CIRM has indicated that the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommended that CIRM provide funding for training and research on ethics and regulatory issues. In response to this recommendation and with the perspectives of various “CIRM funded researchers and other experts”, CIRM has responded with a new ethics & regulatory recommendation document. I have read it […]
CIRM Ethics & Regulatory Steps: highly responsive to IOM Read More »
It has been a tough year for Korean stem cell biotech RNL Bio in my opinion. It is involved in litigation with former patients and its former partner, Celltex. It is also reportedly under investigation by the Korean Government for alleged stem cell smuggling. The stock of this publicly-traded company has also been battered. On
Tough times at stem cell company RNL Bio Read More »
Over the last few weeks, I have enjoyed talking with and interviewing Dr. Allan Wu, of The Morrow Institute on stem cell cosmetic procedures. I was impressed greatly by his talk at the World Stem Cell Summit last year. Dr. Wu is a fellowship trained Surgical Molecular Biologist with a background in Molecular Embryology and a board
Interview with Regenerative Surgeon, Dr. Allan Wu Read More »
More and more often I find myself chatting with reporters and science writers about stem cells. They want to know more for background on articles on topics ranging from core stem cell scientific issues to stem cell clinics. Over time I’ve realized I’ve been telling reporters and science writers some consistent things that amount to
Reporters & sci-writers guide to interviewing stem cell clinics: key questions Read More »
The fellow at the center of what appears to be a made up story about iPS cell transplantation into humans is named Hisashi Moriguchi. Two new articles in the Japanese media support the notion that he has made the whole iPS cell transplant story up: here and here. Most people I’ve talked to in the
More on Moriguchi: bogus iPS cell transplant poster guy Read More »
What are Conflict of Interests (COI)? The term COI is sometimes used inappropriately as a weapon by one party to attempt to discredit others. We see this more and more frequently in the stem cell field with boosters of for-profit, non-FDA vetted adult stem cell clinics attacking scientists for supposed COIs for what…..apparently for simply
Real and imaginary conflicts of interest: a helpful guide Read More »
The stem cell world is getting more complicated. There are more good guys and bad guys out there than ever. In the Old West, at least as portrayed in the old movies I used to watch as a kid, the bad guy often had a black hat and the good guy a white hat. In
Who’s who? How to tell the stem cell good guys from the bad guys Read More »
I’ve been doing a series of blog posts about scientists called “The elephant in the lab” in which I discuss taboo, but important topics in science. Today we are focusing on the top 10 dumbest things that scientists do…and hence today’s entry in this series might be called “Dumbo in the Lab” instead of “Elephant in
Stupid scientist tricks: what we do that we shouldn’t Read More »
The International Cellular Medicine Society (ICMS) has emerged as an important organization related to stem cell regulatory issues. I think that many people do not understand what ICMS is all about and it certainly evokes strong opinions in the stem cell field. If you care about stem cells then you need to know about ICMS
ICMS President Rodriguez interview on adult stem cell regulatory issues Read More »
Whether it is people or cells, how much control do we really have over their behavior? Very little. The Secret Service is at the center of a huge international scandal involving prostitution and potentially compromised nationally security. Clearly, the Secret Service failed to do their incredibly important job of protecting the President and national security,
Scandalous stem cell clinic behavior? Read More »