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 »
For the second year in a row (see awards 2011), Advanced Cell Technology (ACT; stock symbol ACTC) is my stem cell biotech of the year. Their trials for different forms of macular degeneration (here and here and here) are progressing well and as a stem cell scientist I really appreciate the fact they are publishing their …
Stem cell biotech of the year 2012: Advanced Cell Technology (ACTC) Read More »
Here on The Niche I’m giving out a Stem Cell Person of the Year Award for 2012 along with all my other annual awards (e.g. best stem cell journal, paper, blog, comic, activist, etc). 2020 update: you can see future winners of the award here. The Person of the Year winner will get recognition for …
Stem Cell Person of the Year Finalists: time to vote 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 »
Next month there is going to be a new stem cell meeting taking place. The 1st Annual Houston Stem Cell Summit. The primary sponsor is Celltex. I’d encourage everyone to go, but I’m not so sure it’d be worth it. Why? I’m always glad to see another stem cell meeting and this one is surely unique in …
Houston stem cell meeting lacks diversity & risks falling to groupthink 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 »
I’ve sponsored a stem cell essay contest with two winners: age 18 or younger (category 1) and age 19 or older (category 2). The deadline has passed and we have our winners. I received a number of interesting essays and today I’m happy to announce the winner in the younger category: Claire August. I’ll announce the category …
Stem cell essay contest winner category 1: Claire August Read More »
It’s been another wacky week in the stem cell world ranging from the Zombie to the Magical. Well, at least it’s Friday, right? In the stem cell world a Friday is not that different than any other day as stem cells often require 7-days a week care, but still Fridays are nice. OK, the …
TGIF: The good, bad and zombie stem cell headlines for week of June 15 Read More »
On Monday I had the privilege to participate in a very unique meeting down in San Diego, CA with Governor Rick Perry of Texas. The focus was on the future of stem cell translational research and clinical application. The small meeting was hosted by Jerry Henberger of the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego, at the Scripps …
Meeting with Rick Perry to build stem cell bridges Read More »