Posts Tagged ‘stem cell research funding’

Helping You Research Stem Cells Online

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009

stem cell research funding

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.

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Taking A Look At Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

stem cell research funding

Despite the stem cell controversy offered up by pro-lifers, a rosy portrait of embryonic stem cell research is often painted. We’re told that adult mouse cells can turn back to their more flexible, embryonic state again. We’re told that human trials will begin for treating spinal cord injuries. We’re told that the next five years will likely see a viable treatment for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and heart disease. President Obama is so confident in the science that he agreed to reverse Bush’s decision and allocate funds to the controversial science. Yet many Californians who voted to fund stem cell research in their state five years ago are wondering where the results are.

“The likelihood of something going wrong is pretty high,” warns Arnold Kriegstein of UC San Francisco’s Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research. “Something like tumors are probably going to happen. This is an area where the risks are great. The public has to be prepared.” He points to a recent story of a teenage boy who traveled from Israel to Russia to undergo stem cell therapies only to find he had little more than a brand new brain tumor four years later. Embryonic stem cell research is far from perfect, Kriegstein admits, and it could take many years before taxpayers see a return on their $3 billion investment.

In some ways, the qualities that make the embryonic stem cell great also make it formidable. Their ability to differentiate into almost any type of tissue, organ or cell has long captivated researchers. However, occasionally stem cells embryonic mutations occur, which is a hideous spectacle no scientist wishes to stumble upon. A teratoma is a hideous-looking tumor that looks like an amalgamation of various organs, tiny hands, heads, teeth, hair and cancer. While many animal trials show promise, the stem cells cure should not be rushed before scientists reach a better understanding of how these specialized cells actually work.

Even though there are numerous roadblocks to widespread embryonic stem cell research, there have been some causes to celebrate. For the first time, U.S. researchers at the University of California at San Francisco have transformed adult mouse stem cells back into their “pluripotent” embryonic state, meaning that they can morph into any cell type. Scientists say this will significantly decrease the cancer risk and will also negate the need for harvesting fetal stem cells.

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