I recently did a Q&A interview with NeoStem CEO Dr. Robin Smith. I posted Part 1 of that interview a few days ago here. Now we have part two focused on VSEL, ES cells, and iPS cells. PK: I frequently have readers of my blog ask questions about VSEL. They seem puzzled and unsure of […]
Interview with NeoStem CEO Robin Smith Part 2: VSEL, ES cells, and iPS cells Read More »
I recently met the CEO of NeoStem, Dr. Robin Smith, at the 2012 World Stem Cell Summit in Florida. We had a great talk and I invited Dr. Smith to do an interview for my blog. She agreed and has provided very frank answers to my questions, some of which I think were very difficult
Interview with NeoStem CEO Robin Smith Part 1 Read More »
Sergei Filin, the ballet master of the famed Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow, was the victim of a nasty acid attack to the face and eyes. As the case remains under investigation, Filin was reportedly treated with a high-risk, unproven stem cell treatment to the eyes using umbilical cord stem cells. Allogeneic stem cell treatments are
Eyes of Bolshoi acid attack victim Sergei Filin treated with unproven stem cell therapy Read More »
It’s been a crazy week with a story about Harvard Geneticist George Church supposedly in his new book and in a magazine interview promoting the idea of cloning Neanderthals and possibly people too. I blogged about it here. The German Magazine Der Spiegel did interviewed Church (English version of interview is here) and many things
I recently did a poll asking folks how they thought blogging would affect an academic’s career and got 50 responses. The results suggest that most respondents thought it was not particularly harmful to one’s career. 18% and 4% thought it mildly and strongly negative, respectively. Far more were enthusiastic as 52% and 6% thought it
How does blogging affect an academic career? In poll most think it is a bit positive Read More »
I attended the CIRM Board meeting yesterday in Berkeley in which they discussed what actions to take in response to a review of CIRM by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). After having a bit of time now to digest all that happened, I think this is the biggest development for CIRM in many years. The
Biggest day for CIRM in years: Board approves bold one-year experiment Read More »
The CIRM Board went ahead today and voted in favor, in principle, of the proposed changes in response to the IOM recommendations. It seems to be a non-binding vote at some level since the Board will vote again in March after more review. Important questions remain: What does the vote today really means if the
I just gave a public comment to the CIRM Board encouraging them to take time and allow time for the public to digest the proposed CIRM changes before voting. People reading this blog have already asked me “Paul, do you support the changes?” and my answer is that I’m not sure. I just haven’t had
I just commented on CIRM proposed changes related to IOM: take some time before vote Read More »
CIRM Board Members continue to discuss the proposed changes in response to the IOM report (see pic above). There seems to be a slight majority in favor of the proposed changes amongst the board, however several board members are saying they need more time to consider the proposed changes and are uncomfortable voting today. As
CIRM Board: Will it hold a quick shot vote today on dramatic changes? Read More »
CIRM is holding a meeting today on how to respond to the IOM recommendations on CIRM operations. I’m a CIRM grantee who is live blogging this meeting. My opinions are my own. The IOM, amongst other things, recommended that patient advocates on the CIRM Board not be allowed to be voting members of the CIRM