What does the FDA define as “minimally manipulated” when it comes to biologics such as stem cells? You will be shocked to find out, but they include irradiation and treatment with the super toxin/carcinogen, ethylene oxide. In a recent post I discussed the issue of an apparent “minimal manipulation” exception (some might even call it a […]
A guide to Guide to Safe Use of Plastics. Our entire world is full of plastics these days to the point that we ourselves are now partially made of plastic literally. When you hear someone say that another person is so “plastic”, slang meaning artificial, these days it is kind of literally true, but for
Helpful Concise Guide to Safe Use of Plastics Read More »
It’s a confusing time at the Vatican, which arguably has an international stem cell scandal of its own making on its hands. What the heck is going on? In an embarrassing move, they organized a stem cell conference for this year and then abruptly cancelled it, with the reason being that they had originally invited
Vatican flunks Pepsi Challenge on Stem Cells? Read More »
The Vatican has reportedly killed its planned upcoming stem cell conference. What’s the scoop? Last year the Vatican had an invitation only stem cell conference at which embryonic stem cell researchers, who are presumably going to Hell, and discussion of embryonic stem cell research were banned. I did a number of posts on this 2011
Vatican in turmoil as it kills its upcoming stem cell conference Read More »
GO here for an even newer updated look at protecting one’s stem cells. Regenerative medicine is very exciting. But what’s even better than regenerative medicine? Preventative medicine. If one can prevent a problem from occurring in the first place, it is far better than trying to treat it after the fact. Of course in many
Five simple ways to protect your stem cells to stay healthy and biologically younger Read More »
These days when we think of the words “scientific” and “sin”, we might conjure up an image of a stem cell scientist being called a sinner by extremist anti-stem cell activists. As you know, I think that is bogus. In this article that’s not the kind of scientific sin I’m talking about. Rather, I’m talking
Seven sins of scientists: starting with failure to cite Read More »
Each month or so, the leadership of CIRM, also know as the Board or the ICOC, meets to discuss CIRM issues of business, policies, grants, and so forth. Today the ICOC is having such a meeting here in Sacramento and I went to half the meeting. I would have gone to the whole thing, but
What’s it like inside of a CIRM Board meeting? Impressive! Read More »
A lot of people are very upset at Pepsi for allegedly using stem cells in their research on artificial sweeteners. Why? What’s the real scoop here and what lessons can be learned from this more generally? I’ve been blogging as this controversy has evolved including posts such as Stem Cells in my Pepsi?, Stem cell myths: from
The truth about Pepsi & Stem Cells: larger lessons to be learned Read More »
When it comes to stem cell therapy, there is a gray area that many companies across America are exploiting to sell stem cell-based transplants that are not explicitly approved: “minimally manipulated” cells. What does “minimally manipulated cells” mean? Who knows. Unfortunately, the definition is not clear and this term is interpreted differently depending on whom
Minimally manipulated cells & maximally manipulated human guinea pigs? Read More »
What does the future hold for the California Stem Cell Agency, CIRM? AP Science Writer, Alicia Chang, weighs in with a new piece, quoting a number of scientists including me. As much as others are considering the future of CIRM, CIRM itself is thinking about this key question itself about halfway through its originally charted
Perspectives on CIRM’s future Read More »