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 …
Dubious stem cell clinics increasing and at epidemic levels Read More »
I know. I know. Scientists are not supposed to publicly talk about the question of when life begins and about death, but these are kind of important things to talk about and think about, don’t you think? I do. So here goes…. It’s been a very intense, crazy few weeks for me and for many …
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 …
Federal Appeals Court Rules in Favor of Federally Funded Embryonic Stem Cell Research Read More »
Yesterday, UC Davis Professor, Simon Chan, passed away. You can read more about Simon and the touching comments of many friends and colleagues of his here. When I heard the news, I felt like my heart stopped and I couldn’t breathe for a moment. How was this possible? It seems unreal. Ever since that moment …
Mitt Romney announced on Saturday that his running mate would be Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. Ryan is a handsome, charming guy who American’s can tell already is much more at ease campaigning than Romney. However, Ryan’s voting record is extremely troubling and far from charming. In fact, it is downright ugly. The Chronicle of …
Meet the real, not so charming Paul Ryan: an extremist out of touch with most Americans Read More »
All science, whether biology or physics, whether microscopic or at the solar system level, is about experiments. Sometimes we as a society forget that. In fact, experiments are at the heart of investigations as diverse as studying cells to exploring space to medical treatments. For NASA, the last week has been a tale of two …
NASA’s wickedly up & down week: broader lessons about science & medicine Read More »
Could Usain Bolt’s doctor be treating athletes with unproven stem cell treatments? The idea is not so far-fetched, I was surprised to learn. Read on. Bolt is an amazing sprinter. He’s a joy to watch. During the 2012 Olympics I’ve watched a few of his races and he has had almost super-human speed. The winner …
Usain Bolt’s doctor giving athletes unproven stem cell treatments? Read More »
What would a Romney victory mean for MS patients? Not good news I believe. As we’ve sort of, kinda gotten to know the Romney’s as potential President and First Lady, we’ve all learned some interesting things about them. I, for one, do not feel as though I know them very well still. Like many Americans, …
Why a Romney victory would equal a big defeat for MS patients Read More »
Cancer is often referred to as the “Big C”. It’s a powerful word with many implications. Another “Big C” word is “Cure”. I believe “Cure” is also a loaded word. I am a cancer survivor and cancer scientist. You can read more about my experience here. Recently I got some more good news on the …
What to start a blog? With my concise advice below, you should be ready to get started. I say, “Go for it!” I know there are quite a lot of people interested in starting to blog, but perhaps a bit uncertain or even intimidated by the idea. I think this is especially true amongst scientists. …