Geoff Lomax took this photo during a talk by Joshua Hunsberger form the NIH Center for Regenerative Medicine during the World Stem Cell Summit. It shows the type of stem cell research funded by the NIH during 2011. By far, the largest percentage (47%) has gone to tissue-specific stem cells in animals. Human embryonic stem … Continue reading NIH vs. CIRM funding of stem cell research #wscs12

A panel at the World Stem Cell Summit discussed the unproven uses of stem cells Tuesday morning the World Stem Cell Summit turned its attention to the use of “unproven” stem cells in clinics. This is an issue that has come to prominence in recent years, as clinics internationally and in the U.S. advertise (and charge … Continue reading Panel investigates unproven stem cell therapies #wscs12

An afternoon session at the World Stem Cell Summit turned its attention to legal and policy issues impacting stem cell research. Beth Roxland from the Hofstra University Bioethics Center described a lawsuit (Feminists Choosing Life v. Empire State Stem Cell Board) against New York's stem cell research program. The lawsuit had to do with New … Continue reading Legal and Policy Challenges to Stem Cell Research

Sally Temple of the Neural Stem Cell Institute showed this slide during her talk at the World Stem Cell Summit comparing telephone technology since she started in the laboratory until now. She says the same leap of technology has occurred with cell research and stem cells.G.L. Read more stem cell research news from the California … Continue reading Advances in stem cell research: like going from a landline to an iPhone #wscs12

George Daley opened the World Stem Cell Summit in West Palm Beach, FloridaGeoff Lomax is CIRM's Senior Officer to the Standards Working Group Dr. Daley kicked off the World Stem Cell Summit by describing the strengths and opportunities for the field. To illustrate near-term strengths, he described his research on  a disease that results in … Continue reading Near-term use for iPS cells: repurposing existing drugs

A packed crowd at the World Stem Cell Summit keynote address.The World Stem Cell Summit is taking place right now in West Palm Beach Florida, bringing together scientists and patient advocates to discuss the future of stem cell research. We'll be posting updates throughout the meeting. The World Stem Cell Summit began in West Palm … Continue reading World Stem Cell Summit kicks off: opportunities and threats to the research

President Obama proclaimed December 1 World AIDS Day, writing:Today, we reflect on the strides we have taken toward overcoming HIV/AIDS, honor those who have made our progress possible, and keep in our thoughts all those who have known the devastating consequences of this illness.One of those invited to the White House event was CIRM board … Continue reading CIRM board member Jeff Sheehy honored for World AIDS Day

One of the unique things about the stem cell agency is the strong presence of patient advocates on our governing board, the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee (ICOC). Out of 27 members on the ICOC ten are patient advocates (bios of all board members are available here). It’s designed to ensure that we never lose sight … Continue reading Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) and MS get new advocate on stem cell agency board

Alan TrounsonCIRM President Alan Trounson, PhD (well what president did you think we meant?) is in high demand as a speaker and presenter for his thoughts on regenerative medicine in general, and the work of CIRM in particular. He recently had a cross-Atlantic email conversation with Alex Lovering, the associate editor of London-based International Innovation, … Continue reading President gives exclusive interview on stem cell research

Paul KnoepflerMove over Drs. Gurdon and Yamanaka*, there’s a new kid in town. Or at least there will be if our old friend, UC Davis stem cell research Paul Knoepfler, PhD, has anything to do with it.Paul is not just a respected researcher and an associate professor of cell biology and human anatomy, he’s also … Continue reading Blogger scientist holds Stem Cell Person of the Year contest