY BEING USED WITH SUCCESS!!!!!  One of the ads for Barack Obama says:My name is Jody Montgomery and my daughter Maddy was diagnosed with type 1 juvenile diabetes at age 3. Six times a day, I take her blood. Six times a day, I pray for a cure. Researchers are working hard to do just that. Our best hope is stem cell research, and that's why we support Barack Obama.Unfortunately, it is politicians like Obama, who insist that embryonic stem cells are the best thing since sliced bread... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1892025 Mon, 20 Oct 2008 23:19:16 +0100 1892025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1883364&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F690-Life-is-for-the-living.html This movie is misnamed.  It is called "Life is for the Living".  It should be called, "Life is for Those Deemed Worthy to Live."  Embryos are living too, just not worthy of finishing out their lives according to those who made this film. Once again it seems embryos have a duty to die. (Source: Mary Meets Dolly) Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1883364 Thu, 16 Oct 2008 23:23:06 +0100 1883364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1856176&cid=t_114898_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=1841069&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F680-To-politicians-media-Stop-confusing-the-public-on-stem-cells.html My mother has always said there is a special place in hell for the media. After years of watching so-called reputable media outlets like the New York Times intentionally confusing the public on the issues surrounding stem cell research, I tend to agree. There is a special place in hell for politicians and advocates who do the same.By not distinguishing between adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells, the politicians and the media have created a confusion that is hurting the very people that stem cell research is supposed to help. How is that? Lumping human cloning, embryonic stem cell and adult stem cell research together and just simply calling it all "stem cell research" has brought controversy to non-controversial stem cell science like bone marrow transplants and cord blood... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1841069 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:37:16 +0100 1841069 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1905968&cid=t_114898_87_f&fid=35060&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthnewsblog.com%2Fcgi-bin%2Fhnblog.pl%3Fhnblog%3D928081 Wired reports tha Senator John McCain has taken a stronger stance against embryonic stem cell research lately. Wired says McCain would even "criminalize a promising branch of stem cell research." In his statement, McCain at first claimed to support ESC research. However, he said "clear lines should be drawn that reflect a refusal to sacrifice moral values and ethical principles for the sake of scientific progress" -- a qualification that disturbed many scientists and bioethicists with its ambiguity. McCain also took a harder line than the Bush administration with somatic cell nuclear transfer, better known as therapeutic cloning -- a cutting-edge process that could some day provide personalized embryonic stem cell therapies. Though currently legal, McCain would outlaw the technique. T... HealthNewsBlog.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1905968 Mon, 29 Sep 2008 02:00:00 +0100 1905968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1825771&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F672-Junk-study-influencing-vote-in-Michigan-on-embyro-destructive-research.html This November, Michigan is voting on Prop 2. which would allow for the destruction of embryos for research. A new "study" convienently released says that voting for Prop 2 would, among other things, save the state $80 million dollars and provide relief for 770,000 Michigan residents. From the Traverse City Record-Eagle:A recent study on the benefits of in-state embryonic stem cell research is fueling new debate over Proposition 2 on the state's November election ballot....The study by Wayne State University economics Professor Allen Goodman concludes that lifting the ban could save the state tens of millions of dollars annually, create biotech jobs and provide relief for 770,000 Michigan residents with spinal injuries, Parkinson's disease and a slew of other debilitating illnesse... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1825771 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:01:08 +0100 1825771 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1971043&cid=t_114898_125_f&fid=38161&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fdentalheroes%2F%7E3%2F374945705%2F Wisdom Teeth Latest Stem Cell Source A recent discovery by Japanese scientists could reshape the embryonic stem cell debate. The scientists claim that “wisdom teeth could be a suitable alternative to human embryos as a source for therapeutic stem cells.” Stems cells are important because some studies support their ability to fight numerous life-threatening diseases. In recent years, the proposed usage of embryonic stem cells has caused heated debates between pro-life and pro-choice groups. However, this recent finding could have big implications in the future, and perhaps quiet the embryonic stem cell debate. Unfortunately, it’ll be at least 5 years before these findings will be used in “medical applications,” according to National Institute of Advanced Indust... Dental Heroes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1971043 Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:15:22 +0100 1971043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1720373&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F658-ESC-rejected-by-immune-system.html Opponents of human embryonic stem cell research have been screaming about this for years, but it never really gets the press it deserves. Researchers have found that embryonic stem cells cause rejection (because they come from a different human being) just like with organ donation. From Scientific American:The much-ballyhooed human embryonic stem cell apparently may share a problem with transplanted organs: a high probability of rejection.Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that mice mounted an immune response after being injected with human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). The result: all the transplanted stem cells—which hold the promise of maturing into several different types of tissue—were dead within a week.Wu says that the fact that the hESCs could not survive... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1720373 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:53:46 +0100 1720373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1701781&cid=t_114898_107_f&fid=36585&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FHighlightHEALTH%2F%7E3%2F363568171%2F This article was published on Highlight HEALTH. Other Articles You May LikeExactly What are Stem Cells?Healthy Fast Food Not So HealthyMapping Connections in the Human BrainIncreased Coffee Consumption Associated with Lower Risk of Liver CancerDid You Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables Today? (Source: Highlight HEALTH) Highlight HEALTH blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1701781 Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:37:42 +0100 1701781 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1668426&cid=t_114898_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D3884 Yesterday the mother of a patient who has quadriparesis after a motor-vehicular accident asked me if injections with “animal fetal cells” will cure her son. The sub-cutaneous injection will apparently cost her RM60,000. I told her that evidence of such “treatment” should be in the form of rigorous randomised controlled clinical trials which have been published in peer reviewed journals. As far as I know, there have been no such human studies. I am aware that some people are making claims that there are studies in the non-English literature but I am curious if such therapy is really “effective”, why are they not also published in respectable journals? Is there anything to hide? I am shocked that the Ministry of Health allows such treatment to be conducted... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1668426 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1668426 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1594224&cid=t_114898_107_f&fid=36585&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FHighlightHEALTH%2F%7E3%2F328899844%2F This article was published on Highlight HEALTH. Related articlesAmniotic Stem Cell Lines May Hold a Potential for TherapyDiscredited Stem Cells Created by Virgin BirthTumor Suppressors and OncogenesNeurofibromatosis: From Genes to Complications to TreatmentsMore Education Decreases the Risk of Death (Source: Highlight HEALTH) Highlight HEALTH blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1594224 Tue, 08 Jul 2008 05:30:40 +0100 1594224 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1512193&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F633-Doc-makes-ESC-movie-called-Hope.html The hype just never ends.  A doctor has written a movie called "Hope" that is about embryonic stem cell research, specifically.  Here is the plot:"Hope" centers on a conservative U.S. senator who opposes embryonic stem cell research. That belief is tested when his son is left a quadriplegic after an ugly crime, and the senator faces intense pressure from his family to take him to India, where stem cell research offers hope. But the senator knows that course would likely cost him his constituents' support."The point of the movie is to put the whole issue in a personal perspective," Chawla said. "All of these people saying no (to the research), what would they say if they need it some day?"Honestly.  This is ridiculous.  Besides the name of the mov... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1512193 Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:21:00 +0100 1512193 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1449302&cid=t_114898_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F05%2F16%2Fyou-know-the-saying-everyone-has-a-twin%2F You’ve heard it time and again. Somebody tells you that you look just like so and so, and you eek out the standard reply: “Well, they say everyone has a twin.” Well, if you’re a seemingly normal 9-year-old girl in central Greece, you not only have a twin, but you carry her (or him) around in your stomach. Yes, this is true. The girl, who was suffering from stomach pains and a swollen belly, went to the hospital where doctors surgically removed a growth that was found to be the girl’s embryonic twin. A formed fetus, it was two inches long and had a head, hair and eyes - but no brain or umbilical cord. The girl has since made a full recovery, but the staggering thing is that this phenomenon has happened before. While it certainly isn’t considered common, i... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1449302 Sat, 17 May 2008 02:44:50 +0100 1449302 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1225338&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F626-We-dont-need-no-sinkin-embryos...fresh%2C-frozen-or-cloned.html U.S. scientists have announced that they have created induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) by reprograming adult skin cells. iPS cells have many of the same properties as pluripotent embryonic stem cells. From Forbes.com: U.S. scientists say they've reprogrammed human skin cells into ones with the same blank-slate properties as embryonic stem cells, a breakthrough that could aid in treating many diseases while sidestepping controversy.Human embryonic stem cells have the ability to become every cell type found in the human body. Being able to create these cells en masse and without using human eggs or embryos could generate a potentially limitless source of immune-compatible cells for tissue engineering and transplantation medicine, said the scientists, from the University of Californ... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1225338 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 20:21:20 +0100 1225338 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1223727&cid=t_114898_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=1217980&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F621-China-pharmaceutical-trade-a-prescription-for-disaster.html Some serious information to chew on from Phyllis Schlafly in the Bend Weekly News about importing drugs from China:Several months ago when the news broke about poisonous pet food and lead-laden toys from China, I asked my local pharmacy to give me a letter stating it is not selling me any prescription drugs imported from China. The reply was, "We don't buy any drugs from China."I said, "I know you don't, but I want you to check with your suppliers and verify that they don't buy from China." That request was met by thunderous silence.Now we know why. The Government Accountability Office reported that 80 percent of the drug substances used by U.S. manufacturers to produce prescription drugs is imported. The majority come from China.That means most of our medicines and med... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1217980 Fri, 08 Feb 2008 17:15:04 +0100 1217980 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1199977&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F618-CA-taxpayer-Suprise%21-Youre-a-venture-capitalist%21.html With, Prop 71, Californians voted to give $3 billion tax-payer dollars to fund human cloning and embryonic stem cell research. They were told that this money was necessary for cures to every disease imaginable. And not surprisingly, I am sure that most Californians were unaware of how long it would take for their hard earned pennies to actually yield therapies in humans. (That would be decades.) And I know Californians were not told that even though it was their money that funded the research and the trials, they were unlikely to see any discounts in resulting therapies. Taxpayer advocacy groups have successfully fought to make sure Californians reaped some of the reward from any grant money given out as a result of Prop 71.The Stem Cell Institute, the body that gets to pass out the $3 bi... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1199977 Mon, 04 Feb 2008 15:53:41 +0100 1199977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1180114&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F616-Does-your-state-fund-the-destruction-of-human-embryos.html I found this awesome breakdown of state funding for embryo-destructive research at HartfordBusiness.com. (I am telling you the business news is where it is at.) Here are some highlights:Seven states — including Connecticut — are leading the world in political and financial support for embryonic stem-cell research. Their goal: Attract the best stem-cell scientists from around the globe and become a hub for a multi-billion-dollar bioscience industry. So far, their plan appears to be working. In the past two years, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Wisconsin have awarded some $230 million in grants — more than three times as much as the federal government spent on embryonic stem-cell studies in that time — and there has been no shortage of scientists se... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1180114 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 16:17:24 +0100 1180114 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1149711&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F608-Deja-vu-all-over-again-with-ACT.html Advanced Cell Technologies first said it could extract embryonic stem cells without destroying embryos. Then it came out that the embryos in question where actually destroyed in the experiments. Now ACT says it can really extract embryonic stem cells without destoying the embryo. Is this the "new ethical alternative everyone has been looking for?" It wasn't before, and it still isn't. I will just recycle my entry from after the first announcement back in Spetember of 2006. I called it "Embryo destructive researchers just don't get it" When it was announced that Robert Lanza and Advanced Cell Technology (ACT) had proven that it was possible to extract embryonic stem cells from an embryo without destroying the embryo, the initial response was that this approach was gonna ... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1149711 Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:03:20 +0100 1149711 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1084321&cid=t_114898_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F198083708%2F Here are some links of new publications. All are ideas revisited by me from over the last few months. I read through a lot, and I mean a lot, of science journals and such this morning but the ones that I found the most interesting and news worthy were very similar to research I have shared previous. The new research takes things a step further… Depression linked to death following heart attack…Depression nearly triples the risk of death following a heart attack, even when accounting for other heart attack risk factors, according to research presented today at the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) annual meeting, which showed that among 360 depressed, post myocardial infarction patients followed for more than six years, those who did not recover from their depre... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1084321 Mon, 10 Dec 2007 14:49:32 +0100 1084321 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1044147&cid=t_114898_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F188384260%2F …a team of University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers reports the genetic reprogramming of human skin cells to create cells indistinguishable from embryonic stem cells. This is a huge advancement towards the treatment and cure for diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson’s. This would help put the ethical stem cell debate to rest and aid in the customization of cells for each and every patient. Immune-rejection would also be lessened using re-programmed cells. via University of Wisconsin Madison and Science Daily Share This (Source: Diabetes Notes) Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1044147 Wed, 21 Nov 2007 17:15:21 +0100 1044147 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1027142&cid=t_114898_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomensbioethics.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fevery-month-contains-miracle-part-two.html (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1027142 Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:13:00 +0100 1027142 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=863773&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F593-Saturn-Devouring-His-Son.html Goya's Saturn Devouring his Son is a horrible image that I will never forget seeing as a child flipping through my mother's art books. Seeing it at the Prado in Madrid was even more disturbing. Fr. Thomas Berg liken's StemLifeLine's recent announcement of their new "service" that will "extract" a "personalized" stem cell line from couple's "unused" IVF embryos to this horrific image in his piece, Ugly New World.Fr. Berg pulls no punchs explaining how StemLifeLine is selling a faulty bill of goods. First, they claim that they can provide “personal stem cell lines” that will provide couples and their families with their “own high quality, genetically-matched stem cells.” Berg writes:Experts have been quick to point out, of course, that this is scie... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=863773 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:22:45 +0100 863773 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=850009&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F591-Growing-teeth-from-embryonic-stem-cells.html This story from the Boston Globe has some great news, and bad. The NIH has decided to fund research projects that they call "daring":The National Institutes of Health plans to announce today that it will fund both of these projects as part of a $483 million initiative to support daring, difficult research that has the potential to solve intractable medical problems and transform patient care. Nine teams nationwide will each get $21 million to $25 million in this round of funding.So what are the daring projects? Some of them get a big thumbs up from me including preserving the fertility of women undergoing cancer treatment and discovering the connection between stress, self-control and addiction. This is the one I have a problem with:Boston researchers are about to begin a bold ex... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=850009 Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:16:21 +0100 850009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=838087&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F589-Parthenogenesis-New-approach-to-getting-embryonic-stem-cells.html International Stem Cell Corp. in Oceanside California has developed a way to derive pluripotent stem cells from unfertilized eggs. From the San Diego Business Journal (business news again): Now, International Stem Cell Corp. in Oceanside said it has a kind of scientific solution to the ongoing ethical and legal challenges facing stem cell research.A technology that derives stem cells from unfertilized human eggs, unlike human embryonic stem cells produced from fertilized eggs, is promising to land the company in the scientific spotlight. It says its technology, called parthenogenesis, eliminates the need to use fertilized embryos and results in the creation of human stem cell lines that have the ability to differentiate into almost every type of cell in the human body. “This is groundbre... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=838087 Mon, 03 Sep 2007 18:51:00 +0100 838087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=828368&cid=t_114898_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F149225559%2F Human embryonic cells has helped rebuild heart tissue in rats. Yes, the research was on rats but promising and welcomed none the less. Here is what the group of US researchers had to report… Implanting human embryonic stem cells in rats four days after they had heart attacks repaired heart muscles and improved heart function, researchers from the University of Washington and the biotechnology company Geron report in an article appearing Monday in the journal Nature Biotechnology. Previous attempts to “heal” with stem cells in a cardiac fashion have failed secondary to the limited success of deriving heart cells from the stem cells, as well as their failure to thrive. Imagine what could happen to the stem cell market if these same results can be found in humans. Wow! via S... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=828368 Tue, 28 Aug 2007 13:51:37 +0100 828368 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=814389&cid=t_114898_107_f&fid=36045&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbayblab.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Fhistone-code-cracked.html This report in Nature presents genome-wide CHIP maps of a variety of histone modifications in a few types of embryonic and stem cell lineages. Seems like they found some very interesting signatures that correlated well with gene expression status. For example, trimethylation at lysines 4 and 27 could discriminate expressed versus inducible versus repressed genes, whereas the same modification at lysines 4 and 9 marks imprinted regions. Very cool. Of course we'll have to see what the AC has to say for the expert opinion.I once proposed a similar project in a mock post-doc grant proposal for a systems biology grad class I took (except with the added minor step of cloning mice by somatic cell nuclear transfer). It got pretty bad reviews. Apparently some people thought it was too ambitious. Go... Bayblab blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=814389 Tue, 21 Aug 2007 23:52:00 +0100 814389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=805975&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F583-Problems-plague-embryonic-stem-cell-therapies.html According to CitizenLink, when discussing the potential of umbilical cord stem cells, Michael Cohen, CEO of National Stem Cell Holding has this to say:“By deriving these novel biomaterials from non-embryonic stem cells … we believe we can avoid the costly and time-consuming procedures that plague therapies developed from embryonic stem cells.”But aren't embryonic stem cells the best thing since sliced bread?  Aren't they the "most promising stem cell research."  Apparently, not so much. (Source: Mary Meets Dolly) Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=805975 Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:41:10 +0100 805975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=792962&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F577-Embryonic-Stem-Cell-Lines-Are-Not-All-Created-Equal.html I do not find it surprising that researchers have found that neurons developed from different embryonic stem cells lines grown in different conditions are different. That makes sense. From Medical News Today:When it comes to generating neurons, researchers have found that not all embryonic stem (ES) cell lines are equal. In comparing neurons generated from two NIH-approved embryonic stem cell lines, scientists have uncovered significant differences in the mature, functioning neurons generated from each line. The discovery implies that culture conditions during ES cell generation -- which have yet to be identified -- can influence the developmental properties of human ES cells.What I think is important is this news illustrates the "theorectically" is often dropped from the phrase ... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=792962 Fri, 10 Aug 2007 19:42:56 +0100 792962 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=792963&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F576-Cannibalize-your-offspring-for-stem-cells.html This is so outrageous that I had to take time out of getting my house ready to show to potential buyers to say a few words.Apparently, the IVF industry is catching on to the idea that "left-over" embryos are no longer seen as valuable human life even by their own parents. A partnership has been made between fertility clinics and a stem cell company to give IVF couples the option to use their "left-over" offspring to create personalized stem cell lines for themselves and other family members. From BusinessWire:Personalized Stem Cell Lines Available Through Leading Fertility ClinicsStemLifeLine Partners with Clinics in Colorado, Nevada and Idaho SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--StemLifeLine, a Bay Area-based life sciences company, announced t... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=792963 Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:26:29 +0100 792963 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=726297&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F570-Righteous-Indignation.html A reader of the Blue Ridge Times has these very colorful words to say about the misrespresentation of the President's policy on public funding for embryonic stem cell research:To The Editor: Turning the embryonic stem cell veto into cheap political hay by two liberals is so dishonest it's not even laughable. Sen. Clinton, flanked by a diabetic and a car accident paraplegic, declared at Dartmouth: "Every day that passes, we have families like the Walters and the Clarks waiting and wondering whether their government is really on the side of helping and saving the lives of their loved ones," accusing the president of being principled. Wish she had the same credentials. Speaker Pelosi stuffs her fundraising appeal with "the president will say 'no' to ... saving lives and potenti... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=726297 Tue, 10 Jul 2007 22:27:41 +0100 726297 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=694186&cid=t_114898_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F06%2F25%2Fcould-adult-blood-stem-cells-treat-diabetes%2F This study caught my eye, especially in light of President Bush's recent veto (once again!) over lifting restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Now here's one way to make an end run around the Bush roadblock. An early-stage mice study has shown adult blood may yield insulin-creating stem cells. Not only that, the adult blood could be a better source than the ethically-debated stem cells from fertilized eggs. Dr. Zhao from University of Illinois extracted insulin-making stem cells from the blood of diabetic mice. The cells were then condensed into a solution. After injecting the solution back into the mice, normal blood-sugar levels were maintained for three months, no treatment required. Dr. Zhao is planning to seek National Institutes of Health funding for huma... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=694186 Mon, 25 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 694186 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=676328&cid=t_114898_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=623807&cid=t_114898_134_f&fid=35152&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsstrumello.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F05%2Fhuman-embryonic-stem-cells-cultured_19.html On Thursday, May 17, 2007, a private company known as Geron Corp., which is based in Menlo Park, CA (near Stanford University) reported that they had successfully transformed human embryonic stem cells into the pancreatic beta cells. Earlier research was able to successfully culture beta cells in vitro, but those cultured beta cells did not properly release insulin in response to glucose. In Genron's lab dishes, the cultured cells produced insulin, glucagon and somatostatin, three of the major hormones produced by islet cells.It is now fairly is well-established that islet transplantation, which can potentially be done on an outpatient basis by infusing beta cells into the patient's portal vein, can restore insulin independence, at least temporarily. The early results using the Edmonton Pr... Scott's Web Log blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=623807 Sat, 19 May 2007 16:20:00 +0100 623807 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=612267&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F563-American-College-of-Pediatricians-Calls-for-End-to-Embryonic-Stem-Cell-Research.html From Lifesite:GAINESVILLE, May 14, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The American College of Pediatricians (ACP) has called for an end to embryonic stem cell research and recommends the exclusive support of already proven effective adult stem cell research. "Not only does embryonic research require taking the life of human embryos, it also prolongs needless suffering by delaying the development of more promising adult stem cell treatments and cures," stated Michelle Cretella, MD, Fellow of the American College of Pediatricians. Research using non-embryo sources of stem cells, including amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood, placenta and adult blood, fat and various organs, have yielded impressive results, the organization suggests."Adult stem cells are now routinely used in certain f... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=612267 Tue, 15 May 2007 23:52:00 +0100 612267 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=588170&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F556-Extracting-stem-cells-from-embryos-aint-like-organ-donation.html I admit I haven't heard the "using embryos for embryonic stem cells is just like organ donation" analogy before.  In his letter to The Delware News Journal, Dr. Neef tears that rational apart:Medical research will run short of young embryosIn discussions about Senate Bill 5, which would legalize cloning for medical research, state Rep. Debbie Hudson was quoted in The News Journal as saying, "The decision of a couple to use an embryo that would otherwise be earmarked for destruction was similar to organ donation." I respectively disagree with the analogy.If allowed to develop, an embryo becomes a baby. The stem cells within the embryo become organs. So donating an embryo for research in which it will be destroyed to harvest its stem cells is like donating a baby to have... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=588170 Thu, 03 May 2007 22:54:40 +0100 588170 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=566336&cid=t_114898_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F04%2F24%2Fis-targeting-stem-cells-the-way-to-cure-cancer%2F Filed under: All Cancers, Stem Cell, ResearchSome scientists think that the reason cancer recurs is because we haven't gotten to the root of the disease. What they mean by the root is -- the cancer stem cells. Stem cells can reproduce and make exact copies of themselves and can live longer than ordinary cells. Embryonic stem cells can have the potential to become many different types of cells, whereas adult stem cells are generally limited to becoming into the cell types of a specific organ. The researchers gave the analogy of a dandelion that is growing in your backyard. You can cut the weed but if you don't kill the root the dandelion will grow back. It seems that our treatments today for cancer can kill the ordinary cancer cells but can leave the stem cells behind to grow into new tumo... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=566336 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 566336 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=549899&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F544-Illness%2C-the-new-moral-authority.html The U.S. Senate recently voted to expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.  President Bush has vowed to veto the legislation as he has done before, so there will most likely not be a change in policy.  That being said, what is interesting about the debates in Congress is that illness has become the new moral authority.This piece by Dana Milbank really makes me sick, I mean ill.  If you weren't a hypochondriac before you read this article, you sure will be after:For those who have always thought politicians are a sick bunch, this week's Senate debate on stem cell research provided ample confirmation."I sustained an episode with Hodgkin's lymphoma cancer two years ago," disclosed Arlen Specter (R-Pa.)."As a child I suffered from polio," confided Mitch M... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=549899 Tue, 17 Apr 2007 22:27:03 +0100 549899 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=547559&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F542-Are-Your-Charitable-Dollars-Funding-the-Destruction-of-Life.html According to CitizenLink here are some charities you do not want to give your money to:Support Embryonic Stem Cell Research and Human CloningAlliance for Aging Research Alzheimer's Society (UK) American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF) Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation Children's Neurobiological Solutions Foundation Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation National Multiple Sclerosis Society Michael J. Fox FoundationParkinson's Disease FoundationSupport Embryonic Stem Cell ResearchALS Association American Cancer Society1 Multiple Sclerosis National Research Institute March of Dimes North American Brain Tumor Coalition Paralyzed Veterans of America Spinal Cord Research Foundation The Susan G. K... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=547559 Tue, 17 Apr 2007 01:26:56 +0100 547559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=523039&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F531-Embryonic-stem-cell-patents-ruled-invalid.html U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has told the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, or WARF, that the three patents they hold on human embryonic stem cells are invalid.This is very big news because those three patents are widely thought to be hampering embryonic stem cell research.  How?  Because WARF held the patents for work on embryonic stem cells, anyone in the U.S. who wanted to work human embryonic stem cells had to pay royalities and be subject to restrictions.  From the Los Angeles Times:The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has invalidated three broad patents for human embryonic stem cells that have been blamed for slowing research in the highly visible field of regenerative medicine.The office ruled the discovery of embryonic stem cells from primates — including humans — was ... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=523039 Thu, 05 Apr 2007 17:28:32 +0100 523039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=497712&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F520-Different-faiths%2C-different-takes-on-embryonic-stem-cell-research.html The Center for American Progress has a list of different faiths and their stance (or lack thereof) on embryonic stem cell research.  It is certainly an interesting read.  Here are some highlights:Assemblies of God: The Assemblies of God oppose embryonic stem cell research, saying, “Potential medical benefits do not justify destroying human life at any stage of development.” The Assemblies also oppose somatic cell nuclear transfer on the basis that it involves “the creation and destruction of human life for medical research.”The Catholic Church: There is some debate among Catholic ethicists, but the Catholic Church officially opposes embryonic stem cell research, frequently citing Pope John Paul II’s plea for a “culture of life,” grouping the science with abortion, euthanasia and �... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=497712 Sat, 24 Mar 2007 01:08:54 +0100 497712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=485948&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F513-Time-to-invest-in-stem-cell-companies.html In 2004, Californians voted to give $3 billion dollars to embryonic stem cell and therapeutic cloning research, even though their state budget was a disaster.  Californians were duped into thinking that cures were just around the corner if only researchers had more money for therapeutic cloning and embryonic stem cell research.  Unfortunately, this money is going to go to universities and companies who will create and destroy human life and then patent any discoveries.  Then, they will turn around and make millions.  Will the Californian taxpayers get some return on their $3 billion investment, like a refund on their income tax?  Or even free or discounted "cures" that are supposed to come from throwing all that money at therapeutic cloning?  Don't count on it.So what does... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=485948 Sun, 11 Mar 2007 08:39:02 +0100 485948 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=485949&cid=t_114898_131_f&fid=34999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marymeetsdolly.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%3F%2Farchives%2F512-Stem-cell-and-cloning-links.html Here is an update with some great links you much check out and one that is now defunk. Richard Doerflinger on 75 news reasons to reconsider embryonic stem cells.Dr. Beverly on how researchers that work on embryonic stem cells are trying to get them to behave like adult stem cells.  Of course, they are.  To repair heart tissue the cells need to be differentiated into heart cells, not left as embryonic cells that are for building an embryo.And the best link I have found is now defunk.  I have to say I am very sad about this.  Princeton's Dept. of Molecular Biology had a great tutorial on somatic cell nuclear transfer that showed that SCNT created a cloned embryo.  This link no longer works.  Have they finally succumbed to political pressure to stop calling the product of SCNT an embryo... Mary Meets Dolly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=485949 Sat, 10 Mar 2007 17:39:54 +0100 485949