Stem-cell collection: is there a cure in the cord blood?
July 1, 2014

Declan and Helena O’Shea with twins Theon and Asha at home in Kilmihil, Co Clare. Photograph: Eamon WardDeclan O’Shea was on holiday in Portugal in 2011 when he fell off a third-floor balcony while sleepwalking. He ended up in a coma for two weeks. When he woke, he couldn’t move any of his limbs and he was given the devastating news that he had broken his neck.
After a long, gruelling period of rehabilitation …

Duke Studies Cord Blood Cures for Autism With the Help of $15M
July 1, 2014

Duke University recently received $15 Million from the Marcus Foundation to fund a new study on possible cord blood cures for autism. The money coming from the Atlanta-based philanthropic organization will finance two out of the five years of study.

The full study will cost $41 million in total and will be headed by Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg, chief scientific and medical officer of Duke’s Robertson Cell and Translational therapy program and Geraldine Dawson, director of …

Combating Sickle Cell Disease with Cord Blood Stem Cells
July 1, 2014

June 19 is designated as World Sickle Cell Day. The international observance provides an opportunity to heighten awareness of the formidable public health challenge presented by the common, non-malignant blood disorder.

Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder in which the body produces abnormally shaped red blood cells. The sickled or c-shaped red blood cells can block blood vessels, reducing blood flow in many parts of the body. This process results in tissue and organ …