Cellular Graft Engineering Society

Optic Nerve Hypoplasia – Adult Stem Cell Research Now Yielding Benefits

Oct 262011

Don Margolis asked:

Optic Nerve Hypoplasia is a congenital condition in which a child is born with the optic nerve underdeveloped. This leaves the child unable to see in either one or both eyes.? Before stem cell therapy, there was no cure or treatment for this condition.? The child used to be sentenced to a life of blindness.? These days, thanks to advances in Adult Stem Cell research,? there is a treatment.? This treatment is in the form of Adult Stem Cells.

Xavier Carballo, a young boy from Florida was born with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia.? Diagnosed at age 2, Xavier had been declared legally blind.? Xavier’s mother, Cindy, found out a stem cell treatment in China that helps Optic Nerve Hypoplasia.? Saving money for the expenses for two years, Cindy and Xavier finally made the trip to China in the fall of 2008. ?

In China, Xavier received 6 infusions of Adult Stem Cells derived from cord blood. ?? Xavier’s mother could see a difference in Xavier after the very first infusion.?

Since returning to the United States, Xavier has improved even more.? Xavier’s ophthalmologist did a baseline examination before Xavier went to China and then examined Xavier after he returned.? The ophthalmologist said that before the treatment, Xavier, could only detect hand motion at 1-2 feet.? He said after the stem cell treatment, Xavier can count fingers at 3-4 feet!? The doctor says there has been definite improvement neurologically as well as his eyesight

Xavier has improved so much that his parents are moving him from a school for children with disabilities to a mainstream school.?

Xavier is the latest in a long list of people who have had “untreatable” conditions and have been helped by stem cell therapy. Hopefully, we will have more in the near future so more children (and adults) will be able to get this life improving treatment.

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Value of Stem Cell Research

Health And Fitness No Responses »

Oct 202011

J Lindgren asked:

Today is an age where the value of human life is becoming disregarded more and more. Our society’s youngest members are viewed as a mere commodity for the use in research and the development of cures for various diseases. One of the most vulnerable members of our human race is referred to as “excess” embryos or “frozen tissue” in vitro fertilization clinics. They are only regarded as “potential” human beings. Even pro-life members of Congress have wavered on this issue of gathering embryonic stem cells from frozen embryos that would be discarded anyway.

There has been a great deal of controversy surrounding the use of the taxpayer’s money to support the research of embryonic stem cells. The Castle-De-Gette bill which was passed in the House of Representatives (2005) wanted to override the President’s ban concerning federal funding for embryonic stem cell research on lines as stem cells after August of 2001. Many have the opinion that these embryos are only potential human beings and that they should be used to find ways to cure disease. Republican Majority Leader Tom De Lay stated that this bill would use funding by the taxpayers for the dismemberment of distinct, living human beings. This is, in fact, a very good analysis of the process of what we now call embryonic stem cell research. The frozen embryos we speak of are first and foremost human life.

On the same day that Congress passed a bill that was going to aim at using the money from taxpayer’s to fund the destruction of embryos that had been frozen from in vitro fertilization clinics, President Bush was welcoming into the White House families who had adopted these so called excess embryos.

In 1997 Nightlight’s Snowflakes Frozen Embryo Adoption started its program. It was able to match 230 genetic families with approximately 145 adopting families. To date, 81 babies have been born and more are expected. This shows that these “excess” frozen embryos are the smallest people in our society today, and they should be respected just as any other member of society is respected.

President Bush’s stance has always been that embryonic stem cell research does, in fact, destroy human life. He said, that, while he had increased the funding for research regarding adult stem cells, he believed that the Castle-de-Gette bill would create new ways to destroy human life. Of course, proponents of embryonic stem research would argue that the potential human life embryos are majorly contributing to society in that the focus is being made to cure diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and heart disease. However, each and every human life is a most precious gift of matchless value.

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Stem Cell Research – Sources of Embryos

Health And Fitness No Responses »

Sep 252011

David Lemberg asked:

The creation and characterization of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) has been an important component of recent stem cell research. Since Fall 2007 there has been rapid progress with regarding iPS cells. But this new form of pluripotent cells is qualitatively and quantitatively different from embryonic stem cells (ESCs). It is critically important to continue ESC research, even if iPS cells prove to be able to develop into tissues suitable for therapy and transplantation. Sources of ESCs are a contentious and critical issue.

Many are opposed to the creation of embryos for research purposes. Embryos are destroyed in the process of obtaining ESCs, and such research is vehemently opposed by those who believe that destruction of embryos is murder. There are many counter-arguments to this claim. For example, human sexual reproduction normally involves the loss of anywhere from 40 to 70% of early-stage embryos. In other words, embryos are destroyed consistently as a natural part of human reproduction. Some embryos fail to implant in the uterus, others implant but fail to thrive, and others may be rejected (i.e., killed) by the mother’s body. Opponents of stem cell research do not also advocate the cessation of human sexual reproduction, so their position on embryo “murder” may have logical inconsistencies.

We live in a pluralistic society and need to respect the morals and ethics of various minority viewpoints. So we may choose not to create embryos for research. Another likely source of embryos is the vast numbers of embryos remaining after in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. More than 100,000 IVF procedures are performed annually in the United States. Typically more embryos are created than are implanted in the potential mother’s uterus.

The leftover embryos are frozen for possible later use by the couple, donated for use by another couple, or destroyed. These so-called “spare” embryos could be useful in many aspects of stem cell (SC) research. The validity of an ethical distinction between use of embryos created specifically for research purposes and spare embryos originally created for IVF procedures has been debated for more than a decade.

Many U.S. Senators, including those who oppose abortion, are in favor of using spare embryos for SC research. In 2001 Senators Arlen Specter, Strom Thurmond, Olympia Snowe, Kay Bailey Hutchinson, and Orrin Hatch sent a letter to President George W. Bush urging him to “support legislation which would remove the existing ban on the use of Federal funds to derive stem cells from embryos”. The Senators were specifically urging the use of the “many excess embryos created for the purpose of in vitro fertilization” for SC research. [Congressional Record, S9118, September 5, 2001]

New National Institute of Health (NIH) guidelines, effective July 7, 2009, approve Federal NIH funding for research using embryos “that were created using in vitro fertilization for reproductive purposes and were no longer needed for this purpose”. [National Institute of Health Guidelines on Human Stem Cell Research – http://stemcells.nih.gov/policy/2009guidelines.htm, accessed 1-6-10.

President Obama’s administration has enabled ESC research to begin moving forward. In addition to ongoing moral and ethical issues, many scientific issues persist. For example, spare embryos have been frozen for varying periods of time. They may contain genetic defects that made them unsuitable for implantation. Most importantly, tissues derived from spare embryos will not be an immunologically match for the potential recipient. Graft-versus-host reactions are a key consideration. Immunosuppressive drugs would still be necessary for such therapies and transplants. Research on embryos created from host tissues remains a necessity.

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Cord Blood Stem Cell Research Breakthroughs

Health And Fitness No Responses »

Sep 242011

Greg White asked:

Cord blood is the blood that remains in the placenta and umbilical cord after birth. It contains stem cells that have been found to be excellent for research and treatment of many diseases. Cord stem cells are very young cells that have the potential to develop into many types of organs or tissues within the body. Previously, stem cells from embryos were used for research. Because this destroyed the embryo there was quite a bit of controversy surrounding their use.

Using cord blood stem cells has other advantages for research and treatment as well. There is a steady supply of stem cells to be used. Parents can place their child’s cord blood stem cells into a bank for future use. They can be used later if needed by the child or even a close family member. Tissues or organs produced with stem cells that are a genetic match reduces the risk that the body will reject the new organ.

Cord blood stem cells are removed and can be grown in the laboratory. Researchers around the world have already been using them in groundbreaking ways with exciting results. They can be used to help in the treatment or even the cures of many diseases including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis.

Scientists at the University of Minnesota have been able to differentiate cord blood cells into lung cells. These cells will help repair lungs after injury or disease. Until now, only brain stem cells could be used for this purpose. The findings may lead to the future ability to examine cord blood from babies inflicted with lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis to determine why they have the disease and find a way to avoid it.

A team of researchers in South Korea has used cord blood stem cell research to grow a partial liver. The cells secrete insulin, which can be used in the treatment of diabetes. Scientists are optimistic that further research will allow them to grow an entire liver (or other organ), which can then be used for transplant. This would be a significant event, which would save thousands of lives of those waiting for an organ.

Similar findings are developing with researchers around the world. The exciting news is that there seems to be no limit to the diseases that cord blood stem cell research may treat or even cure in the future. With an ample supply of fresh stem cells to work with the researchers can expand their current capabilities allowing for faster results.

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Embryonic Stem Cell Research – Benefits Ignored

News And Society No Responses »

Sep 132011

Shashank Nayak asked:

The article deals with the benefits the human race can reap if embryonic stem cell research is made legal in America. When I hear that President Bush’s ideology prevents him from sanctioning embryonic stem cell research, I just wonder in which century do we live in! Embryonic stem cells are cells that are, as the name suggests are the ones derived from embroyos.

These embryos are not the ones that are fertilized in a woman’s body, but are the ones that are fertilized invitro-in an in vitro fertilization clinic-and then donated for research purposes with informed consent of the donors. As long as the embryonic stem cells in culture are grown under certain conditions, they can remain undifferentiated (unspecialized). But if cells are allowed to clump together to form embryoid bodies, they begin to differentiate spontaneously.

They can form muscle cells, nerve cells, and many other cell types. Specifically their possibility of differentiating into nerve cells is worth serious consideration. Some of us as healthy people, with a functional spinal cord may think( as President Bush certainly does) that embryonic stem cell research ultimately leads to the destruction of the human embryo involved, and is thus equal to murder of a human being.

This is the same as saying that a molecule of H2O is same as a litre of water in all respects( including the prospect of water’s ability to quench thirst). An embryo is not sentient. It does not feel like we humans do. Just think of the possibilities. People who have broken their spinal cords in accidents could walk and function normally again. Christopher Reeves would have been waking. But it is too late for him now. I sincerely hope that Bush or the president after him approves the Bill which would sanction embryonic stem cell research.

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Ceres Living MLM Review – Stem Cell Research News For Health and Wellness Benefits

Home Based Business No Responses »

Sep 122011

Billy Ying Ching asked:

If you are researching MLM companies to possibly learn more about, one of the main things that you must consider is the history behind the credibility of those companies. This has nothing to do with how long have those companies been in business or how successful the management teams were in their previous involvement with other businesses. Health and wellness network marketing companies are in the business of creating exceptional products that sell well. And the only way they can accomplish this is through a unique selling proposition that pertains to the revolutionary science behind the product that is backed by scientific studies and testimonials.

Have You Heard Of An MLM Company That Is Involved In The Remarkable Science Of Stem Cell Research For Health Benefits?

At the moment, Ceres Living is the only network marketing company in existence that offers health and wellness products that specializes in the repair and development of stem cells throughout your body. You are probably wondering why is this important? What about the countless number of health and wellness products that also aid in a person’s health by improving their symptomatic conditions?

The fact is that there are tons of products that have been tested for many years and backed by science and research. For example, products that help people with diabetes, high cholesterol, constipation, skin problems, and etc. are available for consumption. You are probably wondering how does one actually decide upon one product out of the thousands out there.

Their decisions to purchase can be a result of testimonials coming from friends and family. It could be an ingredient that is present in one particular product that they are not allergic to. It could be purely from taste reasons only. You already know how one product taste different from another. And their decision to choose one delicious tasting product over another can be a major factor.

One important fact to consider is that stem cells have already been scientifically proven to reverse extreme conditions of illness where the cells of the human body can deteriorate as a result of illness, natural aging process, physical trauma (like car accident involving spinal cord and head injuries), and virus-related infection. That is why there has been a lot of government tax money being spent on these life-improvement projects.

Fact: Spinal Cord And Brain Injuries From Car Accidents Are Examples Of Cells That Cannot Be Replaced Once They Are Damaged

The only way the cells of damaged bodies can be replaced is by way of the injection of stem cells that have been collected earlier from the human body. Just like the same way blood is collected at the blood banks, the same principle applies just as well to stem cell banks. For example, the brain’s neuron cells are damaged from head trauma like from a car accident. And so is the same with spinal cord injuries. Only stem cells can replace those damaged cells.

A MLM company that truly understands the complicated nature of how stem cells work in relation to their proprietary health and wellness products is something that you should not overlook when using them as one of the of the most important criteria for choosing health and wellness products.

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The Truth Behind Stem Cell Research – The Right To Recover

Book Reviews No Responses »

Sep 082011

Nick Oliva asked:

Yvonne Perry is a fellow writer and friend and after having read her book I am forwarding this information to all that I know in the hopes that they read and understand that we here in the United States are being misled as to what researchers want to use for stem cells that are not human embryos as has been misstated over and over by groups that do not want to educate themselves.

I have diabetes, without this research I will die prematurely no matter what steps I can take now. My mother died at age 67, my brothers have it and millions of others in this country need a cure, NOW! Yvonne explains that the clump of cells called blastocysts are not living human entities. If you have family, friends, or loved ones that have life threatening diseases you need to read how close we are to curing these problems if our government would stop being pressured by special interest groups that have it all wrong. There is a forward by Rev. Dan Bloodworth a strong supporter of Yvonne’s, with a Biblical Perspective on stem cell research.
Anything you can or are willing to do to help people understand the importance of federal funding for all types of stem cell research is much appreciated–especially by those who currently suffer with an illness or condition that might be helped by the derived technology and treatments.

I have read Yvonne’s book “Right to Recover” and the following is my comment on this courageous work.

Yvonne Perry has taken a courageous stand by tackling and dissecting these issues without prejudicial preconceived emotion. The biggest obstacle to this research is the inclusion of religious aspects in the determination that a blastocyst or a pile of benign cells constitutes human life, a grave error of thought. After all, is there a ceremony or last rites given to these cells? They are not inside a woman’s uterus, they have not been given DNA to substantiate they are human and can take the form of whatever host they are merged into. I am a diabetic. I will die along with millions of others prematurely. With one injection of stem cells, in the near future my pancreas could grow back and I would be able to stop shooting insulin and going into insulin shock wearing my organs down and live a normal life. All I need is the ability of these dedicated researchers to be allowed to use funding to further the research to make it all happen for millions of us. Read the book before you go off about the “point that life begins” and begin to understand how much damage is being done because of a lack of understanding of that very question.

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Hydrogen Fuel Cell Research and the Truth

News And Society No Responses »

Aug 172011

Jacob Jacobson asked:

Somehow hydrogen energy technology has been suppressed from going mainstream in the markets. Why? hydrogen used as a fuel is very efficent, very clean and safe regardless of what propaganda says. Can’t help but think that the oil companies had something to do with it. It’s undeniable by any scientist or physicist that hydrogen is the most abundant and efficient fuel in the solar system. Hydrogen is so dynamic as a fuel that it can be used in any part of the energy industry from transportation to electricity production even space exploration. NASA has been developing hydrogen technology for it’s space programs for decades now.

I found an eBook document regarding hydrogen fuel cells and the future of the economy. Apparently this information wasn’t acted upon because the document was written September 23, 1987 and published by the US Government Printing Office in 1988. They’re coming up with great solutions and proposals but somehow they keep dropping the ball. We have the solution we just need to act upon them and obviously it’s up to the people (entrepreneurs and private sectors) to put pressure on regulations and individually make this change in our economy for a greener planet and a more efficient transportation industry. Here’s is an excerpt from Energy Research And Development and Energy And Natural Resources United States Senate.

["In the transportation sector- the largest consumer of oil- hydrogen offers a clean alternative and the fuel choice of the future... We won't be blackmailed by any capricious Middle east potentate if we can produce our own energy needs." (page 138) Presented to the U.S Senate Subcommittee On Energy Research And Development, Committee On Energy And Natural Resources September 23,1987. ]

Obviously this amazing proposal was shut down and turned away by the U.S Senate twenty three years ago. If it wasn’t turned away, the country would be a much different, safer place than it is now. Almost everything that has happened regarding ecological disasters and security relations between countries has happened since then. The price of oil has gone up and our environment has gotten much worse with millions of casualties both human and animals when a solution was laid out before the Senate 23 years ago.

Hydrogen is clearly a solution that will solve nations energy and security needs across the globe. It is now up to us… the entrepreneurs and innovators… to make the changes that need to be made for a better planet, better economy and a better future.

Can hydrogen gas be used as fuel in cars? Yes. It has been. Very efficiently and even better… it requires barely any modification to the car or engine. When the hho generator is hooked up to the air intake, that’s it. The hydrogen fuel system is hooked up. With an engine that has carburetor, that’s all that’s all that needs to be done. Newer vehicles use computer technology to communicate with the engine so newer car models need a simple flash chip plug-in and an oxygen sensor fix since the current settings in the computer management systems are no longer relevant.

The world needs to wake up to the easy solutions that we can do ourselves. Create a safer, cleaner planet.

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Can Stem Cell Research Cure Tinnitus?

Health And Fitness No Responses »

Aug 132011

Robin Newsome asked:

Are you having buzzing or other sounds in your ear more or less constantly? The condition is Tinnitus and it’s debilitating. When I first started having ringing in my ears I thought their must be a cure.

Before I share with you what I’ve done to minimize my Tinnitus, let’s look at the latest research with stem cells.

I found there were many things I could do that worked for others but found none of them really helped. The latest hope is stem cell research. The question is can stem cell research cure tinnitus?

The research, hopefully, will result in a new cure for tinnitus. Stem cells would be taken from embryos and changed to different types of cells. The idea is that cells from nerves could be grown in the ear.

Tinnitus or T is often linked to damage done to the ear. It could have been exposure to loud sounds, a blow or other causes. I’m a musician and I think it’s due to standing next to the drummer for hours and being regularly deafened by the sound of the cymbals.

Researchers are looking into ways of regrowing the hair cells in the ear as a cure for T. Currently there is no way to regrow these cells but the hope is that stem cells can cause these cells to regenerate and these would replace the damaged cells.

Today the results of stem cell testing are exciting but it may take 10 years before the treatment is available. So what can Tinnitus sufferers do in the meantime?

There are many folk remedies and even surgery is a possibility. The problem is that some people have had some good results with various remedies and for others nothing seems to work.

My main problem was not sleeping because of a constant buzzing. It wasn’t a huge problem during the day but kept me from getting a full night’s sleep. Ear plugs sometimes helped if I slept in certain positions. Other times nothing worked.

I read everything I could get my hands on about possible remedies including dietary changes, exercise and even considered ramming my head into the wall a few times.

Can you imagine what it would be like to have your bed in the middle of a really busy airport runway? I guarantee you wouldn’t be sleeping much. Tinnitus symptoms are said to be made worse by lack of sleep. It’s not a pretty scenario.

I finally found a combination of herbal and holistic remedies which is working for me. I can’t say I’m cured yet but it’s so much better. I even have 3 or 4 nights a week where the T doesn’t visit me anymore.

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Stem Cell Research Issues – What’s the Big Fuss?

News And Society No Responses »

Aug 132011

Alan Joel asked:

Stem cells hit the limelight in November 1998, when researchers first reported that they had isolated human embryonic stem cells. These cells, isolated from embryos that were several days old, can theoretically be differentiated into any kind of cell in the human body, from blood cells to brain cells to muscle cells. This was big news on the scientific front since scientists hoped to use these cells to repair damaged cells and tissue in adult humans. Unfortunately this research breakthrough also created a host of stem cell research issues that are still being debated today.

So what’s the big fuss about these research issues? Most of the controversy centers on the fact that the embryonic stem cells come from embryos and scientists must destroy the embryos to harvest the stem cells. Many pro-life and religious groups argue that an embryo represents a human life and that embryonic stem cell work is equivalent to murdering human lives. There are currently several sources of embryos, including aborted fetuses and fertility clinics (which have thousands of unwanted frozen embryos). All of these sources are currently undergoing serious scrutiny from the government and various lobbying groups.

Other stem cell research issues include the following questions:

- Should we pursue stem cell research just because we can?
- How far should we take stem cell research?
- Who should regulate this kind of research and how?
- Who should pay for this kind of research (which is very expensive)?
- What role should the government play in stem cell research?

It will likely take the government and the various scientific researchers involved in this controversy quite a while to resolve these research issues. Luckily for you, the consumer, there are alternative ways you can benefit from stem cells without getting involved in all the fuss. Along with embryonic stem cell research, scientists have also been studying ways to boost stem cell production in adults. Each of our bodies makes its own stem cells to repair and rejuvenate damaged areas, so while we may not be able to use embryonic stem cells to improve our health we can use our own to become healthier.

The stem cells in our bodies produce over 30 types of growth factors and tissue chemicals. They also help recruit other local and systemic stem cells to focus on repairing damaged tissue. They are also active in immune modulation to promote or suppress T-cell function. In short, stems cells are pretty nifty tools to have and the more stem cells you have the healthier you are. Best of all, when you focus on boosting your own stem cells instead of using someone else’s, you don’t run into all those stem cell research issues.

So how can you boost the number and health of the stem cells your body produces on its own? Research has shown that certain ingredients found in nature do just that. These include green tea extract, wild blueberry, carnosine, blueberry extract, vitamin D, and blue-green algae. These ingredients give your stem cells to proper nutrition so that not only do they multiply but they can better protect and repair your body. But don’t worry, you don’t have to go around squeezing wild blueberries into your green tea to get these beneficial effects. Nutritional products now available on the market package all of these ingredients into a simple daily supplement so that stem cell nutrition is as easy as pie. Plus, there are no stem cell research issues related to taking these products!

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