One of the reasons I’m a scientist is that I find biology fascinating and admittedly novel biomedical science can really catch my eye, but more recently as a somewhat grizzled researcher, I’ve become increasingly skeptical about some “sexy” research and media coverage of it. A small red flag went up for me as I was […]
Perspectives on uncritical NYT coverage of cardiac mitochondrial transplant trial Read More »
Is “snake oil” too harsh a term for some of what is sold at some of the worst stem cell clinics? Is the phrase “stem cell clinics” itself accurate and useful in a broad sense? When we read or write the phrase “stem cell clinics”, most people generally know what we’re talking about, but it
What should we call “stem cell clinics” & is “snake oil” too harsh for some? Read More »
A new paper from Shoukhrat Mitalipov’s lab on stem cell mitochondria points to a pattern whereby induced pluripotent stem (IPS) cells tend to have more problems if they are from older patients. New Mitalipov paper What does this paper mean for the stem cell field and could it impact more specifically the clinical applications of IPS
New Mitalipov paper on stem cell mitochondria: challenge for IPS cell field? Read More »
By Jane Langille A few weeks ago, I wrote to Dr. Paul Knoepfler after reading his book Stem Cells: An Insider’s Guide because I was intrigued by his stem cell theory of aging. I wondered if his theory might mean that someone who mobilized and donated hematopoietic cells might be shortening their own lifetime supply. After
Risks for Healthy PBSC Donors? One Family’s Powerful Experience Read More »
What might be some natural stem cell boosts? How might we all increase the number or helpful activities of our own stem cells? If possible isn’t that a better, simpler, & safer idea than getting a transplant of stem cells? Think of it as preventative medicine via stem cells. Note that this post was updated
Five possible natural stem cell boosts (but do your homework) Read More »
Advanced Cell Technology (ACT; $ACTC) has a new paper out on using human embryonic stem cells (hESC) to make MSCs with potentially powerful therapeutic potential. The paper, entitled Mesenchymal stem cell population derived from human pluripotent stem cells displays potent immunomodulatory and therapeutic properties, was published in the journal Stem Cells and Development. What’s the scoop on this
Review of New ACT Paper on hESC-derived MSCs Read More »
Dr. Charles Cox at the University of Texas (UT) Health Science Center at Houston is starting a new stem cell-based clinical trial for the treatment of young children with cerebral palsy (CP). There is an urgent need for the development of new treatments for CP. You can learn more about the details of this specific
Interview with Dr. Charles Cox on New Stem Cell Trial for Cerebral Palsy Read More »
What’s the deal with this week’s FDA Warning Letter to 23andMe? First some background. I’m a researcher who studies stem and cancer cell genomics and epigenomics. I’m also a human being who has battled prostate cancer and is curious about my genome. With this background, I decided some time ago to take the plunge and experience what
23andMe and the FDA: Perspectives on Warning Letter Read More »
The stem cell field is seeing stem cells increasingly advertised as the basis for improving people’s lives in countless ways, including a better sex life. Some of the hope for stem cells making life better is legit, while other stuff is bogus. One area that is getting significant attention commercially is how stem cell interventions
Stem cells for a better sex life? Part 1 overview Read More »
Baseball’s superstar A-Rod reportedly is deeply ensnared in a scandal involving a small-time anti-aging clinic in Florida, Biogenesis, which helped numerous MLB players dope. Anti-aging is big business. Some anti-aging clinics push performance enhancing drugs (PEDs), while a growing number of others pitch stem cells. Many sell both. Star athletes are flocking to unproven stem
A-Rod BioGenesis Performance Enhancing Drug Use & Stem Cell Therapies Read More »