Members of NFOSD visiting UC Davis in 2013 At CIRM, we have the resources to fund promising research through clinical trials. These projects are expensive—often costing tens of millions of dollars. Phase 2 clinical trial But many programs that reach our Board begin years earlier, in much humbler circumstances, powered by patient advocates, grassroots fundraising, … Continue reading The power of the patient advocate: how a quick visit led to an $11M grant to fund a clinical trial
Month: May 2022
CIRM Grants $5.8M for Prostate Cancer Immunotherapy Research
The American Cancer Society estimates that this year in the United States, there will be 268,490 new cases of prostate cancer. It also estimates that 34,500 men will die from the cancer in 2022. Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. These stark statistics are why the California … Continue reading CIRM Grants $5.8M for Prostate Cancer Immunotherapy Research
Marathon effort to raise awareness about Huntington’s disease
The COVID pandemic put many things on hold over the last two years. But thanks to the vaccine and boosters, more and more people feel comfortable getting out and about again. For example, the Orange County Marathon returned for the first time in two years on Sunday, May 1st. Because May is Huntington’s disease Awareness Month, the University of California, … Continue reading Marathon effort to raise awareness about Huntington’s disease
Replacement brain cells offer hope for Parkinson’s treatment
A colony of iPSCs from a Parkinson's patient (left) and dopaminergic neurons made from these iPSCs (right) to model PD. (Image credit: Jeanne Loring) A new study that used adult blood stem cells to create replacement brain nerve cells appears to help rats with Parkinson’s. In Parkinson’s, the disease attacks brain nerve cells that produce … Continue reading Replacement brain cells offer hope for Parkinson’s treatment
Google eases ban on ads for stem cell therapies
What started out as an effort by Google to crack down on predatory stem cell clinics advertising bogus therapies seems to be getting diluted. Now the concern is whether that will make it easier for these clinics to lure unsuspecting patients to pay good money for bad treatments? Restrictions on advertising claims A little background … Continue reading Google eases ban on ads for stem cell therapies
Smoking marijuana could be bad for your heart, but there is an unusual remedy
Smoking medical marijuana: Photo courtesy Elsa Olofsson Millions of Americans use marijuana for medical reasons, including easing anxiety or reducing side effects of cancer treatment. Millions more use it recreationally, saying it helps them relax. A new study now reports that regular marijuana smokers may increase their risk of heart disease and heart attack. Benefits … Continue reading Smoking marijuana could be bad for your heart, but there is an unusual remedy
IBSC directors bring in nearly $12 million to fund the future of biomolecular research at UC Santa Cruz
Left to right: Lindsay Hinck and Camilla Forsberg UC Santa Cruz professors Camilla Forsberg and Lindsay Hinck are not only pushing boundaries in their field as the female-led program directors of the Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells (IBSC), but they’ve also been looking for ways to enhance the environment within the academic research … Continue reading IBSC directors bring in nearly $12 million to fund the future of biomolecular research at UC Santa Cruz
Study shows sleep deprivation impairs stem cells in the cornea
We spend about one‑third of our lives sleeping—or at least we should. Not getting enough sleep can have serious health consequences and is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Sleep deprived A study by the American Sleep Apnea Association found that 70 percent of Americans report too little sleep at least one … Continue reading Study shows sleep deprivation impairs stem cells in the cornea