One of the most exciting types of stem cells are mesenchymal stem cells or MSCs. Although there is some debate about these cells (e.g. I once heard Irv Weissman say at a meeting he wasn’t sure they really existed as such), a consensus would seem to be that they have great potential medical potential. Perhaps …
Mapping global trends in MSC & stem cell clinical trials: unexpected findings Read More »
I’m a UC system employee, but I really hate the new UC logo. Look below on the left is our old logo and now the new one on the right. I haven’t found a single person who likes the new logo or thinks the change was wise, but what exactly does this new logo seem …
Take funny poll on what new UC logo most symbolizes to you Read More »
What’s the big deal about unproven stem cell treatments, patients often ask me. Why should patients avoid these? Because paradoxically such treatments, intended to cure disease, can have devastating negative consequences for your health. I’m doing an eight-part series, “Eight simple reasons not to get a stem cell treatment”. The first two blog posts were …
Who is Peter Nygård? A few days ago at the World Stem Cell Summit prior to the awards dinner there was a social gathering. This kind of thing is usually a good opportunity for more dialogue. When I got there I noticed two very famous people having what appeared to be an intense meeting of …
Peter Nygård anti-aging guru draws a crowd at WSCS2012 Read More »
The Knoepfler Lab Blog is giving out a Stem Cell Person of the Year 2012 Award (details here) with a cash prize of $1000. The deadline for nominations for this award is in 10 days. So far I’ve received almost 20 nominations, but I’d like even more. Call me crazy for this as it’ll just …
Ten days until nominations due for Knoepfler Lab Stem Cell Person of the Year 2012 Award Read More »
A scientist named Dr. Rongxiang Xu has, according to the newspaper The Australian, sued the Nobel Prize Committee for giving the award to Yamanaka and Gurdon and not him. Xu is quoted in the article that he “discovered ‘regenerative cells’ in 1984. The suit filed in S. California, alleges libel and unfair competition. The Australian …
Chinese scientist sues Nobel Committee for defamation over awards to Yamanaka and Gurdon Read More »
I’ve asked Celltex a few questions about the lawsuits between it and RNL Bio/Biostar. I appreciate their willingness to engage on this. Note, I’m also hoping to obtain contact information for RNL Bio/Biostar to ask them some questions too. Below are my questions and the Celltex answers, hopefully part 1 of 2 parts with the 2nd …
Q & A with Celltex on lawsuits between it and RNL Bio/Biostar: part 1 Read More »
Celltex is a stem cell company in Texas most well known for Guv Rick Perry’s stem cell transplant. The Celltex business model is to isolate, amplify, and bank patients’ stem cells for subsequent treatment by physicians (for more background including on the FDA role see here and here). Until the last few weeks, an important element …
Celltex and former partner RNL Bio/Biostar sue each other: what’s going on? Read More »
This morning here at The World Stem Cell Summit there was a healthy, frank discussion of the risks associated with receiving unlicensed, unproven stem cell therapies. Dr. Jim Guest presented first and gave a great talk about the risks associated with stem cell treatments. One such risk that was mentioned is inadequate characterization of stem …
Frank panel on hidden dangers of stem cell treatments to patients at WSCS2012 Read More »
It was near to a stem cell wonk’s heaven to be in the audience for a panel discussion, entitled Understanding the Legal and Policy Challenges to Stem Cell Research, here at the World Stem Cell summit in Florida late this afternoon. The stellar panel included Jeanne Loring of Scripps, Beth Roxland of Hofstra University and formerly of …
WSCS2012: outstanding panel discussion on legal challenges to stem cell research Read More »