This month a lab animal will become the initial patient in the final steps in Clive Svendsen’s 15-year quest to provide the first meaningful therapy for people with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. If that animal and subsequent ones in this required study have good results—no side effects from the treatment—Svendsen plans to … Continue reading Genes + Cells: Stem Cells deliver genes as “drugs” & hope for ALS
Features
Thrust into ALS Advocacy
I have always had a fascination for medicine, and thanks to the Internet, I’ve become a tireless researcher. Having already faced breast cancer a decade ago, the only power I have ever felt over the adversity of a life-threatening illness is knowledge. When I was diagnosed in August 2014 with bulbar ALS, I had to … Continue reading Thrust into ALS Advocacy
Genes + Cells: Stem Cells Deliver Genetic Punch
Bad luck stalked the early years of gene therapy. The pioneering research revealed it is difficult to manipulate a patient’s genes both efficiently and safely. Today, after more than two decades of tireless labor in the lab, nearly 2,000 gene therapy trials have been conducted or are approved, with many of the most promising using … Continue reading Genes + Cells: Stem Cells Deliver Genetic Punch
2015 Golden Globes shines light on Alzheimer’s and ALS with acting awards
In between the one-liners, surprise presenters and bottomless champagne, something remarkable happened at last night’s 72nd Golden Globe Awards. 26 awards were given last night to the best in film and television. But two in particular were especially meaningful. I am referring, of course, to Julianne Moore and Eddie Redmayne, who each took home awards … Continue reading 2015 Golden Globes shines light on Alzheimer’s and ALS with acting awards
Stem Cell Stories that Caught Your Eye: The Most Popular Stem Cellar Stories of 2014
2014 marked an extraordinary year for regenerative medicine and for CIRM. We welcomed a new president, several of our research programs have moved into clinical trials—and our goal of accelerating treatments for patients in need is within our grasp. As we look back we’d like to revisit The Stem Cellar’s ten most popular stories of … Continue reading Stem Cell Stories that Caught Your Eye: The Most Popular Stem Cellar Stories of 2014
10 Years/10 Therapies: 10 Years after its Founding CIRM will have 10 Therapies Approved for Clinical Trials
In 2004, when 59 percent of California voters approved the creation of CIRM, our state embarked on an unprecedented experiment: providing concentrated funding to a new, promising area of research. The goal: accelerate the process of getting therapies to patients, especially those with unmet medical needs. Having 10 potential treatments expected to be approved for … Continue reading 10 Years/10 Therapies: 10 Years after its Founding CIRM will have 10 Therapies Approved for Clinical Trials
Bringing out the Big Guns: Scientists Weigh in on How Best to Combat Deadly Diseases of the Brain
Despite our best efforts, diseases of the brain are on the rise. Neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases threaten not only to devastate our aging population, but also cripple our economy. Meanwhile, the causes of conditions such as autism remain largely unknown. And brain and spinal cord injuries continue to increase—leaving their victims … Continue reading Bringing out the Big Guns: Scientists Weigh in on How Best to Combat Deadly Diseases of the Brain
Cells’ Knack for Hoarding Proteins Inadvertently Kickstarts the Aging Process
Even cells need to take out the trash in order to maintain a healthy clean environment. And scientists are now uncovering the harmful effects when cells instead begin to hoard their garbage. Aging, on the cellular level is—at its core—the increasing inability for cells to repair themselves over time. As cells begin to break down … Continue reading Cells’ Knack for Hoarding Proteins Inadvertently Kickstarts the Aging Process
Stories of Hope: Stroke
Six months after surviving a stroke, Sonia Olea wanted to die. Her right leg was weak, her right arm useless. She had trouble speaking and even small tasks were challenging. Just making a phone call was virtually impossible. One morning, she woke up with her arm pinned in an awkward, painful position. After finally repositioning … Continue reading Stories of Hope: Stroke
Stories of Hope: Sickle Cell Disease
This week on The Stem Cellar we feature some of our most inspiring patients and patient advocates as they share, in their own words, their Stories of Hope. Adrienne Shapiro pledged she would give her daughter Marissa the best possible life she could have—wearing herself out if necessary. Her baby girl had sickle cell disease, … Continue reading Stories of Hope: Sickle Cell Disease
The Stem Cellar 