What are the top 10 stem cell events of a crazy 2012 to date? Based on this wild list in just over 3 months, I would say 2012 overall will prove to be a memorable one. 1. Celltex and McGee versus University of Minnesota’s Turner and Elliott. Glenn McGee, at one point both editor of American […]
Stem cell stories of a crazy 2012 so far including Celltex Read More »
Who discovered stem cells? It goes back further than you might think. Is it even possible that one scientific team all by themselves discovered something so ubiquitous as stem cells? In theory yes. However, after research including this in Cell Stem Cell, I believe that no one group discovered stem cells. Also, if you ask the
Who discovered stem cells & when? Some fun science history Read More »
What does the FDA define as “minimally manipulated” when it comes to biologics such as stem cells? You will be shocked to find out, but they include irradiation and treatment with the super toxin/carcinogen, ethylene oxide. In a recent post I discussed the issue of an apparent “minimal manipulation” exception (some might even call it a
A guide to Guide to Safe Use of Plastics. Our entire world is full of plastics these days to the point that we ourselves are now partially made of plastic literally. When you hear someone say that another person is so “plastic”, slang meaning artificial, these days it is kind of literally true, but for
Helpful Concise Guide to Safe Use of Plastics Read More »
Each month or so, the leadership of CIRM, also know as the Board or the ICOC, meets to discuss CIRM issues of business, policies, grants, and so forth. Today the ICOC is having such a meeting here in Sacramento and I went to half the meeting. I would have gone to the whole thing, but
What’s it like inside of a CIRM Board meeting? Impressive! Read More »
When it comes to stem cell therapy, there is a gray area that many companies across America are exploiting to sell stem cell-based transplants that are not explicitly approved: “minimally manipulated” cells. What does “minimally manipulated cells” mean? Who knows. Unfortunately, the definition is not clear and this term is interpreted differently depending on whom
Minimally manipulated cells & maximally manipulated human guinea pigs? Read More »
What does the future hold for the California Stem Cell Agency, CIRM? AP Science Writer, Alicia Chang, weighs in with a new piece, quoting a number of scientists including me. As much as others are considering the future of CIRM, CIRM itself is thinking about this key question itself about halfway through its originally charted
Perspectives on CIRM’s future Read More »
The era of privacy is over. People are saying this so often lately that is almost cliche, but I’m starting to believe it is true. My recent experience is illustrative and it has convinced me that privacy is indeed almost a quaint anachronism. The main instrument in the death of privacy is the Internet. For
The end of privacy Read More »
Are stem cells a drug? Should the FDA regulate them? Technically, the FDA calls stem cells “biologics”, but the FDA regulates stem cell products with the goal of ensuring safety and efficacy much the same as traditionally define chemical “drugs”. You can learn more about the FDA’s view of and concerns about stem cells here and here.
Are stem cells drugs? Read More »
What is St. Baldrick’s? Thousands of kids in America get cancer each year and need our help. One of the best organizations in the world, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, is dedicated to helping these kids. This is a wonderful foundation! St. Baldrick’s describes itself as “a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find
Make a difference for kids through St. Baldrick’s Read More »