Month: August 2012

The good, the bad, and the ugly of the Republican Convention

I watched some parts of the big speeches at this year’s Republican Convention in Tampa and was struck by a number of things running the gamut from good to bad to ugly. I think Mrs. Romney did a good job on her speech. She came across as likable and someone I can imagine as a …

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Caloric restriction: dieting monkeys teach human scientists?

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The notion of caloric restriction (CR) as a means to prolong human life is intriguing. The basic idea of CR is that if you eat a lot less than the average person you’ll live longer. You might even live a higher quality, healthier life. But is this true? (update: see my newer post on 5 …

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The Stem Cell Olympics: a fun way to understand different kinds of stem cells

Sometimes it can get bewildering to try to understand all the different kinds of stem cells. What’s the difference? What makes embryonic stem cells different than adult stem cells than induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells? I can give you technical definitions and you can learn more here in my post “What are stem cells?”, but …

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Dubious stem cell clinics increasing and at epidemic levels

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Over the years on a fairly regular basis I’ve been contacted by patients seeking information about stem cell treatments and stem cell clinics. Note that patients may want to check out my stem cell patient guide, which has key questions and advocates for a critical, skeptical view of these offerings. But in 2012 the number …

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Please tell Guv Jerry Brown to sign the Roman Reed Spinal Cord Injury Research Act

Please support the Roman Reed Spinal Cord Injury Research Act. It’s in Jerry Brown’s hands now. This will take 1 minute of your time and make a world of difference. How to get in touch? You may contact Governor Jerry Brown by mail at: Governor Jerry Brown, c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173, Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) …

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Analysis: what does the federal court embryonic ruling really mean & what’s next?

Knoepfler lab stem cells

Today the US Federal Court of Appeals via a 3-judge panel ruled in favor of continued NIH funding of human embryonic stem cell research (hESCR). The ruling is a setback for pro-life extremists trying to shut down a very promising avenue of stem cell-based regenerative medicine with their lawsuit. It’s a good day for the …

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Federal Appeals Court Rules in Favor of Federally Funded Embryonic Stem Cell Research

There has been a long and winding road for a lawsuit against federal funding of embryonic stem cell research (ESCR). The latest phase was an appeal by the plaintiffs (those suing the government to stop federal funding of ESCR) to a U.S. Appeals Court of a decision that went against them in the D.C. Court …

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