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 …
Scientists grow ‘mini-lungs’ to aid study of cystic fibrosis
I saw this on Science Daily: March 19, 2015
Summary:
‘Mini-lungs’ have been created by researchers using stem cells derived from skin cells of patients with cystic fibrosis, and have shown that these can be used to test potential new drugs for this debilitating lung disease.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have successfully created ‘mini-lungs’ using stem cells derived from skin cells of patients with cystic fibrosis, and have shown that these can be …
Immune system-in-a-dish offers hope for ‘bubble boy disease’
I saw this on Science Daily:March 12, 2015
Summary:
Researchers have been able to grow patient-derived, healthy cells in the lab, coming a step closer to treating fatal blood disorders. “This work demonstrates a new method that could lead to a more effective and less invasive treatment for this devastating disease,” says the study’s senior author. “It also has the potential to lay the foundation to cure other deadly and rare blood disorders.”
For infants …
A Single-Cell Breakthrough: newly developed technology dissects properties of single stem cells
I saw this on Science Daily:March 17, 2015
Summary:
Researchers figure out a way to isolate and grow thousands elusive intestinal stem cells at one time, a high throughput technological advance that could give scientists the ability to study stem cell biology gastrointestinal disorders like never before.
e human gut is a remarkable thing. Every week the intestines regenerate a new lining, sloughing off the equivalent surface area of a studio apartment and refurbishing it …
Neurons controlling appetite made from skin cells
As seen in Science Daily February 27, 2015
Researchers have for the first time successfully converted adult human skin cells into neurons of the type that regulate appetite, providing a patient-specific model for studying the neurophysiology of weight control and testing new therapies for obesity. The study, led by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) and at the New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF), was published last month in the online issue of the …
New cells may help treat diabetes
As seen in Science Daily January 28, 2015
Starting from human skin cells, researchers at the University of Iowa have created human insulin-producing cells that respond to glucose and correct blood-sugar levels in diabetic mice. The findings may represent a first step toward developing patient-specific cell replacement therapy for type 1 diabetes.
In the new study, published Jan. 28 in the journal PLOS ONE, the UI team led by Nicholas Zavazava, MD, PhD, UI professor …