In June 2011 I did a post about genomics and its growing importance both for science and society. The stem cell field has a very rapidly accelerating genomic component as well. I went so far as to call it a revolution and I still believe that is not an exaggeration. CIRM has rightly recognized the …
What does it take to succeed in science? Here are some key ingredients in my opinion after 22 years in academic science. Passion. One important ingredient that we cannot necessarily change significantly about ourselves, but that I think nonetheless is crucial for success, is a true excitement for science. Sometimes people even go so far …
While my gel was running….advice for success in science to newbies Read More »
This post is focused on the important facts you need to know about stem cells as drugs. Many of the folks out there who want to earn a living to scamming vulnerable patients with so-called “stem cell treatments” have been upset that the U.S. FDA continues to view stem cell-based therapies and indeed cell therapies …
Stem cell treatments, drugs, and the key facts you need to know Read More »
About two months about Geron shocked and disappointed the stem cell community by dropping its stem cell program. The move was reportedly made for financial, not scientific reasons. Biotech companies have to be financially sound in order to help stem cell researchers turn science into cures and Geron’s leadership had to do what it thought …
What does Geron’s departure mean for ACT? Some perspectives Read More »
I’m a stem cell researcher and I’m very excited about the potential of stem cell therapies, but my excitement is mostly directed to the future. I’m also a cancer survivor and I know what it is like to get a grave diagnosis and how important hope is and sometimes patients and their families need hope …
Balancing hope and danger with dubious stem cell treatments: a report from Canada Read More »
Happy Friday! I don’t know about you, but it’s been a long week for me and it will continue over the weekend with grants and papers, etc. That’s just par for the course in science. Some of you have seen that I had an article published this week in HuffingtonPost. You can read it here. …
In a matter of just a few days we saw three big positive moves against stem cell tourism that will no doubt make a big difference even if there is a long slog ahead against dubious stem cell clinics trying to exploit patients. First, we had the 60 Minutes broadcast on Sunday containing a segment against …
A trifecta of wins against stem cell tourism: 60 Minutes, FDA, and China Read More »
This Sunday 60 Minutes ran an expose piece of sorts on dubious stem cell therapies. The segment primarily focused on Dr. Dan Ecklund and his website “StemTechLabs” in Ecuador. Ecklund was surprised by CBS reporter Scott Pelley during a visit to the U.S. and 60 Minutes ran segments of the interview that seemed very damning …
60 Minutes Stung Stem Cell Doctor Fires Back But Not Convincingly Read More »
Last night 60 Minutes broadcasted ( you can watch the episode here) a long awaited 2nd segment in their continuing investigation of stem cell fraud. The first segment investigating phony doctors Stowe and Morales led to their ultimate pursuit by the FBI and indictment, aired in a couple years ago. The new episode on stem …
Portrait of an alleged stem cell fraud: my thoughts on 60 Minutes episode Read More »
A few years back 60 minutes did an expose on “Drs.” Stowe and Morales who allegedly took money from vulnerable patients in exchange for potentially dangerous and useless stem cell treatments. On Sunday, 60 Minutes will air a new episode going after the stem cell bad guys. The parents of a child that an alleged …
New 60 Minutes Episode on Sunday Takes Down Stem Cell Bad Guys Read More »