IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

http://repairstemcell.wordpress.com/2009/02/25/researchers-make-nerve-cells-from-new-stem-cells-science-reuters/

Event to benefit stem-cell research – DailyBulletin.com

Event to benefit stem-cell research -Kristina Hernandez, Staff Writer

Created: 02/27/2009 04:41:23 PM PST

Memorial Park, 1100 E. Foothill Blvd., Upland, will be home to the “Kling for a Cure” Leukemia Benefit Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.

The fundraiser will help raise funds for Jerrad Klingensmith while he is receiving a lifesaving stem-cell replacement to cure him from Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia at City of Hope in Los Angeles.

The event will include live music from the Psychedelic Blood Brothers, Cryonics, VPC, SLAB and Starving for Gravity, as well as a skating demonstration by Team Kaos.

The event will also include a barbecue lunch, raffles, auctions and informational booths.

Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

via Event to benefit stem-cell research – DailyBulletin.com.

You can also find my site on the streaming blog module – http://alphainventions.com

A simple question – can anyone answer this?

I’d like to ask a simple question.

While Embryonic stem cells (ESC) were previously thought to be more powerful than ASC because they can become any cell in the body, new studies on ASC are showing that they can become virtually anything. Scientists recently turned adult skin stem cells into adult neuron stem cells. – http://repairstemcell.wordpress.com/2009/02/25/researchers-make-nerve-cells-from-new-stem-cells-science-reuters/

A decade of embryonic stem cell research has resulted in no human treatments and because the embryonic stem cells continue to divide beyond the scientist’s control, they can turn into tumors (as referenced in your article).  Adult stem cells do not pose these problems.

Over the same decade of research, adult stem cell treatments have given thousands improved health, extended lives, helped paraplegics to walk… http://repairstemcell.wordpress.com/2009/02/10/spinal-cord-injury-sci-stem-cell-trials-japan-plays-catch-up/

made a man with AIDs symptom free for 2 years… http://repairstemcell.wordpress.com/?s=aids+symptom+2+years

successfully improved MS and Cerebral Palsy patients, the list goes on and on…

http://repairstemcell.wordpress.com/category/victories-success-stories/

ASC are already helping improve and extend the lives of patients with dozens of “incurable” diseases,” 73 diseases when you count only US published scientific papers and well over 100 if you read all of the papers from outside the USA.

Additionally, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC) seem to have all of the benefits of embryonic stem cells without the tumor potential and with significantly less of a rejection issue; not to mention without the political and religious contreversy. http://repairstemcell.wordpress.com/2009/02/26/embryonic-stem-cell-alternative-has-another-advance-ips-cells-yield-nerve-cells/

And now, even the NIH is jumping into the adult stem cell research and treatment pool.
http://repairstemcell.wordpress.com/2009/02/26/nih-says-adult-stem-cells-are-ready-for-the-prime-time-yah-baby/

Don’t get me wrong.  I am pro-progress, pro-research and pro-advancement of human knowledge.  I’m all for studying anything that could benefit mankind but the question is…

why so much focus on embryonic stem cells when adult and induced pluripotent stem cells (modified adult stem cells) seem capable of achieving everything embryonic can do with a fraction of the obstacles.

The world is treating thousands successfully with adult stem cells.  Go ahead and study ESC but put the majority of funding and research into ASC and iPSC so we can treat the multitude of dying and debilitated Americans ASAP.

Respectfully,
David Granovsky
http://repairstemcell.wordpress.com

Stem Cell Research Yields Benefits for American Man Traveling to China

Posted 27 February, 2009 in Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) |

In what seems to be a continuing trend, Americans are seeking out stem cell research and treatment abroad because it isn’t available in the United States. Chuck Melton, of Hoyleton, Illinois was the latest to leave the United States in search of the stem cell treatment that would improve his quality of life. It worked so well that Chuck is trying to raise money to return to China for more Adult Stem Cells to treat his spinal cord injury.

Doing his own research on the treatment

Chuck who was paralyzed in a diving accident in 2002 went to China in January 2007 to try and improve his spinal cord injury. Chuck said “I found out that China had been doing [stem cell treatment] for a number of years and experimenting with treatments and results. So I contacted [people in China] and talked to doctors and patients and got a lot of great feedback from it.”

His wife Kelly said “We decided to take a leap of faith and send him and see what happened. We figured we didn’t have anything to lose.”

Before the stem cell treatment:

• Couldn’t sweat to cool off his body, would pass out at high temperatures
• No feeling in his legs
• difficulty breathing, diminished lung function
• No control over his bladder

After the Adult Stem Cells were implanted:

• Started sweating after first injection of stem cells
• More feeling in his legs, can now feel hot and cold
• Easier breathing, stronger lungs
• More control over his bladder

Stem Cell Research using Adult Stem Cells Giving Hope

Chuck said “It’s been a big boost in morale. It’s all the more reason I want to go back to see what possibly could come out of that.”

“We’re hoping he can gain more bowel and bladder control and functions,” Kelly added. “We’re not looking for him to walk again per se, but if we can improve his quality of life and give him some independence, then it will be worth it.”

Going Back to China for more Stem Cell Therapy

As stated above, Chuck is trying to raise money so he can go back to China a second time and hopefully improve even more. Funny how we always hear that these stem cell therapies overseas are unproven and scams, but then I must ask once more why Chuck and his wife want him to go back again. Must be something good there- Adult Stem Cells

Chuck hopes stem cell treatment will be available to others like him here in this country.

“I think [lawmakers] are focusing on the wrong thing — on embryonic instead of umbilical cord,” he said. “I think they should seriously consider what China and others have done. I know there’s a lot of skepticism, but they need to focus on the healing process and the problem itself, as opposed to trying to clone another person.”

Well said Chuck.

A raffle is being held for Chuck’s benefit is being organized in which a high definition television, a laptop and other gifts are prizes. For more information, you can call 231-5558.

Read the whole stem cell news article here

Heal Yourself With Qigong: Gentle Practices to Increase Energy, Restore Health, and Relax the Mind: Suzanne Friedman

Some people come into your life and you are never the same.  23 years ago I met Suzanne Friedman and she has been a source of wisdom, strength and inspiration ever since.  Please take a look at her excellent book, Heal Yourself with Qigong, just released! – DG

Heal Yourself With Qigong: Gentle Practices to Increase Energy, Restore Health, and Relax the Mind by Suzanne Friedman (Author)

Qigong (pronounced chee-gung) is a Chinese practice consisting of physical movements, meditation, creative visualization, and breathing exercises. Similar to tai chi, qigong accumulates and cultivates vital life-force energy in the body for better health, heightened energy, and longevity.

Though qigong has been practiced in China for thousands of years, it is only now gaining popularity in the United States as research emerges about qigong’s many health benefits. Studies have found that even short-term practice of qigong has positive effects on blood pressure, stress, bone density, endocrine gland function, immune function, sexual function, and overall health.

Heal Yourself with Qigong opens with an introduction to basic qigong theory and offers over 100 five-minute qigong exercises designed to target specific health issues, from strengthening an aching back to boosting energy. Readers can use this book to quickly find effective qigong exercises targeted to their physical and mental health needs. The exercises are split into four sections: Instant Energy Boosters, Restoring Physical Vitality, Balancing the Emotions, and Calming the Spirit.

Unlike most other qigong books, which describe lengthy thirty to ninety-minute routines, this accessible guide presents exercises that take only a few minutes each. If they wish, readers can then link their favorite exercises together to create longer routines. The usability and flexibility of this book make it ideal for both experienced practitioners and those new to qigong.

via Amazon.com: Heal Yourself With Qigong: Gentle Practices to Increase Energy, Restore Health, and Relax the Mind: Suzanne Friedman: Books.

Stem Cells 101 – I thought stem cells were taken from newly formed embryos?

A curious reader asked:

I thought stem cells were taken from newly formed embryos?

——————————-

Dear curious reader,
There are 2 major kinds of stem cells.  There are embryonic stem cells and there are adult stem cells.  Both have the potential to improve patients’ lives by implanting them into the patient’s body to replace damaged or dead tissue. Both are ALREADY helping medical knowledge, such as drug development and understanding diseases in new ways.

EMBRYONIC stem cells (ESC) come from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst: the fertilized egg, called the zygote, divides and forms two cells; each of these cells divides again, and so on. Soon there is a hollow ball of about 150 cells called the blastocyst that contains two types of cells, the trophoblast and the inner cell mass. Embryonic stem cells are obtained from the inner cell mass.  Embryonic stem cells used in therapies are allogenic – they come from someone other then the patient.  Issues of rejection, like in transplants need to be addressed and most likely, embryonic stem cell recipients require heavy doses of immuno-suppressive drugs.

ADULT stem cells (ASC) come from a growing multitude of sources. First they were found in the bone marrow, then the blood, then certain fat cells, then nasal skin, then the dam broke and scientists seem to find a new source in the body every month. Umbilical cord stem cells are a type of adult stem cell although some give them their own subcategory.  ASC can be allogenic (from someone else) or autologous (from the patient’s own body and requiring no immuno-suppressive drugs).

The strongest allogenic stem cells seem to be derived from the placenta and the umbilical cords of healthy newborn babies, which can be frozen.  Milk teeth, the first set of a child’s teeth that  fall out and you put under their pillow are also an excellent source of stem cells.  Storing cord or placental or milk tooth stem cells at a stem cell bank can provide valuable stem cells for future treatments of the baby, a family member  or a stranger.

Embryonic stem cells (ESC) are thought to be more powerful than ASC because they can become any cell in the body. They come from very early in a pregnancy and are the by-products of abortions and fertility clinics.

New studies on ASC are showing that they can become virtually anything. Scientists recently turned adult skin stem cells into adult neuron stem cells. – http://repairstemcell.wordpress.com/2009/02/25/researchers-make-nerve-cells-from-new-stem-cells-science-reuters/

A decade of embryonic stem cell research has resulted in no human treatments and because the embryonic stem cells continue to divide beyond the scientist’s control, they can turn into tumors (as referenced in Kirsten’s original post).

Over a decade of adult stem cell treatments have given thousands improved health, extended lives, helped paraplegics to walk http://repairstemcell.wordpress.com/2009/02/10/spinal-cord-injury-sci-stem-cell-trials-japan-plays-catch-up/ , made a man with AIDs symptom free for 2 years http://repairstemcell.wordpress.com/?s=aids+symptom+2+years , the list goes on and on.  ASC are already helping improve and extend the lives of patients with dozens of “incurable” diseases,” 73 diseases when you count only US published scientific papers and well over 100 if you read all of the papers from outside the USA.

Hope that helped!
David Granovsky

http://repairstemcell.wordpress.com

To see the original post & question:

http://www.kirstensanford.com/2009/02/27/stem-cell-therapy-needs-global-regulation/

Potpourri: International Women’s day: Obama’s perspective on women

If only he would come out in support of adult stem cell research!  Embryonic research will not produce therapies for 10-50 years.  No matter, adult stem cell victories are swarming the media and even the NIH says they are ready for prime time. http://repairstemcell.wordpress.com/2009/02/26/nih-says-adult-stem-cells-are-ready-for-the-prime-time-yah-baby/

-DG

Friday, February 27, 2009

International Women’s day: Obama’s perspective on women

International Women’s day is On 8th March. International Women’s Day is meant to appreciate those who have the biggest but quietest influence in our lives. But what is Obama’s perspective on International Women’s Day?

…Healthcare:
- Fixing the Nation’s Health Care System
- Empowering women to prevent HIV/AIDS
- Supporting research into women’s health
- Fighting Cancer
- Reducing health risks due to mercury pollution
- Supporting stem cell research

via Potpourri: International Women’s day: Obama’s perspective on women.

Doctors of Excellence – Dr. Anthony G. Payne

Dr. Anthony G. Payne literally wrote the book on Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Therapy, which is to say he co-authored the first lay level book on the subject probably in the English-speaking world (Basic Publications). He is currently resident biological theoretician and senior science writer at the Weller Health Institute & Laboratory and also patient educator-liaison for the Nepsis Institute. Readers can get a feel for his passion to help the sick and dying by reading Dr. Payne’s  “Embracing the Disenfranchised” He has a page on Facebook and can be readily reached by e-mail at attachi-mailbox@yahoo.com (“Attachi” is a Choctaw word for healer. Dr. Payne is a BIA certified American Indian and member of the Choctaw Nation).

Equine clinic is full-service care for hoofed friends | thecalifornian.com | The Salinas Californian

Dogs are doing it, horses are doing it…if only us humans could do it. – DG

The clinic has kept pace with evolving medical technology, which often presents unexpected challenges.

“A lot of equine doctors, for example, use digital X-ray, and we do, too,” Alexandra said. “With that technology, though, you see a lot more detail.”

The challenge becomes how to evaluate the new detail. “All of a sudden we can see something we couldn’t see before,” Alexandra said. “Does it matter? Is it clinically significant?”

The clinic provides everything from laser surgery to nutrition counseling to 24-hour emergency care. The diagnostic center offers endoscopy and gastroscopy and digital radiography, to mention a few of its tools. Acupuncture and therapies such as shockwave and stem cell also are available.

via Equine clinic is full-service care for hoofed friends | thecalifornian.com | The Salinas Californian.

Mesoblast Limited (ASX:MSB) Presents Positive Adult Stem Cell Results To American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)

Mesoblast Limited (ASX:MSB) Presents Positive Adult Stem Cell Results To American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)

Melbourne, Feb 27, 2009 (ABN Newswire) – Mesoblast Limited (ASX:MSB)(PINK:MBLTY) Australia’s regenerative medicine company today announced that three separate papers disclosing clinical and preclinical trial results were presented this week to orthopaedic specialists attending the 55th annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the Orthopedic Research Society (ORS). The meetings, underway in Las Vegas, attract an estimated 15,000 orthopedic healthcare professionals from around the world.

A major highlight at the AAOS was the invited presentation given by Mr Richard de Steiger, the Principal Investigator of Mesoblast’s long bone non-union clinical trial at The Royal Melbourne Hospital. Mr de Steiger presented the positive results from the company’s successful trial in 10 patients treated with the proprietary adult stem cells for non-healing fractures of the tibia and femur.

At the ORS, Dr Tony Goldschlager of Monash University in Melbourne presented results from preclinical trials showing that Mesoblast’s allogeneic (from a donor), or “off-the-shelf”, cells were safe and highly effective for interbody fusion of the cervical spine in the neck.

Also at the ORS, Professor Peter Ghosh presented preclinical results which showed that a single injection of Mesoblast’s allogeneic cells into knee joints with pre-existing osteoarthritis reduced disease progression and supported reconstitution of knee joint cartilage six months after administration.

via Mesoblast Limited (ASX:MSB) Presents Positive Adult Stem Cell Results To American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) .