Stem Cell Therapy for Pediatric Stroke:Clinical Trial Launched
as seen in BioInsights
In News by Sarah Freeston
The efficacy of autologous stem cell therapy for children who have been diagnosed as having a prenatal or perinatal stroke is being tested in an FDA-regulated clinical trial, it has been announced. The hope is that the stem cells will help to repair to damage caused by the stroke and ease the often debilitating symptoms.
The launch news came from Cord Blood Registry® (CBR®), the world’s …
NCER states position on use of CRISPR/Cas-9
Nebraska Coalition for Ethical Research encourages the continued use of CRISPR/Cas-9 in animal research and in adult human cell cultures as a means toward it’s eventual safe and efficacious use for the correction of disease genes in adult human beings.
NCER agrees with the calls for a self-imposed moratorium and an international meeting on the use of CRISPR/Cas-9 for germline genetic engineering on human embryos or human germ cells.
However, regardless of the outcome of …
Jun
A guide to CRISPR, the human gene-editing tool that has scientists excited — and terrified
We are now one step closer to designer babies. Using a technique called CRISPR, geneticists in China recently modified the DNA of nonviable human embryos and published the results in the journal Protein & Cell.
Editing the genetic material of human embryos was a first — and the April 18 publication of the results set off a cascade of awe and controversy.
“While these embryos will not be growing up into genetically modified people,” …
NHS to give volunteers ‘synthetic blood’ made in laboratory within two years
as seen in THE INDEPENDENT
- SUNDAY 28 JUNE 2015
The first attempt at giving human volunteers “synthetic blood” made in a laboratory for the first time will take place within the next two years, the NHS has announced.
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Gene, stem cell therapies may have far-reaching implications for coronary artery grafts
As seen in Science Daily – June 9, 2015
Source:Creighton University
Summary:Researchers are exploring the potential for gene and stem cell therapy in coronary artery bypass grafts to prevent re-occlusion in the grafted vein. Based on animal studies, the team is seeing a marked improvement in preventing re-occlusion, with no side effects
A Creighton University researcher has received a National Institutes of Health grant to study the effects of gene and stem cell therapy in …
Jun
Nebraska Coalition for Ethical Research recommends that the FDA deny licensure for the use of mitochondrial techniques in U.S. fertility clinics or research laboratories
At the end of last month the Board of Directors sent the following letter to the FDA with our position on the use of multi-parent embryos.
27 March 2015
Attn: Michael Berrios
The Committee on Ethical and Social Policy Considerations of Novel Techniques for Prevention of Maternal Transmission of Mitochondrial DNA Diseases
Keck Center
500 Fifth St. NW
Washington, DC 20001
Dear Committee Members:
There are at least five reasons why the Board of Directors …
Apr
Amniotic stem cells demonstrate healing potential
Rice University and Texas Children’s Hospital scientists are using stem cells from amniotic fluid to promote the growth of robust, functional blood vessels in healing hydrogels.
In new experiments, the lab of bioengineer Jeffrey Jacot combined versatile amniotic stem cells with injectable hydrogels used as scaffolds in regenerative medicine and proved they enhance the development of vessels needed to bring blood to new tissue and carry waste products away.
The results appear in the Journal …
Drugs that activate brain stem cells may reverse multiple sclerosis
For Immediate Release: Monday, April 20, 2015
NIH-funded study identifies over-the-counter compounds that may replace damaged cells
Two drugs already on the market — an antifungal and a steroid — may potentially take on new roles as treatments for multiple sclerosis. According to a study published in Nature today, researchers discovered that these drugs may activate stem cells in the brain to stimulate myelin producing cells and repair white matter, which is damaged in multiple …
NCER selected for Omaha Gives!
Omaha Gives! is an annual 24-hour charitable challenge to benefit metro-area nonprofits. This community give-together begins at midnight on May 20 with a minimum gift of only $10. We’ve got hourly drawings, prizes, and bonus dollars to boost your gifts. So gather your circles, schedule your gifts, and get ready to cheer for your favorite nonprofits throughout the day.…
Apr
Scientists want to halt gene editing in humans
A breakthrough gene-editing process developed in 2012 could potentially be used to eradicate genetic diseases in humans—or make a person more intelligent or attractive. The Crispr-Cas9 or “DNA scissors” technique involves making DNA-altering changes to sperm, eggs, or embryos that could then be inherited by future generations.
For example, negative mutations could be replaced with “corrected” DNA strings, Bloomberg reports. The technique is relatively easy for anyone who knows about molecular biology, and it’s already …