There are many reasons why you may be interested in research stem cells. Perhaps you’re majoring in biology or another medical science in college and you’re considering getting into the brave new field of stem cell therapies. Or maybe you’re a patient suffering from heart disease, diabetes, damaged tissue, a spinal cord injury, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer or stroke, and you’re looking for an alternate treatment. Treatment using stemcells is still a long way off, although human clinical trials are expected to begin this summer and the possibilities are promising.
One place to do some research on stem cells is the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). Despite former President Bush’s ban on federal stem cell research funding, the rogue Californians approved a 2004 ballot initiative (Proposition 71) that set aside state funds for just that purpose. As a result, $3 billion was appropriated to California research facilities, making the state an epicenter of stem cell news. On their site, you might like to read their comprehensive annual report, which reads much more like a magazine than a lofty scientific publication. You can read about awards, stem cell therapy treatments, studies and stem cell research facilities at www.cirm.ca.gov/pub/pdf/annual_rpt_08.pdf.
Science Daily is an all-around great medical news site, where you can also research stem cells. Some recent headlines include: “Stem Cells Jumpstart Bone’s Healing Process,” “Stem Cell Therapy Makes Cloudy Corneas Clear,” “Biologists Discover A Protein Link To Wound Healing,” “Stroke Victim’s Own Stem Cells Used In Trial For First Time” and “New Clues To How Stem Cells Form.” In addition to catching up on the latest stem cell news, you’ll also be able to read articles, watch videos, look at images and find books on the subject. Visit www.sciencedaily.com/health_medicine/stem_cells/ to access this content.
With the new allocation of federal stem cell research funding, a number of facilities across the country will be receiving money to research stem cell therapies. For instance, the University of Buffalo will receive $4.9 million for human stem cell research. The University of California at Irvine will receive $27.2 million to build a new stem cell research facility and the University of San Diego will get $2.8 million to improve their current facilities. It may take another 10 years to produce a widely recommended cure, but research has been promising.