Stem cell treatments, proven and unproven
Posted by Kate Doherty, on 18 May 2015
Hello! Read on for some fascinating stories of stem cell treatments – proven and unproven – and find out about a new website with great information to help you tell the difference.
The Hubrecht Institute have discovered a new way of introducing molecular tools into cells – read all about it in our latest research spotlight.
Plus a new French translation of the All About Stem Cells teaching tool, a freshly updated fact sheet on stem cells and spinal cord injuries, and some interesting events coming up.
As ever, we’re keen to hear from readers of The Node – on Twitter, Facebook, or via our website. You can get involved as a writer or translator, tell us about the stem cell events you’re involved in, make comments or suggestions, or just say hello! And for regular stem cell news, why not subscribe to our monthly newsletter?
Stem cell tourism: selling hope through unproven stem cell treatments – lessons from the X-Cell Center controversy
In recent years there has been a growing interest in so-called stem cell ‘tourism’ – where a person (often companied by their carer/family) travels to another country for a purported stem cell treatment that is not available in their home country. Many advertised treatments are clinically unproven, with little or no evidence for their safety and efficacy in specific conditions.
Interview with Graziella Pellegrini – Using stem cells to cure blindness
Professor Graziella Pellegrini is one of the principal scientists on the ground breaking, corneal repair system Holoclar®. Working throughout Italy over the past 27 years she is now based at the Centre for Regenerative Medicine “Stefano Ferrari” at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.We spoke to Graziella about developing Holoclar, what it means for regenerative medicine in Europe, and what’s next.
Interview with Michele De Luca – Epithelial cells and regrowing corneal epithelium
We spoke to Michele De Luca,director of the Centre for Regenerative Medicine “Stefano Ferrari” at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, about his work, the importance of collaboration, and his aspirations. He also shares some great advice for scientists starting out.
New website takes a closer look at stem cells
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has launched a new website to help patients and their families make informed decisions about stem cell treatments, clinics and their health.
Stem Cells Australia’s Megan Munsie, chairperson of the ISSCR task force responsible for the website expansion, describes the revamped site as “a direct channel from researchers to the public.”
Researchers discover back door into the cell
Researchers at the Hubrecht Institute and Utrecht University have developed a revolutionary and effective way of introducing molecular tools into cells. According to Dr. Niels Geijsen, who headed the research team, this discovery brings us one step closer to treating genetic diseases:
“The difficulty of treating genetic (inherited) diseases is that we, thus far, are unable to safely transport large therapeutic compounds, for example, proteins, into cells,” explains Geijsen. “With our new technology, we’ve found that we can do this very efficiently.”
Updated: Spinal cord injuries: how could stem cells help?
There’s lots of new information in our fact sheet on stem cells and spinal cord injuries, updated this month.
New French translation of teaching tool: Tout sur les cellules souches
Un outil d’enseignement flexible qui introduit la recherche sur les cellules souches au moyen d’activités créatives en groupes et de discussions. Inclut des cartes d’activités imagées, des fiches de travail simples, des modèles de posters et un guide d’activités avec de nombreuses suggestions sur la façon d’utiliser le matériel.
Read more (also in EN, DE, IT, PL, ES)
Some upcoming stem cell events
28-30 May: Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration
This meeting will address the most important issues involved in protein toxicity in neurons, aiming at stimulating new and productive interactions among basic and clinical research groups. Oral presentations, plenaries and talks will provide participants with updated information that could be useful to researchers in the field of neurodegenerative disorders. Read more
9-12 September: EMBO conference: Cell therapy today: Achievements, hopes and hype
This EMBO Conference will focus on the clinical translation of stem cell based research, current trials, pre-clinical work as the foundation for future ones and the ethical and economical impact of these novel therapies. Read more
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