Stem Cells

Vatican stem cell conference: comment

Jared Yee | 18 November 2011

A two-day international conference on stem cell research was held at the Vatican this week.

Nevada doctor charged in alleged stem cell case

Jared Yee | 15 October 2011

A Nevada paediatrician has been charged with conspiring to implant chronically ill patients with stem cells collected from human placentas.

Showdown at the stem cell corral

Michael Cook | 24 September 2011

“Protean”, from the shape-shifting god of Greek mythology, is a well-worn adjective for describing the potential of stem cells. It works equally well as a description of politics of stem cells, at least in the US.

Researchers grow vertebrae, colon stem cells

Jared Yee | 16 September 2011

Researchers at UC Davis have used stem cells from adult bone marrow to encourage the growth of bone tissue necessary for spinal fusion following the removal of cervical discs – the cushions between neck bones, alleviating debilitating, chronic pain.

Pioneering UK stem cell trial passes safety test

Jared Yee | 08 September 2011

A pioneering clinical trial to inject foetal stem cells into the brains of patients disabled by stroke has been approved to progress to the next stage after the treatment brought up no safety concerns in the first 3 candidates.

Presidential contender had experimental stem cell treatment

Jared Yee | 25 August 2011

Texas Governor Rick Perry opposes embryonic stem cell research. The Republican presidential candidate has, however, shown an open mind toward treatments developed using adult stem cells, which can be collected from a patient’s own body.

Antibody cocktail may lead to safer stem cell therapy

Jared Yee | 20 August 2011

A Stanford University research team may have found a solution to the biggest challenge of using embryonic stem cells – that they can cause tumours. ESCs can form all forms of tissue, but that very plasticity provokes some rogue cells to form “teratomas”, peculiar mixtures of tissues that can include hair and teeth.

Stem cell clinics rip off patients: comment

Jared Yee | 22 July 2011

University of Pennsylvania bioethicist Arthur Caplan has criticised those in the stem cell industry who use “intimidation” on “a group of scientists trying to speak up about the often fraudulent nature of their business.”

Australian stem cell regulations given OK

Michael Cook | 15 July 2011

Australian stem cell researchers can press on with destructive research on human embryos, says a government review committee.

Japanese researchers grow first stem cell tooth

Jared Yee | 15 July 2011

Japanese scientists have grown an entire tooth from stem cells implanted into a mouse’s kidney.

Financier Jonathan Thomas selected to lead California stem cell agency

Jared Yee | 01 July 2011

A financier has been selected to head California’s public stem cell research agency.

Pigs could grow human organs in stem cell innovation

Jared Yee | 24 June 2011

Scientists have discovered a way to make chimeric animals that have organs belonging to another species by injecting stem cells into an embryo of the other species.

Bartolo Colón’s stem cell therapy: comment

Jared Yee | 23 June 2011

Athletes have always been addicted to winning – and they have always found ways to enhance their performance.

Dominican authorities warn stem cell treatments are illegal

Jared Yee | 03 June 2011

In 2010, current Yankees starting pitcher Bartolo Colon suffered pain in his right shoulder as well as damage to his rotator cuff, ligaments and tendons. His career was revived, however, when he received a stem cell transplant in his native Dominican Republic.

Europe’s biggest stem cell clinic shut down after baby’s death

Jared Yee | 14 May 2011

In a case which is a veritable cocktail of bioethical issues, Europe’s biggest stem cell clinic has been shut down.

First award for embryonic stem cell trial

Michael Cook | 07 May 2011

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has awarded US$25 million to a stem cell company for a clinical trial with embryonic stem cells. This is the first time the organisation has funded a clinical trial. The loan to Geron Corp., a California biotechnology company, will be used to support its work on hESCs to treat spinal cord injury.

Private labs store baby teeth for stem cells

Jared Yee | 09 March 2011

Private labs offer “biological insurance”

Reprogrammed stem cells can have mutations

Jared Yee | 09 March 2011

Adult stem cells may be in some doubt

Nasal stem cells may prevent childhood deafness

Jared Yee | 18 February 2011

Scientists “encouraged by initial findings”

Is GLBT reproduction one step closer?

Michael Cook | 10 December 2010

Complicated study with iPS cells in mice