Posts Tagged ‘stem cell’

Stem cell research is a dead end

Monday, August 10th, 2009

FALSE.

In fact, at just one of the U.S.-based research centers we’ve spoken with, there are all kinds of disorders and illnesses that stem cells are being used to investigate for cures:

The National Center for Regenerative Medicine’s research focuses on cancer, heart disease, diseases of the brain and nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease, musculoskeletal and orthopedics diseases or disorders, such as bone fractures and muscular dystrophy, and other genetic disorders.

Continuing research conducted by NCRM investigators includes:

* Exploring the use of stem cells from the umbilical cords of newborn babies as a new effective source for cell transplantation for thousands of leukemia patients who would have no other treatment option.

* Investigating the regeneration of neurons (nerve cells) and other nervous system cells for the potential treatment of spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis.

* Defining treatments using non-embryonic stem cells to grow new blood vessels to replace damaged ones, and having the potential to augment conventional therapies such as artery bypass grafting and angioplasty.

* Studying the use of non-embryonic stem cells to treat musculoskeletal disorders that are caused by degeneration or traumatic damage of bones and cartilage, including degenerative joint disease, complex bone fractures, dental disease, and severe skin disorders.

Stem Cells Can Treat Blindness

Friday, February 20th, 2009

This week’s episode of Eleventh Hour, but like most things in biotech the science behind the show is as relevant as ever. This week British scientists announced they would begin a new clinical trial to restore sight to 20 patients suffering from corneal blindness through stem cell therapy. The technology uses adult stem cells to restore eye tissue and function by layering fresh stem cells over the cornea, allowing the cells in the eye to regenerate.

British scientists are emulating a similar study done at the University of Pennsylvania where researchers demonstrated that gene therapy used to restore retinal activity to the blind also restores function to the brain’s visual center, a critical component of seeing. If the therapy is successful it could have an enormous impact on the visually impaired community. According to Sonal Rughani, Senior Adviser and Optometrist from the Royal National Institute of Blind People, “We look forward to further positive developments in this area of work that could potentially bring hope to many people who have lost their sight as the result of corneal blindness.”

Stem cell therapy for blindness is most effective on children afflicted with blindness. To learn more about one child’s stem cell infusion therapy, check out the following video:

Episode 13 Live Blog

Thursday, February 5th, 2009

Eleventh Hour Facts was once again privileged to have live blogger Michael Gilkey from the National Center for Regenerative Medicine for Episode 13. You can read more about Michael here.

Episode 12 Live Blog

Thursday, January 29th, 2009

Episode twelve’s live blogger was Michael Gilkey from the National Center for Regenerative Medicine.

The National Center for Regenerative Medicine leverages the capabilities of its partner institutions — Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, and University Hospitals Case Medical Center — to provide a comprehensive approach, from basic through clinical research, in developing innovative adult stem cell and tissue engineering therapies for patients suffering from chronic and debilitating diseases.

Michael Gilkey is the Marketing and Operations Manager for NCRM and assists in the development and execution of organizational strategy, planning and execution of both external and internal marketing efforts, facilitates business development and creation with Center members, and provides administrative and operational support. Michael Gilkey earned two degrees from Case Western Reserve University. The first was a MS in Biomedical Engineering and the second was a MBA with concentrations in Bioscience Entrepreneurship and Marketing. He also has a BS in Biological Engineering from Louisiana State University.

Facts on Heart Attacks

Thursday, October 16th, 2008

Given that we know as much as you do about tonight’s episode (not much!)… we’ve decided to go in a different direction this week. We do know that two young boys in Georgia die of unexplained heart attacks. Instead of guessing what fictional boogie-man the show will create tonight, we’ve decided to show you just what biotech is doing to prevent heart attacks in the first place – as well as treat cardiac conditions leading up to (and following) heart attacks.

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Michael Werner Talks About Cloning

Wednesday, October 1st, 2008

We managed to grab some valuable time from Michael Werner – one of the founding members of the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research. During our chat, we asked him a series of questions about cloning, and whether the fiction that was Eleventh Hour’s first episode is really a possibility.  Here’s what he said:

Facts on Reproductive Cloning

Wednesday, October 1st, 2008

Reproductive Cloning – as seen on tonight’s show – is the use of cloning technology to create a living human being. This “reproductive cloning” lies in sharp contrast to what is known as “therapeutic cloning” – the use of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) to create special stem cells. SCNT involves removing the nucleus of an unfertilized egg cell, replacing it with the material from the nucleus of a “somatic cell” (a skin, heart, or nerve cell, for example), and stimulating this cell to begin dividing. Once the cell begins dividing, stem cells can be extracted 5-6 days later and used in research of debilitating diseases. This could even mean that scientists could potentially create stem cells that could cure a patient using his/her own DNA.

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