Simple method turns human skin cells into immune strengthening white blood cells
As seen in Science Daily September 11, 2014
For the first time, scientists have turned human skin cells into transplantable white blood cells, soldiers of the immune system that fight infections and invaders. The work, done at the Salk Institute, could let researchers create therapies that introduce into the body new white blood cells capable of attacking diseased or cancerous cells or augmenting immune responses against other disorders.
The work, as detailed in the journal …
New molecule allows for up to 10-fold increase in stem cell transplants
As seen in Science Daily September 18, 2014
Investigators from the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) at the Université de Montréal have just published, in the journal Science, the announcement of the discovery of a new molecule, the first of its kind, which allows for the multiplication of stem cells in a unit of cord blood. Umbilical cord stem cells are used for transplants aimed at curing a number of blood-related diseases, …
ALS and the Ice-Bucket Challenge – Update
The ALS Ice-Bucket Challenge has been the buzz for the last few weeks on social media, in the news and in print. We’ve had many people reach out to us and ask questions regarding the ethics of contributing to an organization that does human embryonic stem cell research. It has been a busy few weeks for us! We all desire to support finding a cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which is a fatal, progressive …
In a Pilot Study, Stem Cell Therapy Found to be Effective For Stroke
Medical News Today – 12 August 2014
A stroke therapy using stem cells extracted from patients’ bone marrow has shown promising results in the first trial of its kind in humans.
Five patients received the treatment in a pilot study conducted by doctors at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and scientists at Imperial College London. The therapy was found to be safe, and all the patients showed improvements in clinical measures of disability.
The findings …
Growing Cell Lines from Individual Patients May Lead to Personalized Treatments
Medical News Today – 11 August 2014
A method of growing human cells from tissue removed from a patient’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract eventually may help scientists develop tailor-made therapies for inflammatory bowel disease and other GI conditions.
Reporting online recently in the journal Gut, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis said they have made cell lines from individual patients in as little as two weeks. They have created more than 65 …
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Gross High School gives to NCER through Ice Bucket Challenge
Thank you to all of the Daniel J Gross Cougar Family for participating in today’s ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
We are a statewide advocate for biomedical research that promotes the life, dignity and rights of every human being at each developmental stage. We thank you for supporting our mission with your generous contribution today. Please like us on our Facebook page and signup for our monthly email blast. We are honored to have been chosen …
Welcome to the improved NCER website!
Please consider sending your “ice-bucket” challenge donation to NCER in order to advocate for the cessation of the destruction of embryos in research, and to educate the citizens of Nebraska.
The Nebraska Coalition for Ethical Research is a statewide advocate for biomedical research that promotes the life, dignity and rights of every human being at each developmental stage. Our volunteer Board of Directors is passionate about our mission, which is to keep Nebraskans educated and …
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Stem-cell collection: is there a cure in the cord blood?
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.
Duke Studies Cord Blood Cures for Autism With the Help of $15M
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
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 …