There has been a big jump in paper retractions in science over the last 20 years. What’s going on? How do the trends in the stem cell field compare to other fields like cancer research and more broadly? Is AI going to change the dynamic between those engaging in misconduct and those who are looking for misconduct […]
Trends in retractions as AI arms race on misconduct looms Read More »
Are there any guidelines for genomics studies of famous dead people like sequencing their genomes? It doesn’t seem like it. I remember when I first heard of the idea of trying to clone John Lennon from an old molar. Fortunately, as far as I know no one ever tried that, but it wouldn’t surprise me if
Pros & cons of dead celebrity genomics Read More »
It’s been almost seventeen years that I’ve been a professor here at UC Davis Medical School. It feels like home. I enjoy teaching our first-year medical students each year. Some end up doing research in my lab. Our school recently got a nice write-up over at STAT News by Usha Lee McFarling on the diversity
Weekly reads: UC Davis Medical School diversity, CRISPR, Parkinson’s Read More »
Today’s post takes a close look at the exosome manufacturer Kimera Labs in the context of the main exosome companies. What are exosomes? Exosomes are microscopic bubbles or vesicles produced by cells. Exosomes contain many cellular substances that are biologically active. Some of these materials may be helpful clinically, while others could pose risks. Clinical outcomes
Review of where Kimera Labs fits into sphere of exosome companies Read More »
I usually associate NPR with solid journalism so I was scratching my head about a recent puff piece by WHYY on stem cell microneedling. Is this journalism or product promotion? The NPR piece by Maiken Scott doesn’t ask important questions. Scott received stem cell microneedling herself using a product from a company called AnteAGE. How
WHYY oh WHYY: NPR puff piece on risky stem cell microneedling Read More »
Someday could human brain organoids get to the point of having organized human-like thoughts? Even consciousness? The more time passes, the less likely I think this is. It’s not impossible, but brain organoids have big limitations in that regard. To be clear, I don’t mean brain organoids having some vaguely human brain-like electrical activity. Even monolayers of
Stem cell research ethics topics: organoid consciousness & embryo models Read More »
What is the cell therapy for ALS called NurOwn? How strong is its potential as a treatment for ALS? I’ve been following the biotech BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics for many years. Patients keep asking me about NurOwn ALS prospects. They’re looking for hope. Today’s post is a close look at NurOwn and at BrainStorm as a
Does NurOwn from BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics still provide hope for ALS? Read More »
About twenty years ago a science story made big news of a so-called anti-aging Methuselah gene. Methuselah gene and anti-aging The claim was that this DNA conferred long life on people. Hence the name Methuselah, which refers to a man from the Bible who reportedly lived 969 years. The so-called Methuselah gene was at first not a
Perspectives on David Sinclair anti-aging Cell pub & in vivo reprogramming Read More »
State regulators are starting to catch up with stem cell clinics and Georgia is a hot spot at the moment with a firm formerly known as Superior Healthcare now getting a large monetary hit. It was just a couple of weeks ago that we heard that a Georgia court in a different case sentenced a
Superior Healthcare stem cell clinic to pay $250K+ in AG settlement Read More »
Cells including stem cells are grown in liquid solutions called media and stem cell culture medium composition is crucial since the ingredients have a powerful impact on the cells. The media affects the cells’ identities and functions. It also impacts the risks of using specific regenerative products. My first job in science was isolating and
Why stem cell culture medium composition is such a big deal Read More »