Kudos to Louisiana Senator David Vitter

http://opinionatedcatholic.blogspot.com/2008/04/kudos-to-louisiana-senator-david-vitter.html

I Can Get Into This [Kathryn Jean Lopez]
(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter today introduced the Ethical Stem Cell Research Tax Credit Act of 2008, which would provide a federal tax credit to entities who conduct stem cell research that does not involve the destruction of – or risk of injury to – human embryos. The bill provides for a tax credit equal to 30 percent of the qualified stem cell research expenses.
“We are only beginning to understand the full potential of adult stem cell research,” said Vitter.

“This research is a source of great hope for so many people who suffer from terrible, degenerative diseases. But we must be responsible in our approach. We should not destroy human embryos when a better, ethical alternative exists in the form of adult stem cells.”
Experimentation on stem cells harvested from human embryos results in the destruction of these embryos during the extraction process. Vitter’s bill seeks to promote the expansion of research programs that utilize adult stem cells as an effective and ethical source for research purposes.

“All human life is precious, whether it is in the beginning stages or the end. Adult stem cell research represents a non-destructive means of preserving human life, and this bill can help further this approach. This sort of medical research can result in significant leaps forward in disease prevention, management and cures while preserving human life in all its stages,” Vitter said.

This is an older article but shows the support by our government officials see in the benefits that adult stem cell therapies, treatments, and research. The industry has come a long way in the last 4 years but has a long way to go to catch up with some of the other countries around the globe.........MrCordBlood

Tripp Roth's tears reveal pain epidermis bullosa strikes

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/tripp-roths-tears-reveal-pain-epidermolysis-bullosa-strikes/story?id=15173125#.Tu_7T5i5dFI

I strongly urge you to see the story of one of the bravest young boys I will ever know. Tripp Roth has courage that is unparalleled and his mother Courtney should be looked upon as an angel, the epitome of all that is good in this world. Her unconditional love and total unselfishness for her own life to care for her son is one of if not the most heartwarming stories I have ever heard.

Epidermolysis-Bullosa is an excruciatingly painful disease. Research is being conducted as we speak using adult and cord blood stem cells but SO MUCH MORE needs to be done. I ask that all that read this to do me one request; share this story to someone and ask them to do the same so we can create awareness about the daily battles children like Tripp go through on a daily basis. TOGETHER we can make a difference. Do not do this for me or yourself, do it for Tripp...........MrCordBlood

Cord Blood Bank Changes Boy's Life - Video - KCRA Sacramento

http://www.youtube.com/TheCordGroup

With stem cells, ailing dog may learn some new tricks

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-mi-stemcells-dog,0,5827098.story

WALKER, Mich.—

Stem cells could help an old dog learn new tricks.

A veterinarian in the Grand Rapids area performed stem cell therapy Tuesday on a dog named Boris, a $1,500 treatment that could relieve discomfort in the 11-year-old's arthritichips and legs.

"It's a lot of money, no doubt about it," owner Paul Bultinck told The Grand Rapids Press (http://bit.ly/uaauSs ). "But the dogs become one of your family. If you can swing it, you do. A loved one in your family certainly takes a very high priority."

James Kelley says it's the first time he's performed it on a dog at his Walker clinic after investing more than $10,000 in equipment and materials to process the stem cells.

Kelley used an enzyme to remove stem cells from a portion of Boris's fat. The cells were mixed with plasma from a blood sample and injected into hip and knee joints. Advocates say the cells help the animal's body heal.

"The studies go out three years now, and the animals, after three years, are OK," said Kelley, who believes Boris could start feeling better in two months.

The dog, an 80-pound Chow mix, doesn't run and jump like he did in his younger years. He already is given anti-inflammatory medication and undergoes soft-tissue laser therapy every three weeks. If the stem-cell procedure works, those treatments may become unnecessary. More stem cells can be frozen for future use.

"I'm very optimistic about it," Bultinck said. "I hope this will help his hip."

Boris isn't the only dog in the family getting special attention. His sister, Natasha, is scheduled to undergo the same treatment next week. She has had arthritis even longer and had hip surgery about five years ago.

------

Information from: The Grand Rapids Press, http://www.mlive.com/grand-rapids

I am a dog lover and there are millions more out there in the world. Family pets become just that, "FAMILY." Stem cells can help us all. Great story..........MrCordBlood

StemCyte adds world class talent to its North America and Global Operations

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/stemcyte-adds-world-class-talent-to-its-north-america-and-global-operations-2011-12-13

COVINA, Calif., Dec. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Renowned experts in cord blood collection, processing and transplantation have joined StemCyte, Inc. The added resources are evidence of its commitment as a worldwide industry leader in developing and providing the safest and most effective cord blood therapies for treating patients.

Dr. Wise Young MD PhD has agreed to join StemCyte as its Global Medical Director. He will serve in a voluntary (unpaid) and part-time capacity to help StemCyte organize its medical and research programs based on his firm belief in StemCyte as the best company today delivering cord blood stem cell units for life-saving therapies. Professor Young is the founding Director of the W. M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience and helped found the New Jersey Stem Cell Research Center at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. He has been voluntarily advising StemCyte since 2003 on its research and development programs. He is currently conducting clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy of human UCB cells and lithium treatment of chronic and acute spinal cord injury using StemCyte cord blood units. Prof. Young will help StemCyte develop stem cell therapies for new conditions such as spinal cord injury, stroke, and genetic disorders. He will work with the team at StemCyte to develop the highest quality standards at its facilities and to organize collaborations with scientists worldwide to develop cutting-edge therapies with UCB and other stem cells.

"Wise is a unique and incredibly talented individual that I have been privileged to know and work with for the past 16 years," said Chairman and CEO, Ken Giacin. "StemCyte is fortunate to have the benefit of his scientific expertise, dedication to our mission and passion for developing new promising therapies using high quality cells from cord blood."

In addition, StemCyte Inc. has recruited the following individuals to join its team:

Dr David Senitzer, PhD, a leading laboratory and technology expert, will be StemCyte's new Laboratory Director responsible for all UCB and HLA laboratory operations. Senitzer has been the Clinical Professor of Hematology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Director of the Histocompatibility Laboratory at The City of Hope National Cancer Center since 1994. He will oversee StemCyte's unique dual processing capabilities ensuring that its laboratory operations comply with all current and anticipated regulatory protocols.

Dr. Jennifer Willert, MD will join StemCyte as a Medical Officer. Dr. Willert is an Associate Clinical Professor, University of California-San Diego School of Medicine. She specializes in blood and marrow transplant with the Division of hematology/oncology/BMT. She has prescribed and used cord blood units for treatment of critically ill children and supports broader accessibility of these life-saving resources to patients in need. Dr. Willert has a strong interest in stem cell research and regenerative medicine, along with emerging clinical applications using UCB.

Dr. Karen Taylor, MD, a Board Certified Obstetrician has joined StemCyte to oversee its collection methods, as well as its education programming for expecting parents, doctors and other health professionals engaged in the collection, documentation and chain of custody of UCB units.

"We are pleased to be adding Doctors Jen Willert, Karen Taylor and David Senitzer to oversee our transplant, collection and lab-processing activities," said Giacin. "These outstanding people will enhance StemCyte's unique hybrid business model in the cord blood industry. We could not be happier to have such passionate, committed and expert personnel added to our team. Their caliber demonstrates our deep and continued commitment to providing life-saving UCB products globally to patients in need."

To continue improving the accessibility of cord blood banking, StemCyte not only processes both privately banked and publicly donated units to the same high standard, but is focused on improved collection education and methods. StemCyte's labs in California and Taiwan have been approved under the National Marrow Donor Program's (NMDP) FDA Investigational New Drug (IND) Application. StemCyte is actively preparing for its US FDA Biologics License Application (BLA).

About StemCyte, Inc.

Located in the US, India and Taiwan, StemCyte has established one of the largest, most racially diverse, and highest quality cord blood stem cell banks in the world. StemCyte has supplied over 1,500 cord blood products for over 70 life-threatening diseases to over 200 leading worldwide transplant centers. StemCyte is actively involved in the development of new umbilical cord blood-based cell therapies. The Company supports the largest clinical study for using unrelated cord blood transplantation for thalassemia, one of the most common genetic diseases in the world, and the developments of trials investigating regenerative spinal cord therapies. StemCyte is one of the only for-profit companies contracted by the US Department of HHS to help contribute clinical grade cord blood units to the public National Cord Blood Inventory for unrelated transplants. Its operational headquarters are located in Covina, Ca. To learn more visit www.StemCyte.com .

SOURCE StemCyte, Inc.

Copyright (C) 2011 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

Great job StemCyte!!!!............MrCordBlood

Researchers Discover Safe Way To Repair Sickle Cell Disease Genes

http://www.stemcellresearchnews.com/absolutenm/anmviewer.asp?a=2757&z=9

"Researchers have developed a way to use patients’ own cells to potentially cure sickle cell disease and many other disorders caused by mutations in a gene that helps produce blood hemoglobin."

Sickle Cell Anemia is a painful disease that is one of the most common forms of anemia affecting our population, especially minority children. It is VERY PROMISING news that researchers may be able to use one's own stem cells to cure the thousands that suffer daily. Great news and kudos to all the hardworking researchers out there putting in countless hours daily in an attempt to make the world a better place for todays and tomorrows generations.

Stem-cell treatment helps American see again, view Taj Mahal

http://m.yahoo.com/w/news_asia/stem-cell-treatment-helps-american-see-again-view-073527640.html?orig_host_hdr=in.news.yahoo.com&.intl=in&.lang=en-in

"Seven years after he lost his sight following acute illness, it was no less than a miracle for 62-year-old Carl Stevens when he was able to catch a glimpse of the Taj Mahal after treatment by an Indian doctor.

An American citizen, Stevens, lost his vision in 2004. He is now recovering his sight in what can be called nothing short of a medical miracle, made possible through stem-cell therapy."

WOW, what an amazing story!

Sem Cell Therapy Poised to Transform Medicine As Dozens of Clinical Trials Show Success

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2071076/Stem-cell-therapy-poised-shake-medicine-dozens-clinical-trials-early-success.html

Dozens of adult stem cell treatments are moving through clinical trials and showing early success, raising hopes that some could reach the market within five years.

'It will only take a few successes to really change the field,' said Gil Van Bokkelen, chief executive of Athersys and chairman of the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine.

'As you see things getting closer and closer to that tipping point, you're going to see a frenzy of activity take place.'

Many of the trials focus on heart disease and inflammatory conditions, some of the biggest markets in medicine. The cells used are derived from adult tissue such as fat, or bone marrow, thereby circumventing the ethical concerns raised by the use of cells derived from embryos.

With Geron's recent exit from the embryonic stem cell industry all together and the continued success and progress using adult stem cells from sources such as cord blood, adipose tissues, and the placenta just to name a few, a "revolution in medicine" is not at all far-fetched. It is becoming clear that the use of adult stem cells and their abilities to regenerate into many different types of tissues, blood, and other cells will be the stamped with the "physician treatment of choice" in the not so distant future. Some of the most promising studies are in diseases that are some of the most common afflicting men and women today. This is just always my opinion but I am going to pull out my crystal ball and give you a look into the future of what I think we will see. Here is a list of potential future applications that are in clinical trials or not far from it and may be coming to a treatment center near you sooner than later. The list below are potential future applications using umbilical cord blood stem cells.

1. Alzheimer’s Disease 2. Cerebral Palsy 3. Cardiac Disease 4. Diabetes 5. Epidermolysis Bullosa (rare genetic skin disease) 6. Lupus

7. Multiple Sclerosis 8. Muscular Dystrophy 9. Parkinson’s Disease 10. Rheumatoid Arthritis 11. Spinal Cord Injury 12. Stroke

Christian Pope, M.D.: Cord Blood Banking Worth Considering

http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111201/LIFE/112010344/-1/NEWSMAP

"Expecting a baby is an exciting and overwhelming experience for both new and veteran parents, who are faced with many important decisions to make for the family's future.

So, parents, you've got the car seat, the Mercedes-Benz of strollers, and the deluxe diaper bag... but have you considered perhaps the most important preparation of all?

Cord blood banking is the collection and storage of the stem cells found in your newborn's umbilical cord, and should be considered by any parent-to-be. It is a rich, non-controversial source of stem cells that can only be collected at the time of birth."

Great perspective from a M.D. on why cord blood banking is a wise decision to make for the future well-being of your child. The number of transplants using cord blood stem cells were 1% in 2000 and now account for 22% of transplants. Do your research and I urge all parents to become educated and aware of the benefits cord blood banking offers> It could one day looking back be the best decision you've ever made!!!

Cord Blood Chronicles: Adult Stem Cell Therapies are the Future, Scientis...

Cord Blood Chronicles: Adult Stem Cell Therapies are the Future, Scientis...: http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/adult-stem-cell-therapies-are-the-future-scientist-says1/ How important is adult stem-cell technology...

Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells: Prime Source for Transplants and Future Regenerative Medicine

http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=341146

Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells: Prime Source for Transplants and Future Regenerative Medicine

"The 5th ITERA Life-Sciences Consortium Symposium took place in Maastricht, the Netherlands, and showcased the progress of stem cell research and promising therapeutic applications. Thanks to solid scientific data, researchers confirmed that umbilical cord blood stem cells are one of the prime sources to be used in current stem cell transplants, ongoing research and future regenerative medicine.

Cord blood is one of the prime sources for stem cells, more and more used for stem cell transplants"

I think this solidifies that cord blood stem cells will be the future in treating diseases. The ability these cells have are amazing. If you bank your child's umbilical cord blood, it is a 100% MATCH for that child and a higher chance of a match for closely related siblings or family members. This is a great day for cord blood stem cells!!!

Neural transplant of stem cells offers hope for treatment of Autism

Neural transplant of stem cells offers hope for treatment of Autism

A new study out of Harvard University, reported in Science, suggests that a transplant of stem cells into the brain may lead to future treatment for neural disorders, such as Autism and Parkinson's Disease, as well as spinal cord injuries and diseases, such as ALS. The researchers in the study focused on curbing obesity in mice, as it provides visual evidence as to whether the treatment was effective or not. Despite the focus on obesity, the study's results led the scientists to believe that this could potentially lead to further treatments for other diseases.

It is some very uplifting and refreshing news that researchers seem to be unlocking some answers to how stem cells can manipulate/regenerate and coax neural stem cells into getting brain signals back moving back and forth with those who suffer from diseases where these transmissions slow or even stop. Alzheimer"s and Parkinson's are two more common ailments that are afflicting so many persons and great strides are being made. The once thought impossible is turning from a pipe dream into a great possibility of a cure. Stem cells are the revolution in modern medicine that has made our future in treatments and therapies brighter than ever.

Operation marks another step forward in stem cell research

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/21/health/stem-cells-als/?hpt=he_c2

"A 50-year-old man from Trion, Georgia, is the first person to be injected with stem cells in the upper part of the spinal cord, making him yet another pioneer in the scientific quest to use stem cells to heal."

The crippling effects that Lou Gehrig's disease afflicts on the body are unimaginable. Can stem cells provide hope that one day we may not have to fear the dreaded disease named after the Yankee great? I think the future has never looked so promising!!!

Researchers convince stem cells to create new working organs

http://dvice.com/archives/2011/11/researchers-con.php

"If you're still not convinced that stem cells are the future of medicine, try this on for size: Japanese researchers have used them to synthesize a fully functioning organ entirely from scratch."

Can you imagine a world where no one has to wait on a transplant list anymore to receive a new heart or kidney? How many people lose their battles with various diseases WAITING FOR A MATCHED DONOR versus the actual disease itself? If it hasn't become clear and evident yet that we will see stem cell therapies and treatments revolutionize modern medicine then I suggest doing research. Remember, one of the best sources of adult stem cells is from umbilical cord blood collected immediately after delivery. They are a 100% MATCH for that child and the probability of successfully matching with a sibling or other closely related family members is higher than finding a match from a national registry. That is why I banked both our children's umbilical cord blood, a sense of security for their future medical well-being!!!

Stem Cells Reverse Heart Damage

http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/14/health/stem-cells-heart-damage-reverse/index.html?hpt=hp_c1#

This is BLOCKBUSTER type developments. Heart related diseases are the #1 killer in our society. Could we one day see persons who have suffered from a heart attack be able to use stem cells to REPAIR their broken heart. VERY EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS!!!

Researchers create spinal cord connectors from human stem cells

http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/23/researchers-create-spinal-cord-connectors-from-human-stem-cells/?a_dgi=aolshare_facebook

7 Recent Discoveries That Could Revolutionize Medicine

http://www.fastcompany.com/1794863/7-recent-discoveries-that-could-revolutionize-medicine

U-M led ALS stem-cell trial takes a major step forward

http://www.annarbor.com/news/university-of-michigan-led-als-trial-takes-major-step-forward/?cmpid=RSS_link_news

Surgeons Develop Simultaneous Tissue and Stem Cell Transplant Technique

Surgeons Develop Simultaneous Tissue and Stem Cell Transplant Technique

Stem Cell Network: How "broken" hearts are regenerated

http://www.angeleshealth.com/procedures/stem-cell/stem-cell-for-congestive-heart-failure.aspx

Scientists and doctors are using stem cells in a new groundbreaking treatment option to treat congestive heart failure.  Congestive heart failure is the most rapidly growing of a number of all the cardiovascular disorders that affects over 5 million people in the United States alone.  Some statistics in the article:

• In the United States, congestive heart failure is the number one cause of hospitalization and death in persons over the age of 65.
• Last year, an estimated 785,000 people in the US had a heart attack and studies indicate more than half will have a recurrent attack.
• nearly one American dies every minute from a coronary event.
• The American Heart Association estimates the total cost of heart failure treatment in the U.S. at $22.5 BILLION dollars.

Not if, but a matter of when we see these new treatments from stem cell therapies across the medical community become common place, the amount of strain that can be lifted off healthcare costs will be TREMENDOUS. Stem cells offer the unique capability of potentially CURING these diseases, not just simply treating them as we have for so many decades. 

Seeking Superior Stem Cells, One Hundred-fold Increase In Efficiency In Reprogramming Human Cells To Induced Stem Cells

Seeking Superior Stem Cells, One Hundred-fold Increase In Efficiency In Reprogramming Human Cells To Induced Stem Cells

Stem Cell Network: New Transplant Method May Eliminate Need for Lifelong Medication

Stem Cell Network: New Transplant Method May Eliminate Need for Lifelong Medication

One day scientists may be able to provide transplant patients a life without anti-rejection drugs with this new stem cell based therapy. 

"Currently, if a patient survives for 10 or 20 years with a new liver, that organ is still seen as foreign inside its new body because immunosuppression puts blinders on the immune system that must stay on to prevent rejection. Our idea was to find a way to turn that organ into something that 'belongs' and is never at risk of rejection."

Imagine the amount of savings in monthly prescriptions this effect could have? Stem cells truly are unlocking doors once thought to be forever shut in the medical community. I am always anxious to see what these "magical stem cells" will be able to do next!!!!

Top 10 Adult Stem Cell Treatments in the Next 10 years

Top 10 Adult Stem Cell Treatments in the Next 10 years

1) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

2) Alzheimer's Disease

3) Stroke

4) Autism

5) Type 2 Diabetes

6) Joint, Ligament, and Cartilage Repair

7) Rejuvenation

8) Heart Failure

9) Breast Cancer

10) Prostate Cancer

What a fascinating list of diseases that could be treated or cured in the next decade. I have always said that adult stem cells will revolutinize modern medicine and we have just scratched the tip of the iceberg. Doctors, scientists, and researchers have yet to fully unlock the potential of these magical stem cells. Can you imagine a world without these diseases? Can you imagine a world where these diseases can be treated with ease just like the common cold or virus? We have a bright future lying ahead of us!!!

Military stepping up regenerative medicine efforts, including stem cells

Military stepping up regenerative medicine efforts, including stem cells:

"As more wounded soldiers return from Afghanistan and Iraq, an agency of the U.S. military has asked the cash-strapped federal government to spend millions of dollars more on regenerative medicine research, including stem cells."

This is quoted from the article and shows that even the U.S. military, the most powerful force in the world, sees the promise that regenerative medicine can provide. The Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine is a collaboration that is funded with $100 million spread over 5 years, $20 million a year. They are now seeking to increase the budget to $35 million a year.

"For us, it's a lot of money," Gilman said. Existing medicine is inadequate to treat the often horrific injuries soldiers incur, including loss of skin, limbs, massive facial damage, and destruction of nerves, he said. Regenerative medicine seeks to cure these injuries by regrowing the damaged body parts."

This is really great news that our government is investing in the future to CURE these injuries opposed to just treating them. Regenerative medicine is starting to come to the forefront of the medical community as not only an acceptable alternative to treatments existing now but the game-changer that will replace the so called "inadequate existing medicine." And all of this is possible by the power we are unlocking in stem cell research. Stem cells future have never been brighter and the potential they offer every person around the globe is anything less than phenomenal.

'via Blog this'

Brothers Share Sharks Tickets, Stem Cells | NBC Bay Area

Brothers Share Sharks Tickets, Stem Cells | NBC Bay Area:

'via Blog this'

This is a great article but moreover a great story of a brother helping another beat cancer and saving a life. Stories like this move me to tell the whole world about the life-saving potential stem cells possess!

A stemcell of hope for this eight-year-old

A stemcell of hope for this eight-year-old

Neurosurgeons use adult stem cells to grow neck vertebrae

Neurosurgeons use adult stem cells to grow neck vertebrae

Uterine stem cells used to treat diabetes

Uterine stem cells used to treat diabetes

Researcher Uses Lasers To Stimulate Stem Cells And Reduce Heart Scarring

Researcher Uses Lasers To Stimulate Stem Cells And Reduce Heart Scarring

Parkinson's Research Breakthrough Thanks To Stem Cells From Patient With Rapidly Progressing Disease

Parkinson's Research Breakthrough Thanks To Stem Cells From Patient With Rapidly Progressing Disease

Mac's Football Blog: Glazer: Manning Underwent Stem Cell Surgery In Europe

Mac's Football Blog: Glazer: Manning Underwent Stem Cell Surgery In Europe

Scientists overcome major obstacle for stem cell therapies and research

Scientists overcome major obstacle for stem cell therapies and research

New class of stem cell-like cells discovered offers possibility for spinal cord repair

New class of stem cell-like cells discovered offers possibility for spinal cord repair