Yesterday I had part I of my interview with NIGMS former Director, Dr. Jeremy Berg. Today we have part II of the interview, which I found very interesting and helpful in providing a glimpse into NIH. I appreciate Dr. Berg doing the interview and his frankness. Given the budgetary issues facing NIH in terms of […]
Jeremy Berg interview part II: the future of NIH funding Read More »
I live in Davis, CA. Sometimes it seems like Davis is a bubble full of the most colorful assortment of characters. One day walking my dog Elvis I noticed the sign to the right. I translated it as “Shh”. I’ve seen many signs in my days, but never one like this…it seems a little too
My collection of funny signs: UFO lemonade & falling coconuts Read More »
There is enormous interest in point-of-care for-profit stem cell commercialization by relatively small clinics hoping to hit it big here in the U.S. Some big investors have poured millions into these clinics that are treating patients with adult stem cell therapies. As I’ve talked with some of these folks they expect this market to grow dramatically
Surprising main obstacle to point-of-care stem cell commercialization by small clinics 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 watched some parts of the big speeches at this year’s Republican Convention in Tampa and was struck by a number of things running the gamut from good to bad to ugly. I think Mrs. Romney did a good job on her speech. She came across as likable and someone I can imagine as a
The good, the bad, and the ugly of the Republican Convention 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
Some thoughts on life, death, and stem cells Read More »
Is it worth it to do stem cell banking? When I was a kid I remember hearing about people having themselves frozen or even just their heads frozen shortly after death. The idea was to cheat mortality by preserving oneself or critical parts of oneself until some future date when scientists and doctors would have
Cryogenics to stem cell banking: time for deposit? Read More »
Where do things stand on the potential of stem cell treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS)? MS is an often devastating autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own nervous system. More info can be found at the National MS website here. MS is a very serious health problem globally as about 400,000 people
Stem cell treatments for multiple sclerosis: where do things stand? Read More »
I recently asked Celltex if they had definitely convinced the FDA their product was not a drug (i.e. the FDA confirmed their product was not a drug) or rather they had tried and hoped they had. It appears the latter is correct from the Celltex response below: Dear Dr. Knoepfler, Thank you for your interest
Celltex unsure if FDA agrees product isn’t a drug, but expects 2nd FDA visit soon 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 »