Category Archives: Mississippi Stem Cells

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Gulf Coast Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center (GCSC&RMC) uses adipose-derived stem cells for deployment & clinical research. Early stem cell research has traditionally been associated with the controversial use of embryonic stem cells. The new focus is on non-embryonic adult mesenchymal stem cells which are found in a persons own blood, bone marrow, and fat. Most stem cell therapy centers in the world are currently using stem cells derived from bone marrow.

A recent technological breakthrough enables us to now use adipose (fat) derived stem cells. Autologous stem cells from a persons own fat are easy to harvest safely under local anesthesia and are abundant in quantities up to 2500 times those seen in bone marrow.

Clinical success and favorable outcomes appear to be related directly to the quantity of stem cells deployed. Once these adipose-derived stem cells are administered back into the patient, they have the potential to repair human tissue by forming new cells of mesenchymal origin, such as cartilage, bone, ligaments, tendons, nerve, fat, muscle, blood vessels, and certain internal organs. Stem cells ability to form cartilage and bone makes them potentially highly effective therapy for degenerative orthopedic conditions. Their ability to form new blood vessels and smooth muscle makes them potentially very useful in treating Peyronies disease and impotence. Stem cells are used extensively in Europe and Asia to treat these conditions.

We have anecdotal and experimental evidence that stem cell therapy is effective in healing and regeneration. Stem cells seek out damaged tissues in order to repair the body naturally. The literature and internet are full of successful testimonials but we are still awaiting definitive studies demonstrating the efficacy of stem cell therapy. Such data may take five or ten years to accumulate. In an effort to provide relief for patients suffering from certain degenerative diseases that have been resistant to common modalities of medical care, we are initiating pilot studies as experimental tests of therapy effectiveness with very high numbers of adipose-derived stem cells obtained from fat. Adipose fat is an abundant and reliable source of stem cells.

GCSC&RMCs cell harvesting and isolation techniques are based on technology from Korea. This new technological breakthrough allows patients to safely receive their own autologous stem cells in extremely large quantities. Our therapy and research are patient funded and we have endeavored successfully to make it affordable. All of our sterile procedures are non-invasive and done under local anesthesia. Patients who are looking for non-surgical alternatives to their degenerative disorders can participate in our trials by filling out our application to determine if they are candidates.GCSC&RMC is proud to be state of the art in the new field of Regenerative Medicine. RETURN TO TOP

We are currently in the process of setting up FDA approved protocols for stem cell banking in collaboration with a reputable cryo-technology company. This enables a person to receive autologous stem cells at any time in the future without having to undergo liposuction which may be inconvenient or contraindicated. Having your own stem cells available for medical immediate use is a valuable medical asset.

Provisions are nearly in place for this option and storage of your own stem cells obtained by liposuction at GCSC&RMC or from fat obtained from cosmetic procedures performed elsewhere should be possible in the near future. RETURN TO TOP

Adult (NonEmbryonic) Mesenchymal Stem Cells are undifferentiated cells that have the ability to replace dying cells and regenerate damaged tissue. These special cells seek out areas of injury, disease, and destruction where they are capable of regenerating healthy cells and enabling a persons natural healing processes to be accelerated. As we gain a deeper understanding of their medical function and apply this knowledge, we are realizing their enormous therapeutic potential to help the body heal itself. Adult stem cells have been used for a variety of medicaltherapies to repair and regenerate acute and chronically damaged tissues in humans and animals. The use of stem cells is not FDA approved for treating any specific disease in the United States at this time and their use is therefore investigational. Many reputable international centers have been using stem cell therapy to treat various chronic degenerative conditions as diverse as severe neurologic diseases, renal failure, erectile dysfunction, degenerative orthopedic problems, and even cardiac and pulmonary diseases to name a few. Adult stem cells appear to be particularly effective at repairing cartilage in degenerated joints. RETURN TO TOP

Regenerative Medicine is the process of creating living, functional tissues to repair or replace tissue or organ function lost due to damage, or congenital defects. This field holds the promise of regenerating damaged tissues and organs in the body by stimulating previously irreparable organs to heal themselves. (Wikipedia) RETURN TO TOP

Traditionally, we have used various medications and hormones to limit disease and help the body repair itself. For example, hormone replacement therapy has, in many cases, shown the ability to more optimally help the immune system and thus help us repair diseased or injured tissues. Genetic research is an evolving area where we will eventually learn and utilize more ways of specifically dealing with gene defects causing degenerative disease. Stem cell therapy is another rapidly evolving and exciting area that has already shown considerable promise in treating many degenerative conditions. RETURN TO TOP

A stem cell is basically any cell that can replicate and differentiate. This means the cell can not only multiply, it can turn into different types of tissues. There are different kinds of stem cells. Most people are familiar with or have heard the term embryonic stem cell. These are cells from the embryonic stage that have yet to differentiate as such, they can change into any body part at all. These are then called pluripotential cells. Because they are taken from unborn or unwanted embryos, there has been considerable controversy surrounding their use. Also, while they have been used in some areas of medicine particularly, outside the United States they have also been associated with occasional tumor (teratoma) formations. There is work being conducted by several companies to isolate particular lines of embryonic stem cells for future use.

Another kind of stem cell is the adult stem cell. This is a stem cell that already resides in ones body within different tissues. In recent times, much work has been done isolating bone-marrow derived stem cells. These are also known as mesenchymal stem cells because they come from the mesodermal section of your body. They can differentiate into bone and cartilage, and probably all other mesodermal elements, such as fat, connective tissue, blood vessels, muscle and nerve tissue. Bone marrow stem cells can be extracted and because they are low in numbers, they are usually cultured in order to multiply their numbers for future use. As it turns out, fat is also loaded with mesenchymal stem cells. In fact, it has hundreds if not thousands of times more stem cells compared to bone marrow. Today, we actually have tools that allow us to separate the stem cells from fat. Because most people have adequate fat supplies and the numbers of stem cells are so great, there is no need to culture the cells over a period of days and they can be used right away. RETURN TO TOP

These adult stem cells are known as progenitor cells. This means they remain dormant (do nothing) unless they witness some level of tissue injury. Its the tissue injury that turns them on. So, when a person has a degenerative type problem, the stem cells tend to go to that area of need and stimulate the healing process. Were still not sure if they simply change into the type of injured tissue needed for repair or if they send out signals that induce the repair by some other mechanism. Suffice it to say that there are multiple animal models and a plethora of human evidence that indicates these are significant reparative cells. RETURN TO TOP

This will depend on the type of degenerative condition you have. A specialist will evaluate you and discuss whether youre a potential candidate for stem cell therapy. If after youve been recommended for therapy, had an opportunity to understand the potential risks and benefits, and decided on your own that you would like to explore this avenue, then you can be considered for stem cell therapy. Of course, even though its a minimally invasive procedure, you will still need to be medically cleared for the procedure. RETURN TO TOP

NO. However, GCSC&RMCs procedures fall under the category of physicians practice of medicine, wherein the physician and patient are free to consider their chosen course for medical care. The FDA does have guidelines about therapy and manipulation of a patients own tissues. At GCSC&RMC we meet these guidelines by providing same day deployment with the patients own cells that undergo very minimal manipulation and are inserted during the same procedure. RETURN TO TOP

No. Only adult mesenchymal stem cells are used. These cells are capable of forming bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, ligaments, blood vessels, and certain organs. Embryonic stem cells are associated with ethical considerations and limitations. RETURN TO TOP

Patients suffer from many varieties of degenerative illnesses. There may be conditions associated with nearly all aspects of the body. Board-certified specialists are ideal to evaluate, recommend and/or treat, and subsequently, follow your progress. Together, through the GCSC&RMC, we work to coordinate and provide therapy mainly with your own stem cells, but also through other avenues of regenerative medicine. This could include hormone replacement therapy or other appropriate recommendations.

For example, if you have a knee problem, you would see GCSC&RMCs Board Certified orthopedic surgeon rather than a generic clinic director. Also, you might be recommended for evaluation for hormone replacement therapy or an exercise program should such be considered optimal. Nonetheless, we believe stem cell therapy to be the likely foundation for regenerative medicine.It should also be noted, that all therapies are currently in the investigational stage. While we recognize our patients are seeking improvement in their condition through stem cell therapy, each deployment is part of an ongoing investigation to establish optimal parameters for future therapies, to evaluate for effectiveness and for any adverse effects. It is essential that patients understand they are participating in these investigational (research) analyses. Once sufficient information is appropriately documented and statistically significant, then data (validated by an Institutional Review Board) may be presented to the FDA for consideration of making an actual claim. RETURN TO TOP

Urology, cosmetic surgery, ear, nose, & throat, orthopedics, internal medicine, and cardiology are represented. Plans are currently being made for a number of other specialties. GCSC&RMC is the first multi-specialty stem cell center in the United States. RETURN TO TOP

Many have been told that they require surgery or other risky procedures for their ailments and are looking for non-invasive options. Some have heard about the compelling testimonials about stem cells in the literature and on various websites. Many have read about the results of stem cell therapy in animal models and in humans. GCSC&RMC gives a choice to those informed patients who seek modern regenerative therapy but desire convenience, quality, and affordability. GCSC&RMC fills a need for those patients who have been told that they have to travel to different countries and pay as much as twenty to one hundred thousand dollars for stem cell therapy offshore. (See stem cell tourism). RETURN TO TOP

Stem cells are harvested and deployed during the same procedure. Our patients undergo a minimally-invasive liposuction type of harvesting procedure by a qualified surgeon in our facility in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The harvesting procedure generally lasts a few minutes and can be done under local anesthesia. Cells are then processed and are ready for deployment within 90 minutes or less. RETURN TO TOP

Bone marrow sampling (a somewhat uncomfortable procedure) yields approximately 5,000 60,000 cells that are then cultured over several days to perhaps a few million cells prior to deployment (injection into the patient). Recent advances in stem cell science have made it possible to obtain high numbers of very excellent quality multi-potent (able to form numerous other tissues) cells from a persons own liposuction fat. GCSC&RMC uses technology acquired from Asia to process this fat to yield approximately five hundred thousand to one million stem cells per cc of fat, and therefore, it is possible to obtain as many as 10 to 40 million cells from a single procedure. These adipose-derived stem cells can form many different types of cells when deployed properly including bone, cartilage, tendon (connective tissue), muscle, blood vessels, nerve tissue and others. RETURN TO TOP

GCSC&RMC patients have their fat (usually abdominal) harvested in our special sterile facility under a local anesthetic. The fat removal procedure lasts approximately twenty minutes. Specially designed equipment is used to harvest the fat cells and less than 100cc of fat is required. Postoperative discomfort is minimal and there is minimal restriction on activity. RETURN TO TOP

Stem cells are harvested under sterile conditions using a special closed system technology so that the cells never come into contact with the environment throughout the entire process from removal to deployment. Sterile technique and antibiotics are also used to prevent infection. RETURN TO TOP

No. Only a persons own adult autologous cells are used. These are harvested from each individual and deployed back into their own body. There is no risk of contamination or risk of introduction of mammalian DNA. RETURN TO TOP

These facilities are obtaining stem cells from bone marrow or blood in relatively small quantities and they are then culturing (growing) the cells to create adequate quantities. Research seems to indicate that success of stem cell therapy is directly related to the quantity of cells injected. GCSC&RMC uses adipose derived stem cells that are abundant naturally at approximately 2,500 times levels found in bone marrow (the most common source of mesenchymal stem cells). GCSC&RMC uses technology that isolates adipose stem cells in vast numbers in a short time span so that prolonged culturing is unnecessary and cells can be deployed into a patient within 90 minutes of harvesting. RETURN TO TOP

GCSC&RMC is doing pioneer research for treating many diseases. All investigational data is being collected so that results will be published in peer review literature and ultimately used to promote the advancement of cellular based regenerative medicine. FDA regulations mandate that no advertising medical claims be made and that even website testimonials are prohibited. RETURN TO TOP

No. Many are confused by this because they have heard of cancer patients receiving stem cell transplants. These patients had ablative bone marrow therapy and need stem cells to re-populate their blood and marrow. This is different from the stem cells we deploy to treat noncancerous human diseases at GCSC&RMC. RETURN TO TOP

Adult mesenchymal stem cells are not known to cause cancer. Some patients have heard of stories of cancer caused by stem cells, but these are probably related to the use of embryonic cells (Not Adult Mesenchymal Cells). These embryonic tumors known as teratomas are rare but possible occurrences when embryonic cells are used. RETURN TO TOP

Stem cell therapy is thought to be safe and not affect dormant cancers. If someone has had cancer that was treated and responded sucessfully, there is know reason to withhold stem cell deployment. In most cases, stem cells should not be used in patients with known active cancer. RETURN TO TOP

We know of no documented cases personally or in the literature where serious harm has resulted. All of our patients will be entered into a database to follow and report any adverse reactions. This information is vital to the development of stem cell science. There have been a few reports of serious complications from overseas and these are being thoroughly evaluated by epidemiologists to ascertain the facts. The International Stem Cell Society registry has over 1,000 cases currently registered and only 2% were associated with any complications, none of which were considered serious adverse events. RETURN TO TOP

None. Our aim is to make cell based medicine available to patients who are interested and to provide ongoing research data under approved Institutional Review Board (IRB) validated studies. We will follow our stem cell therapy patients over their lifetimes. This will enable us to accumulate significant data about the various degenerative diseases we treat. Instead of providing simply anecdotal or testimonial information, our goal is to categorize the various conditions and follow the patients progress through various objective (e.g. x-ray evidence or video displays) and subjective (e.g. patient and/or doctor surveys) criteria. We are aware of a lot of stories about marked improvement of a variety of conditions, but we make no claims about the intended therapy. At some point, once adequate amounts of data are accumulated, it might be appropriate to submit the information to the FDA at which point an actual claim may be substantiated and recognized by the Agency. Still, these are your own cells and not medicines for sale. They are only being used in your own body. Most likely, no claim needs to be made; rather a statistical analysis of our findings would suffice to suggest whether therapy is truly and significantly effective. We also hope to submit our patients data to an approved International Registry (See ICMS Stem Cell Registry) further fostering large collections of data to help identify both positive and negative trends. RETURN TO TOP

Our adipose derived stem cell harvesting and isolation technique yields extremely high numbers of stem cells. In reviewing outcomes data, therapy cell numbers appear to correlate with therapy success. Our cells are actually in a type of soup called Stromal Vascular Fraction SVF which is stem cells bathed in a rich mixture of natural growth factors (Not the same as human growth factor hormone which is only one type of growth factor). Some types of orthopedic and urologic diseases appear to respond better to stem cells that are super enriched with growth factors created by administering Platelet Rich Plasma to the patient. Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma is derived from a patients own blood drawn at the time of deployment. At GCSC&RMC we do not add any foreign substances or medications to the stem cells. RETURN TO TOP

Depending on the type of therapy required, stem cells can be injected through veins, arteries, into spinal fluid, subcutaneously, or directly into joints or organs. All of these are considered minimally invasive methods of introducing the stem cells. Stem cells injected intravenously are known to seek out and find (see photo) areas of tissue damage and migrate to that location thus potentially providing regenerative healing. Intravenously injected stem cells have been shown to have the capability of crossing the blood-brain barrier to enter the central nervous system and they can be identified in the patients body many months after deployment. Note yellow arrow showing the stem cells concentrated in the patients hand where he had a Dupytrens contracture (Dupuytrens contracture is a hand deformity that causes the tissue beneath the surface of the hand to thicken and contract). RETURN TO TOP

Different conditions are treated in different ways and there are different degrees of success. If the goal is regeneration of joint cartilage, one may not see expected results until several months. Some patients may not experience significant improvement and others may see dramatic regeneration of damaged tissue or resolution of disease. Many of the disorders and problems that the physicians at GCSC&RMC are treating represent pioneering work and there is a lack of data. FDA regulations prevent GCSC&RMC from making any claims about expectations for success, however, if you are chosen for therapy, it will be explained that we believe stem cell therapy may be beneficial or in some cases that we are unsure and therapy would be considered investigational. RETURN TO TOP

Stem cell therapy relies on the bodys own regenerative healing to occur. The regenerative process may take time, particularly with orthopedic patients, who may not see results for several months. In some diseases, more immediate responses are possible. RETURN TO TOP

No. Only certain medical problems are currently being treated at GCSC&RMC. Check our list or fill out a candidate application form on the website. All patients need to be medically stable enough to have the stem cell deployment in our facility. There may be some exceptional conditions that may eventually be treated in hospitalized patients, but that remains for the future. Some patients may be declined due to the severity of their problem. Other patients may not have conditions appropriate to treat or may not be covered by our specialists or our protocols. A waiting list or outside referral (if we know of someone else treating such a problem) might be applicable in such cases. RETURN TO TOP

Yes. Patients with uncontrolled cancer are excluded. If you have an active infection anywhere in your body you must be treated first. Severely ill patients may require special consideration. Also, anyone with a bleeding disorder or who takes blood thinning medications requires special evaluation before consideration for stem cells. RETURN TO TOP

The specialist seeing you at GCSC&RMC will make a determination based on your history and exam, studies, and current research findings. Any complex cases may be reviewed by our ethics advisory committee. Occasionally, we may seek opinions from thought leaders around the world. RETURN TO TOP

No. Participation in any of our protocols is not mandatory and there are no incentives, financial or otherwise, to induce patients to enroll in our studies. However, GCSC&RMC is dedicated to clinical research for the development of stem cell science. GCSC&RMC is taking an active role in cutting edge clinical research in the new field of regenerative medicine. Research studies will be explained and privacy will be maintained. Formal future research studies will be regulated by an Institutional Review Board which is an authorized agency that promotes validity, transparency and protection of human study enrollees. RETURN TO TOP

At this time, we are not treating autism, spinal cord injuries, and some advanced diseases. See list of problems currently being studied at GCSC&RMC. RETURN TO TOP

Patients who are considered to be candidates based on information provided in the candidate application form will be invited for a consultation with one of our panel physicians. $250 is charged for this consultation which includes office evaluation (but may also include physicians evaluation of X-Rays, records, or telephonic consultations). Unfortunately, insurance generally will not cover the actual cost of stem cell therapy in most cases since stem cell therapy is still considered experimental. The cost varies depending on the disease state being treated and which type of stem cell deployment is required. RETURN TO TOP

Because of recent innovations in technology, GCSC&RMC is able to provide outpatient stem cell therapy at a fraction of the cost of that seen in many overseas clinics. The fee covers fat cell harvesting, cell preparation, and stem cell deployment which may include the use of advanced interventional radiology and fluoroscopy techniques. Financing is available through a credit vendor. RETURN TO TOP

Stem cells can be cryopreserved in the form of liposuction fat for prolonged periods of time. Currently, this service is outsourced to an outside provider known to have excellent quality control. Many patients have been inquiring about banking cells while they are still young since stem cell numbers drop naturally with each decade of life and some advocate obtaining and saving cells to be used later in life as needed. (see chart). RETURN TO TOP

Most patients, especially those with orthopedic conditions, require only one deployment. Certain types of degenerative conditions, particularly auto-immune disease, may respond best to a series of stem cell deployments. The number and necessity of any additional procedures would be decided on a case by case basis. Financial consideration is given in these instances. RETURN TO TOP

A good resource is the International Cellular Medicine Society (ICMS). Stem Cells 101

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FAQs - Ocean Springs, MS - Gulf Coast Stem Cell ...

In 2000, he settled on the Mississippi Gulf Coast where he operated extensively at several coastal hospitals, performing thoracic, cardiac and vascular (including endovascular and dialysis access) surgery. Over the years, he developed a special interest in renal dialysis access work and in venous and lymphatic disorders. In summer 2011, Dr. Barmada decided to dedicate more time to his expanding venous practice; in addition to developing an interest in aesthetics; then, interest in the use of stem cells for the investigational deployment in inoperable conditions he encountered quite frequently over decades, including vascular ischemic occlusions, severe COPD and heart conditions.

Dr. Barmadas prestigious awards and associations include membership of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Society for Vascular Ultrasound, the American Venous Forum and the American College of Phlebology, a fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, London, England, a fellow of the British Boards in Cardiothoracic Surgery and previous membership of the editorial board of the Journal of Long-Term Effects of Medical Implants. Dr. Barmada possesses two active medical licenses in Mississippi and Louisiana, and he has two US patents.

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Our Team | Gulf Coast Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center

Ten images and two videos by University of WisconsinMadison students, faculty and staff have been named winners of the 2017 Cool Science Image Contest.

A panel of eight experienced artists and scientists judged the scientific content and aesthetic and creative qualities of 131 images and videos entered in the 7th annual competition.

Two tiny globs of different kinds of fat mostly liquid oil on the left, mainly solid fat on the right are teased together until they combine into a droplet that retains some of the physical characteristics of both the oil and solid. This partial coalescence gives foods like ice cream and whipped topping their appealing texture and melting properties. Video by Abbey Thiel, graduate student, Hartel Lab, Food Science | Microscope

Hundreds of puffballs of the fungus Lycoperdon pyriforme cloud the air with spores during a rain shower. The puffball is the fungis reproductive structure, puffing out spores when bumped by something (like raindrops). The spores, distributed by the slightest breeze, can germinate to form new colonies of fungi feeding on decaying wood or other organic matter. Video by Cid Freitag, academic staff, DoIT Academic Technology | iPod Touch

Scientists are rightly proud of the images they produce, but most of them end up printed at postage stamp size in a scientific journal, says Steve Paddock, a contest judge, UWMadison scientist, and science education fellow with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. This was an especially diverse group of subjects, and a great opportunity for them to get the audience they deserve.

The 2017 winners include fauna from the backwaters of the Mississippi River and flora used as scaffolding to grow human tissue from stem cells, as well as a nebula that reminds stargazers of a running man and sparkling brain cells that reminded the contest judges of stars.

The images and videos were made using instruments ranging from smartphone cameras to telescopes to scanning electron microscopes, and each tells at least a piece of a story of discovery.

I was trained to collect the most aesthetically pleasing images possible, says Paddock. There are so many images out there that contain important scientific information, but are also interesting as art. They draw you in.

The Cool Science Image Contest is intended to recognize the technical and creative skills required to capture images or video that document science or nature. The contest is sponsored by Madisons Promega Corp., with additional support from DoIT Digital Publishing and Printing Services and the UWMadison Arts Institute.

Winning entries are shared widely on various UWMadison websites, and all entries are showcased in a slide show at the Wisconsin Science Festival and in concert with a fall exhibit of winners at the McPherson Eye Research Institutes Mandelbaum and Albert Family Vision Gallery.

UW-Madison 2017 Cool Science Image Contest winners are:

Sarah Brodnick, research specialist and lab manager in biomedical engineering, and Tim Korinek of Synergy Technologies for their scanning electron micrograph of a microscopic gold particle striking and melting a polymer surface.

Allison Cardiel, graduate student in chemistry, for her scanning electron micrograph of the flower-like, nanoscale structure of a copper crystal used as a catalyst in hydrogen fuel production.

Jayadevi Chandrashekhar, research specialist at the Waisman Center, and Kaylyn Freeman, undergraduate student researcher at Waisman, for their micrograph of neurons in the brain of a mouse.

Miranda Cullins, postdoc in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, for her micrograph of the woven muscle fibers that give the human tongue its range of movement.

Gianluca Fontana, postdoc in orthopedics and rehabilitation, for his scanning electron micrograph of human connective tissue growing on a decellularized parsley stem.

Cid Freitag, DoIT Designing Learning Experiences Studio Program Manager, for her video of hundreds of puffball fungi releasing clouds of spores.

Celia Glime, undergraduate student majoring in art and biology, for her photo illustration of a range of colors produced in test tubes by various chemical reactions.

Kyle Karlen, student of veterinary medicine, for his thermal camera image of a Holstein calfs face taken to measure the pain response from a routine procedure in dairy cattle.

Natalia Lucero, undergraduate student majoring in communication arts and environmental studies, for her photograph of a tiny jumping spider alighted on the edge of a sheaf of paper.

Colin MacDiarmid, associate scientist in the Nutritional Sciences Department, for his photo shot through a telescope of a pair of nebulae in the sword of the constellation Orion.

Joseph McDonald, masters studentin public health, for his photograph of a Northern leopard frog hiding in the murky water of a marsh.

Abbey Thiel, graduate student in food science, for her video showing the partial mixture of different fats that give foods like ice cream and whipped toppings their appealing texture and melting properties.

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Cool Science Images 2017 - News - UW-Madison

common name: small carpenter bees scientific name: Ceratina spp. (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopinae) Introduction - Synonymy and Taxanomy - Distribution - Identification - Biology - Economic Importance - Selected References Introduction (Back to Top)

In America, north of Mexico, the small carpenter bees, Ceratina, comprise one of two genera of the subfamily Xylocopinae. The other genus contains the large carpenter bees, Xylocopa. Of the 21 species of Ceratina in America north of Mexico, only two are known to occur in Florida: Ceratina cockerelli H.S. Smith, and Ceratina dupla Say.

Figure 1. Differences in wing venation between the small carpenter bees, Ceratina spp., and the large carpenter bees, Xylocopa spp. Drawings by Division of Plant Industry.

Mitchell (1962) described the subspecies Ceratina dupla floridanus from Florida, but Daly (1973) synonymized it simply as a more densely punctate, and brighter blue population of the typical eastern Ceratina dupla.

At various times, carpenter bees have been placed in the families Anthophoridae, Xylocopidae or Apidae. Hurd and Moure (1963) traced the taxonomic history of these bees, with the most recent placement within Apidae (Krombein 1967). This family is characterized, in part, by the jugal lobe of the hindwing being absent or shorter than the submedian cell and by the forewing having three submarginal cells.

Ceratina cockerelli is found throughout Florida and most of the southern coastal states from Texas to Georgia (Daly 1973). Specimens have not been reported from Alabama or Mississippi, but probably occur there. Ceratina dupla is found throughout Florida as well as most of the eastern United States (Daly 1973).

Within the family Apidae, carpenter bees are distinguished most easily by the triangular second submarginal cell, and by the lower margin of the eye almost in contact with the base of the mandible (i.e., the malar space is absent).

The easiest method of separating Ceratina from Xylocopa is by size: Ceratina are less than 8 mm in length whereas Xylocopa are 20 mm or larger. In addition, in Ceratina the second submarginal cell is about as high as it is wide basally, whereas in Xylocopa it is about half as high as it is wide basally.

Small carpenter bees are black, bluish green, or blue, and often have yellowish or whitish markings on the clypeus, pronotal lobes, and legs. The two Florida species of Ceratina may be separated as follows:

Figure 2. Small carpenter bee, Ceratina dupla Say, dorsal and side views. Photograph by Division of Plant Industry.

In general, members of this genus use their mandibles to excavate nests in the pith of broken or burned plant twigs and stems. Females overwinter as adults in partially or completely excavated stems. In the spring, this resting place (hibernaculum) is modified into a brood nest by further excavation. Rau (1928) reported several nests of Ceratina calcarata Robertson that ranged from 20 to 30 cm deep. Daly (1966) measured 126 nests of Ceratina dallatorreana Friese that ranged from 3 to 19 cm deep. When a desired depth is reached, the female collects pollen and nectar, places this mixture at the base of the burrow, lays an egg on the provision, and then caps off the cell with masticated plant material. Several cells are constructed end to end in each plant stem, the absolute number depending upon the depth to which the nest was excavated. Daly (1966) found a range of two to 12 cells (19 completed nests examined) for Ceratina dallatorreana.

Figure 3. Nest diagrams of the small carpenter bees, Ceratina spp. Left: overwintering nest (hibernaculum); Right: active brood nest with (A) bee larva and (B) provisions. Drawing by Division of Plant Industry.

The female works at a single stem until it is filled with cells, each of which contains provisions and an egg or larva, except for the last cell near the nest entrance. Here the bee rests and, according to Malyshev (1936) and Daly (1966), defends her nest from intruders. The female bee remains with the nest until her progeny emerge. Since the nest has been under construction for some time, the oldest progeny (at the base of the nest) mature and begin to gnaw their way out before the others above them are ready. This poses a special problem because the bees do not emerge laterally through the side of the stem, but vertically through all the other cells. Rau described this process thoroughly for Ceratina calcarata (1928).

Essentially the oldest bee chewed apart the cell cap above and packed it at the base of its own cell. If the bee above was not mature it was carefully moved down to rest on the new "floor." If the bee above was mature, the eldest passed it by and worked on the cell cap above, passing the pithy material to the younger bee or bees beneath. These bees packed the material at the base of the nest, moving and adjusting any remaining pupae. Thus the mature bees at the base of the nest gained freedom by "... a process of displacement, gradually shifting the material behind them as they make their way to the top" (Rau 1928). In the process observed by Rau, the eldest bees took eight days to make their way to the entrance; several days later, all the bees emerged.

Special biological references to the Ceratina occurring in Florida are scarce. Extensive flower visitation records were given by Mitchell (1962) and Daly (1973). The only biological record forCeratina cockerelli was given by Daly (1973) who cited Sage (in litt.) as reporting nests "... in dead, cut stems of sea-oats, Uniola paniculata L., on the beach of Mustang Island, Texas." The more important papers, though wholly inadequate, are Ashmead (1894), Comstock and Comstock (1895), and Graenicher (1905).

Unlike their larger relatives in the genus Xylocopa, the small carpenter bees in the genus Ceratina are not known to be of economic importance.

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small carpenter bees, Ceratina spp. - UF/IFAS

The First Stem Cell Enhancement Product Available to Consumers Supports the Natural Release of Adult Stem Cells Into the Bloodstream

2006-2009 Michael Star. All rights reserved | To Hear Recorded 7-minute Overview 24 hours a day, PHONE: 1-620-294-2904

A stem cell is like a newborn cell which has not yet decided exactly what kind of cell it will eventually become. After a male sperm cell fertilizes an ovum (a female egg cell), the rapidly-dividing cells which form the tiny human embryo are all stem cells known as embryonic stem cells.

Adult stem cells are a special kind of "undifferentiated" body cells which have the ability to transform themselves into other specific kinds of "differentiated" cells which form the tissue of an organ such as the heart or liver or brain. In general, a stem cell will be influenced by the cells in its immediate environment and form into the same type of cell, such as a heart cell, liver cell, brain cell, or pancreas cell.

Adult stem cells are most abundantly found in bone marrow, and are sometimes referred to as bone marrow stem cells. A healthy body continuously produces these adult stem cells, which then circulate through the blood stream and function to replace dysfunctional cells, thus fulfilling the natural process of maintaining optimal health.

You may have heard news reports of "embryonic stem cells" being taken from an unborn human fetus, but here we are talking about adult stem cells which are produced in your own body. Because they are your own body cells containing your own DNA, your immune system does not identify them as a foreign organism and then attack and destroy them.

Thus adult stem cells are not affected by the "rejection" problem which often occurs when embyronic stem cells from outside sources have been unsuccessfully transplanted. And the ethical or religious issues associated with harvesting embryonic stem cells from a human fetus are simply not relevant to adult stem cells, because they are naturally created within your own body.

Recent advances in stem cell research were listed as one of the most significant health-related stories in the past 25 years by CNN, second only to the complete mapping of the human genome.

Recent scientific developments have revealed that adult stem cells produced in the bone marrow can travel throughout the body and act to support optimal organ and tissue function. As we get older, our natural production of adult stem cells diminishes, and we start to see signs of aging and less than optimal functioning of our organs and tissues.

Stem cell enhancers are products that support the natural role of adult stem cells in the human body. StemEnhance supports the release of adult stem cells from bone marrow and into circulation throughout the body.

StemEnhance is a breakthrough, all-natural, botanical extract that supports wellness by helping your body maintain healthy stem cell physiology. It is the very first product on the market in the exciting and promising new phytoceutical product category known as "stem cell enhancers". U.S. Patent #6814961 for this propietary product has been granted to StemTech HealthSciences Inc. of Klamath Lake, Oregon, USA, and a second patent is pending.

Several clinical studies have been conducted on this stem cell enhancer product, in addition to some in-vitro trials.

StemEnhance is not a drug, and is not intended to "treat" or "cure" any disease. It is a natural food supplement derived from a tiny natural freshwater aquatic plant that simply supports your body's own ability to heal itself. This unique plant, a cyanophtya whose scientific name is Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae or AFA, can be harvested in only one place - the mineral-rich waters of Klamath Lake, 1400 feet above sea level in the Cascade Mountains in the state of Oregon, USA.

Upper Lake Klamath is one of the cleanest lakes in the USA, yet the deep layer of sediment at the bottom is extremely rich in minerals because for centuries it has been fed by many mountain streams washing down from the volcanic mountains which surround it. The area enjoys about 300 days of sunshine per year, which provides an ideal growing environment for this remarkable fast-growing and highly nutritious plant.

Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae has never been successfully cultivated commercially, so this tiny, free-floating, underwater plant must be harvested in the wild from the waters of upper Klamath Lake at the peak of the summer growing season. AFA is a highly unusual single-celled organism that has a very high chlorophyll content (about 7 percent by weight) and is extrememly rich in Beta Carotene (Vitamin A precursor). The chlorophyll gives it a very dark green color, thus AFA is known as a blue-green algae.

Yet, unlike all other plant organisms, AFA does not have a cell wall made of undigestible cellulose - which makes the nutrients in AFA more "bio-available" than the nutrients in all other types of algae. Overall, the human body will absorb approximately 95 percent of the nutrients in this algae "super food".

Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae also has a very rich content of high-grade protein (about 70 percent by weight). AFA contains all 22 essential amino acids in the most bio-available form (about 98 per cent bio-available).

And the relative amounts of each amino acid in AFA are so close to the amino acid spectrum which is optimal for the human body, that AFA blue-green algae has been called "the most complete brain food of the world". AFA is also considered the best non-animal source of natural Vitamin B12. And one gram of Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae contains approximately 50% of the daily recommendation (USRDA) for Vitamin K.

The nutritional benefits most often reported by consumers of this Klamath Lake AFA blue-green algae are:

Compared to another well-known nutritious blue-green algae known as Spirulina, the AFA Blue-Green Algae has about 40% more Calcium, 100% more Chromium, 275% more Chlorophyll, and five to ten times the Vitamin C content of Spirulina. The assimilation rate of Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae exceeds 95%, while Spirulina is only 50% to 60% assimilated by the human body.

Each 2-capsule serving of StemEnhance contains 1 gram of Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae (500 mg. per capsule).

This natural health product is designed to enhance, by about 25 to 30 per cent, your own body's ability to perform its natural function of releasing adult stem cells from the bone marrow into circulation throughout the body.

The effectiveness of StemEnhance as a stem cell enhancer was demonstrated in a triple-blind study. Volunteers rested for one hour before blood samples were taken to establish baseline levels. After the first blood samples were taken, volunteers were given either the StemEnhance capsules, or a capsule containing a placebo. Thereafter, blood samples were taken from the test subjects 30, 60, and 120 minutes after taking the capsules. The number of circulating stem cells was quantified by analyzing the blood samples from the test subjects using Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS).

Consumption of StemEnhance triggered a significant 25% to 30% increase in the number of circulating stem cells.

Click here to see StemTech's StemEnhance video in which chief scientist Christian Drapeau explains adult stem cells, their role in maintaining human health, and how StemEnhance can significantly increase the quantity of adult stem cells released into the bloodstream from your own bone marrow (9 minutes).

Click here to download the triple-blind scientific study which demonstrated the effectiveness of StemEnhance.

StemEnhance is a blend of two compounds extracted from the cyanophyta Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae (AFA). These compounds are carefully extracted in a patented proprietary process which does NOT utilize chemicals or harsh agents.

One extract, which contains an L-selectin ligand, supports the release of stem cells (CD34+ cells) from the bone marrow, which then circulate in the blood stream. The other extract, a polysaccharide-rich fraction named Migratose, may support the migration of stem cells out of the blood into body tissues.

One gram of StemEnhance triggers an average 25 to 30 percent increase in circulating stem cells. The effect lasts for a few hours.

Suggested Serving: 2 capsules taken orally one or two times per day, at least 6 hours apart. Servings per container: 30 (One serving is 2 capsules, about 1 gram. Each bottle contains 60 capsules.) One bottle will supply 30 days of typical use, when taking 2 capsules once per day (or 15 days when taking 2 capsules twice per day).

Per Serving (2 capsules) Protein: 0.51 gram Vitamin A: 427 IU Cyanophyta Extract: 1 gram (Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae or AFA, a fresh water micro algae) Other Ingredients: Cellulose (vegetarian capsules) and Rice Bran

Suggested Use: Take 2 capsules orally, 1 or 2 times daily, at least 6 hours apart. (One bottle will last 30 days when 2 capsules are taken per day.)

StemTech also manufactures two stem cell enhancer products for dogs (StemPets) and horses (StemEquine) which may be ordered through the above links.

Phone 24-hours for Recorded 7-Minute Product Overview Message: USA 620-294-2904

Phone 24-hours for Recorded Conference Call with Christian Drapeau: USA 620-294-2905 Ext. 2

Click on this link to visit the StemTech corporate web site. Hold the cursor over the flag for your country, then click on your language that appears to the right.

Click on this link to see answers to many Frequently Asked Questions FAQ on the StemTech USA site. If you live in another country, use the link above.

Click on this Stem Cells link to access information from the University of Utah and learn how stem cells migrate throughout the body and transform themselves into the organ which needs support. You must have the Flash Video Player browser plug-in installed to view this (already installed and working in most Windows IE browsers).

Click on this Bone Marrow Stem Cells link to view the New England Journal of Medicine research on Bone Marrow Stem Cells in relation to heart challenges.

Click on this link to view articles about Stem Cell Research.

Check, E., Cardiologists take heart from stem-cell treatment success, Nature 428(6986):880, 29 April 2004: "Adult stem cells have long been viewed as less flexible than embryonic stem cells, which can divide to produce any cell type in the body. But recent studies of human cells suggest that adult stem cells can also turn into many cell types, including heart, brain and liver cells."

Terada, N. et al., Bone marrow cells adopt the phenotype of other cells by spontaneous cells fusion, Nature (416(6880):542545, 4 April 2002.

Cohen, P., Stem cells could save sight, New Scientist 175:(2354):18, 3 August 2002.

Stem cells do their stuff for Parkinsons patient, New Scientist 174(2338):5, 13 April 2002.

Randerson, J., Stem cells fix the damage, New Scientist 177(2377):14, 11 January 2003.

Pluchino, S. et al., Injection of adult neurospheres induces recovery in a chronic model of multiple sclerosis, Nature 422(6933):688694, 17 April 2003.

Jochen Ringe et al., Stem cells for regenerative medicine: advances in the engineering of tissues and organs, Naturwissenschaften 89(8), August 2002.

Mr. Drapeau, a foremost scientist in the study of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, holds a Masters of Science degree in Neurology and Neurosurgery from the Montreal Neurological Institute, an affiliate of McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He has been extensively involved in the study of nutrition, naturopathy, and various natural therapies.

Most significantly, Mr. Drapeau collaborated with many scientists affiliated with Harvard University, McGill University, the University of Illinois, Oregon State University, the University of New Mexico, and the University of Mississippi in the study of the effects of blue-green algae (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae) on human health. Mr. Drapeau continues his involvement in the clinical study of AFA.

Now you can consume this miracle food supplement daily, simply by taking 2 capsules of StemEnhance

The content of this page is provided for educational purposes only. The information provided on this page is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not review nor test products classed as a "food supplement". The following statement is required by the U.S. FDA: "This product line has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product line is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease."

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Adult Stem Cells - Breakthrough Stem Cell Enhancer Product ...

(CNN) -- Is George W. Bush right to veto the easing of federal funding restrictions on stem cell research?

Stem cells may hold the key to curing diseases like Parkinson's -- but to make them, days-old embryos must be destroyed. In May this year, the U.S. Senate passed a bill easing federal funding restrictions on stem cell research, but President Bush has again vetoed the bill, citing moral grounds.

We ask you: is the cost of stem cell research outweighed by the possibilities that it holds?

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are the building blocks of the human body. They can split and grow into any sort of cell: liver, heart, skin, nerve cells and more.

Stem cells can be harvested from adults and from umbilical cord blood, but at the moment, the most effective stem cells for research are found in days-old embryos.

What do people want to do with them?

Supporters of stem cell research hope that the cells will yield treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and diabetes, as well as spinal-cord injuries.

What's the debate?

In the USA, President George W. Bush used the first veto of his presidency to kill a 2006 effort to loosen his policy on stem-cell research, which bars the use of federal funding for work that would destroy human embryos.

In April this year, the Senate approved a measure that would roll back President Bush's 2001 limits on embryonic stem-cell research, but the margin was short of the two-thirds needed to override another promised veto.

In a statement issued after the Senate vote, he said he would veto the new bill as well, saying it "crosses a moral line that I and many others find troubling." As promised, he vetoed the bill in June.

What's happening elsewhere?

The British government made a dramatic U-turn in May this year, when it withdrew a proposed ban on research into hybrid embryos -- stem cells made by, for example, injecting human DNA into empty animal cells. Similar research, creating human embryos from animal eggs, is currently underway in China and the United States, the Associated Press reported.

Why do people support stem cell research?

People with chronic and genetic diseases say that stem cell research could be their only hope of finding a cure. Scientists in countries like the USA and Britain say that banning stem cell research would not stop it from taking place elsewhere, and that it should be properly monitored and regulated.

Why do people oppose it?

Many pro-life campaigners equate the procedure to abortion because days-old human embryos are destroyed when the cells are extracted. Some critics also say that stem cell research is an unwanted step towards human cloning.

Are there any other options?

Stem cells harvested from adults and umbilical cord blood are alternatives, as are stem cells created from hybrid cells. At the moment, embryonic stem cells are preferred because they have the greatest ability to divide.

However, scientists led by Shinya Yamanaka at Kyoto University announced in June this year that they had managed to coax a mouse skin cell to reverse its development and return to an embryonic stage where it produced stem cells, Time reported.

What do you think?

Now it's your turn. Is President Bush right to restrict the funding for stem cell research, or should scientists be able to explore the opportunities it offers? Where, if anywhere, should the line be drawn? Share your views, and we'll print the best comments here.

..............................................

From: Dave McIntosh, Calgary, AB, Canada Date: September 4, 2007 Your view: I believe stem cell research should be allowed, people should be granted a chance for recovery. People think to narrow mindly about it, imagine it was yourself in the situation of the individuals who suffer from the diseases and conditions that could be repaired with some research.

From: Cindy Davis, Mississippi, USA Date: June 21, 2007 Your view: Stem Cell research should absolutely be allowed, and Federally funded. I understand that Bush has a 'moral', at least in his mind, obligation to protect unborn embryos, but by denying money to stem cell research he is denying his 'moral' obligations to the many Americans that are in pain and that are suffering because of deblitating diseases that may be cured by Stem Cell Research. True, the diseases may not be cured in Bush's lifetime, or even in the Americans afflicted lifetimes, but steps can be made now to ensure that a cure is eventually found. Bush needs to look at the country, and world, as a whole instead of focusing on the embryos that will most likely never be used again. Why should morals be applied to something that is techniqually not alive?

From: Uriel Epstein, NJ, USA Date: June 21, 2007 Your view: I believe that Bush is absolutely wrong in his decision to veto the stem cell research bill. Stem cell research could have an enormous array of positive results. Paraplegics could walk again, blind people could see again, and it could save the lives of many, many others. At only a few days, the fetus is really just a bunch of cells. It can not think, it can not feel, whereas the thousands of paralyzed people, or people who are near death because of other conditions can. These fetuses would not just be destroyed; they would be used to save the lives of thousands of living, breathing, and feeling humans.

From: julia lucas, Mississauga, Canada Date: June 21, 2007 Your view: I have a 17 year old son who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 13. I was devastated by this, but I could not let him see my pain. He was courageous then, and almost 4 years later, he still is. He was so pleased with his needles, and couldn't wait to tell me how this was going to be his new life. I was struck with profound grief, but inside, I knew I would do everything I could to help my son live as normal a life as possible. Our world is growing increasingly complicated and fearful and therefore, hope must never be taken away from those who need it most. If stem cells will move humanity towards greater compassion, then I believe this is the right direction to take.

From: Jack Carter, Hong Kong Date: June 21, 2007 Your view: I am undecided on this issue but am concerned about comments by some who attack Bush for whatever decision he makes. The media has failed miserably to not report in the same sound byte's that Bush also issued an Executive Order to fund research in turning adult stem cells into ones that have 'embryotic' qualities. Surely that makes alot of sense and removes the 'moral' issues. Are the Bush nay sayer's that unconfident in our scientists to achieve this goal?

From: Manjit Manhas, Surrey, BC, Canada Date: June 21, 2007 Your view: This is the price of human evolution which we must and will pay. We can not go back to the dark past, for that we will need to de-evolve. Since that is not a possibility, we as modern society must move forward very carefully with a balanced approach one that respects life and the other that allows human awareness to expand to meet new challenges. I see so much beauty ahead of us.

From: Alexandra Waugh, New Brunswick, Canada Date: June 21, 2007 Your view: Stem Cell research is the future. The amount of money the U.S. has could make an amazing contribution to curing many diseases. Bush, as usual is taking a step backwards. They are funding a war that KILLS many innocent people everyday. How is it morrally different to use a dish of cells (from fertility facilities that would be discarded regardless) to SAVE people's lives worldwide?

From: Skip Barnes, Dallas, USA Date: June 21, 2007 Your view: I am an American, and I am ashamed that we have a president that refuses to listen to science, but claims to talk to Jesus.

From: Mike Stewart, Farmersville, USA Date: June 21, 2007 Your view: George Bush is SO far out of touch with the people of the US, the world and the scientific world it is absolutely ridiculous! He is NOT the Pope and if idiots like him would understand the importance of research like this, my father might still be alive. But GW wouldn't know about that beause he is rich and his parents are still alive and in good health! Makes me wonder what would happen if it was his mom or dad that were suffering from some disease that the outcome might benefit from this research if he might have a different view. In my opinion, if he says he wouldn't, he is a liar!!! I AM a taxpayer of this great country and I volunteer my tax money to be spent on stem cell research rather than some idiotic guest worker program that bankrupts the economy and negates the reason I have paid taxes for the last 50 years. Wake up Bush or pay the consequences!

From: Steve, Philippines Date: June 21, 2007 Your view: What should we expect from someone who has delivered up total chaos in Iraq, $70/barrel oil, seriously increased the importance of Iran, squandered favorable solid world opinion following 9/11, trashed the deficit and hijacked the constitution? We wouldn't want him to do anything useful, now, would we?

From: Brad Scott, Prescott Valley, USA Date: June 21, 2007 Your view: Sadly, President Bush has once again seen fit to ignore the opinion of the majority of U.S. citizens in favor of his own. He was elected, and now we must suffer his disregard for our views until January of 2009. Hopefully, this issue will be reconsidered again, when our next ELECTED leader responds to the people who put him/her there in the first place. The current President seems not to care about the average American.

From: Magnus Ahlberg, Stockholm, Sweden Date: June 21, 2007 Your view: To restrict funding will not stop progres, maybe just for the moment. But in the future, when another leader steps in, new rules will apply and the research will go forward. There is no way to stop progres and future research, history has tought us that. Also, religion should not prevent research, if done in a humane and safe way.

From: Dan Slone, KS Date: June 21, 2007 Your view: As an american scientist who has worked all over the world it is very sad we have such an arrogant president who does not convey or accept the will of the American people.

The US is falling behind in this critical research that will create therapies to many unmet medical needs.

President Bush has even created a difficult envirnment for Americans abroad due to his arrogance that brings negative feeling to our country and its citizens.

He is the worst president this counrty has ever had. The next president has alot of fence mending ahead, but not until he brings our troops home

From: john lewis, escondido, CA Date: June 21, 2007 Your view: The veto is hypocritical. How does W. rate the"sanctity of human life" of unborn embryos with the lives of 3500 dead American soldiers, and 600,000 dead Iraqis in his accursed "war" ?

From: GEOFFREY ORME, HAWAII, USA Date: June 20, 2007 Your view: No one should be surprised that, once again, President Bush lets his primitive personal beliefs decide policy, rather than the wishes of the majority of the people of the United States of America.

What an unmitigated disaster this President has been! His actions will impact our country and the entire world, for decades to come.

From: Toma~ Vargazon, Ljubljana, Slovenia Date: June 20, 2007 Your view: Allowing embrios to be used for purposes of embriotic stem cell research is a slippery slope. First we allow creation of human embrios in order to cure certain diseases, what if we'll need human fetuses next? What about toddlers?

Experimentation on humans is and should be prohibited whereever it can be replaced by some other means. We should not abandon our most sacred principles whenever we find them to limit us in our goals. A human embrio is geneticaly a unique human.

I find this matter to be attracting a lot more attention than it should. Firstly, mr.Bush did not prohibit embriotic stem cell research, but mearly federal funding of such research. State and private funding is permitted. Secondly, he did increase funding for alternatives to embriotic stem cells.

He did what any responsible leader should.

From: Heather D, Calgary, AB, Canada Date: June 20, 2007 Your view: In this day and age, the fact that the leader of any country would prohibit research that could save so many lives disturbs me. Stem cell research holds so much promise and hope in the medical industry!

While I do acknowledge the President's view on taking a human life to save a human life, and absolutely respect that, the fact is that abortion, unwanted and unplanned pregnancies are not going to go away. I personally believe there is always a better choice then abortion, but I also respect the fact that it is a woman's choice - and if she makes the choice to abort her child, I'd rather see that embryo go to positive use then get thrown in the trash.

I wish the President would listen to the hundreds of medical organizations pleading to allow the chance to improve, if not potentially cure, so many medical problems through this research. It inevitably affects the rest of the world Mr. Bush. Keep your personal opinions out of politics and serve your country! Lead by example.

From: Kelly Baron, Vancouver, Canada Date: June 20, 2007 Your view: If it has been said once, it will be said again, the President of the United States is a hypocrite, who refuses to endorse stricter gun controls in his own country and openly adovates for the development and production of technologically advanced weapons used to enforece "peace",leading to the the death of thousands of innocents at home and abroad, while, at the same time, vetoing the funding of stem cell research, based on his own religious principles and beliefs.

From: mouhammed jammoul, ezza, Lebanon Date: June 20, 2007 Your view: hey everybody...soory for my bad english but am interested to share you with my point of veiw..i think presedent george.w.bush had taken the wrong dicision...why funding of killing people in afghanistan,lebanon,palistine,iraq and other countreis is a good step towards democracy?and why funding of scientific reaserches that could save many human lives along many generations comming is illeagal? its true that many innocent lives may lost the chance to survive and would be killed from days-old-age but the most imortant that the progress in stem cell researshes will be a step in the righ direction towards a more hopefull future for many suffering familleis around the world..thnk u for giving us the chance and i hope i will not be excluded becouse am not american or for political reasons..thanks again..

From: Roger Babb, Ringgold, GA Date: June 20, 2007 Your view: President Bush was placed in office by a dishonest election and has governed for the benefit of a few wealthy business and religous leaders. Scandals and an ill-planned war are been the legacy of the GOP. Family values? Pooh, just so much BS as the GOP rips off our pocketbooks. I just hope that American voters will wake up in 2008 and throw out the GOP crooks.

From: Mark Ferrantin, Los Angeles/CA Date: June 20, 2007 Your view: There is no hope for a country that re-elects and keeps a president like this, swamped in corruption and crimes against humanity. Just to benefit his group financially, George Bush has taken the most damaging decisions to the entire country. Our troops are dying in the middle of a senseless war, our people hit by natural disasters are being left to face devastation of their lives without no federal support and now he murders any hope of finding a cure for terrible diseases. Unfortunately, we can't count on politicians in general, Democrats are awarded the majority in the Senate and House and they just choose to yield to this devilish worst ever president of the US.

From: David Martin, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom Date: June 20, 2007 Your view: Regarding stem cell research, I think the United States is very wrong in it's approach. The US is obviously a great place for opportunity, it's a fantastic place in some respects, but it's ideology seems to be governed presently by religion and to some respect, corruption by that of personal opinion. (People in power). It seems to me that unlike here in Britain, the word of the people seems to count for less to a much greater extent. The political orientation and importance of one man influences all. That is sad.

Stem cell research holds the promise for saving countless lives, and by hindering it's progress, we are harming humanity, not just a minority.

People often forget that advances in technology, (sometimes in unrelated fields of Science), have a snowball effect, and can mutually benefit other Sciences, hence improve our every day lives as human beings.

It often makes me wonder how many of these people that disagree with stem cell research on ethical or religious grounds are actually seriously ill, I could bet with 99% certainty that the majority of them aren't.

They should be ashamed that they play a part in halting the cure of many terrible diseases.

From: Sue Smith, Cedar City/Utah Date: June 20, 2007 Your view: The embryos used in this research are destined to eventually be destroyed, so it makes no sense that scientists are denied the ability to perform what promises to be life-saving research. I'm fed up with the people, including Bush, who have a self-righteous view that scientists want to destroy "little babies." These aren't babies and they never will be babies!

From: Kevan Currie, NB, Canada Date: June 20, 2007 Your view: There is an age old saying that history repeats itself. Over 1000 years ago the church decreed what was right and what was wrong. Some historians believe that due to the "Dark Age" our scientific community was put on hold, and we regressed to a point before the Roman Empire, where they had baths and clean water etc.... I believe in God and I am a Christian, If God did not want our scientist to find a use for these cells then he would not have placed the ability for us to learn how to use them. I guess we should not be upset, no one remembers history, and that is why we will always repeat it. Because of the Veto, Scientist will once again be told what they can peruse and what they can not.

From: Theresa Jarrett, Charleston WV Date: June 20, 2007 Your view: Well to tell you the truth, if GW BUSH had or one of his Girls or Wife or Mother or Father, or someone in his family, just happened to become ill from a disease that he knew was not at all going to be cured from a form of drug here and know, I bet his self would be wishing he had passed the BILL not vetoed it

From: Sundar Varadan, Morgantown/WV Date: June 20, 2007 Your view: If extracting stem cells from days old embryos destroys the fetus, can this be allowed on those fetus that are being voluntarily aborted now ? Then the fate of this research will be tied to the fate of abortion in this country giving temporary reprieve to either side. And even in the event that abortion is banned in this country, they can always go for embryo's from other countries where abortion is not banned. Afterall, this is the administration that believes that human rights when violated on foreign lands can be justified when it serves its purpose ( I am talking about rendition). They also believe that killing a large number of innocent people to catch ahold of one ultimate terrorist is justifiable for the "greater good".

From: Bill Graham, Kitchener ON Date: June 20, 2007 Your view: I am a Canadian, and perhaps, as such, have no business commenting on American matters, but all that happens in the US does directly have an effect on us.

President Bush is letting his personal religious views into the political scene, rather than letting democracy work - that is the wishes of the majority of the citizens of his country. Religion and politics must be kept isolated.

Of course he cannot be re-elected so it does not matter to him. However there is his party. They must think they have some hope in the upcoming election. It's time for them to speak to him, and it is time for the elected representatives of his party to act in accordance with the wishes of the people they represent - democracy in action.

From: Richard Ward, France Date: June 20, 2007 Your view: As an American living in France I cringe on a daily basis reading the news from the U.S. The present administration will veto a bill that has the potential to unlock secrets that could help countless people and refuses to do anything to combat global warming but will commit hundreds of billions of dollars to an unjust and unnecessary war that has done nothing but bring death and destruction to foreign shores and devastate thousands of families of servicemen and women at home.

This President has shown his true colors yet again. It is a disgrace.

From: Misha Havtikess Date: June 20, 2007 Your view: This was just leaked from a speech the President is planning to give: God himself told me that I look good in blue, Texas was the true birthplace of our Savior and stem cell research was wrong because it could stem the cells from becoming the magnimious things that are meant for. And I believe in that with all my heart. So if you have a bad illness that's bad and it's too bad and I support that and will fight to the end to preserve your right to it as well as the right for all. Thank you.

From: Jorn Poulsen, NS, Canada Date: June 20, 2007 Your view: Hi CNN. As usual, I'm impressed at your objective approach to journalism, touching on relevant topics. I hope you will keep it up, and (especially) keep asking interesting questions, even if some of them are "controversial".

I must say I'm worried about the religious injection into the daily lives of quite a few US citizens.

To me personally, there is a (somewhat) abandonment of reason, in favor of certain opinions -- opinions whose implications (some of those same) people simply do not grasp themselves.

Instead of typing in my message here, in this pure-text field, I have put it here: http://www.twinkle.ws/docs/questions.html

(No, I do not live in Western Somoa (as .ws may suggest), I merely own the twinkle.ws domain, and host it out of my basement here in Nova Scotia, Canada.) 🙂

I urge you to bring these topics up, right along with other discussions of religious nature.

For example, when discussing whether Christianity should be taught in public schools, or when asking politicians what their religious beliefs are.

From: Idren Ames, Arvada, Colorado Date: June 19, 2007 Your view: So if destroying embryos after scientific research for a greater good is morally wrong, then should we also as a humanity cease to kill animals for our own consumption?

From: Cary Gollop, Otaki, New Zealand Date: June 18, 2007 Your view: This is the same President Bush who more-or-less single-handedly launched an action in Iraq that has been responsible for the loss of many lives. A few of these (maybe 2000?) are American lives of young men and women, but the vast majority are Arabs. I will quote from a note I sent a few minutes ago to my daughter in Texas. It refers to a CNN report of an action taking place at this very minute:

"A five sided fight, Sunni, Shiite, al Queda, Iraqi, American, all lined up in the first paragraph. but all Arabs and Americans. A bit murky I think. I hope they are all wearing uniforms -- maybe the Americans have developed a new 'scope that makes all hats look either black or white?"

My first point is that 'life' is life, whether American citizens, non-Americans, even animals. My second point is that President Bush would almost certainly be in favour of funding the kind of discriminatory 'scope I mention. My third point is that . . . but that is enough from me. For me 'life' means all life. I do not believe we can avoid taking some life in order to live. The action in Iraq is pure waste. ESCR may not be.

I don't trust President Bush because he is governing from doubtful personal beliefs. I don't trust scientists for the same reason.

From: Chris M, Texas Date: June 18, 2007 Your view: If you were an embryo and you had the choice of either staying in a freezer your entire life, just taking up space and money or being used in stem cell research to help save thousands of lives what would you choose?

From: Greg Zern, West Chester, USA Date: June 18, 2007 Your view: If you believe that life begins at conception (as I do) then the decision regarding embryonic stem cell research is clear. Destroying a fertilized egg is taking a life. As a society, we dare not take an innocent life with the hope that another will be helped. Consider the possible ramifications of such a position! The fact that there is promise in adult stem cell or umbilical cord stem cell research is tangential to the real issue of preserving life.

From: Erika Chacon, Tachira, Venezuela Date: June 16, 2007 Your view: Hi! About the research of sterm cells I have to agree with President Bush... Even when it can be regulated, it's a very agressive procedure! We have to think, how many embryos have to be killed to find cures? Yes, they're going to be killed! Maybe they will not have a right to speech just having a few days of being conceibed, but those embryos are life growing!... Yes, it's true, we can find cure to many diseases and hard conditions in human beings, but isn't ironic that we are killing to ensure long lives? Some people may think that we are killing just cells that are not even people yet, and it is prefered to sacrificate them to give better life conditions to those who are already walking on our world... But the truth is, that those cells we are taking belongs to a human being who has a TOTAL right to grow up, live and smile! And we're not giving the chance to defense him/herself... I know it's hard to live in difficult conditions by some diseases, and some of them! are very cruel with our body... But, that should be cured in other ways... And if it's not possible right now, we have to ensure that those peoples who have it can be treated and that we (by ourselves!!!) can help them through all of this!!!

Thanks for this space to speak about a concern this big!!!

Take care y'all!!!

From: Stacey Nagel Date: June 16, 2007 Your view: As the mother of Jesse Nagel, I'm enclosing a copy of a letter that he wrote and I emailed and faxed to Pres. Bush last week..... Stacey Nagel

My name is Jesse Nagel and I am 15 years old. I found out I had type 1 diabetes on December 6th 2001, 5 1/2 years ago. I had a terrible cold, was nauseous, and had a terrible headache for a few days. My mom thought I these symptoms were all stress related because I saw an airplane crash near my house a few weeks before. My Doctor checked me over and did a urine test and told us that I had diabetes. My parents had to rush me to the hospital.

When I found out I had diabetes, my first thoughts were "What is Diabetes?"

At the hospital, they rushed me into a room in the ER and hooked me up to an IV. Then the Dr. came in and gave me a shot of insulin. Getting shots never really bothered me. I thought okay, you gave me my shot, now I'm better, can I go home.

Talk about a big surprise! I had to stay in the hospital for three days and I didn't even feel sick. While I was there, I learned how to check my blood sugar by pricking my finger and putting it up to a little machine. I had to do this 8-12 times a day. I was scared to give myself shots and made my mom or dad do it for me. I found out that I would have to take these shots for the rest of my life, until a cure is found.

The biggest change in my life was that I couldn't just eat anything, anytime I was hungry. No matter if I was hungry or not, I had to eat 3 meals and 3 snacks at specific times. This was a very big change from my previous life style, especially when the ice cream man would come after I already had my snack. My mom finally figured out how to get around this, but that meant getting another shot. Can you imagine how it feels to a kid to have really think before you eat? First you have to check your blood sugar, and then figure out how many carbs are in the food, then take a shot. Then I could finally eat. Imagine taking 6-8 shots a day, or having to decide if that ice cream is worth having to stick yourself in the arm again.......

About 4 years year ago, I went on an insulin pump. Diabetes is a lot easier to control now, but it's still not easy. Living with type 1 diabetes is still a big challenge. For me the hardest part is all the work and thinking I have to do. With the pump I have to worry about changing the infusion set that is attached to the pump and me. I have to change and fill the cartridge with insulin and change the batteries. I still do lots of blood checks, anywhere from 8 to 12 or more times a day!

Diabetes doesn't stop me from doing anything I want BUT it really gets in the way. I can do anything as long as I take care of myself. I still play baseball, basketball, ride my bike all over and do the stuff that normal 15 year olds do. I just have to stop, check my blood all the time and figure out what to do. After 5.5 years. I'm really getting tired of doing this... but I have no choice . If I want to live, I have to do it. It would be so great to be able to play and hang out with my friends and not have to constantly think about my sugar levels.

I know some really little kids and even babies who have diabetes. What's sad is that they've never known what its like to NOT have diabetes. As long as they can remember, they've always had to take shots and check their blood. A cure would be great for all of us before we get complications like going blind, or having our kidneys and hearts get damaged from having erratic blood sugars for so many years.

I dont know if ESCR is the only way to find a cure for duabetes... But after 5.5 years of living and suffering with the Diabetes Monster, I'm willing to try anything.. I rally want a cure .. Insulin is not a cure, It's life support !!

From: Rebecca Myatt, Boaz, Alabama Date: June 15, 2007 Your view: I am Rebecca Myatt of Boaz, Alabama and I have Parkinson's Disease. I firmly believe if we could expand our research on stem cells, one, glorious day, we would be able to put them to use to save human, useful, happy lives. I don't believe President Bush understands, nor has he any reason to understand, our plight. No one who could benefit from stem cell research is wanting to kill embryos. We don't want to kill anybody; we want to save lives and make lives more productive. If President Bush would simply research the facts; open his heart and try to put himself in our positions, I believe he would see things differently. He is being narrow minded and not reading the facts. This is a program that can be monitored and could mean the difference in living a productive life to a life in bed; living instead of dying. This is such an important decision. My hopes for me and the future are greatly diminished by President Bush's failure to study and realize how important this subject is. I pray neither he nor his family ever need the help of stem cell research.

Sincerely, Rebecca Myatt

From: Renee Sinrod, Clearwater, Florida Date: June 15, 2007 Your view: I learned at age 50 that I had adult onset diabetes. I controlled it for years with diet and never had to take insulin. When I reached 76, I had a sight accident to a toe and developed gangrene which led to amputation above the knee of the left leg. Stem Cell research might be the answer to a cure for diabetes and it is unconscionable for the president to veto any bill that could help to alleviate many diseases now considered incurable.

From: Robert Hull, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Date: June 15, 2007 Your view: Though I am a firm Republican Christian. I support no aggenda to suppress embryonic research on moral grounds. All life is sacred, yet we must destroy in order to eat so that we may live. Embryonic research is no different; it is the nature of the universe in which we live. We do not sit above that nature. Neither will such research undermine the church even if used for cloning. Cloning is not the creation of new life, but the duplication of what already exists.

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The big debate: Stem cell research - CNN.com

Placenta cell focus of potential new treatment(06/05/15)

A study, Human Placenta-Derived Cells (PDA-001) For The Treatment Of Adults With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled, Multiple-Dose Study, published in the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders and led by researchers at Mount Sinai in New York and Celgene Cellular Therapeutics, has revealed an infusion based on cells derived from the placenta proved to be safe for patients with multiple sclerosis and a promising new treatment for the condition.

It has been previously shown that therapeutic cell-based infusions have an immunomodulatory and repair action in MS. PDA-001 in particular is a preparation of cultured mesenchymal-like cells derived from healthy human placental tissue and designed for the treatment of MS as these cells have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, pro-regenerative and neuroprotective properties. As these placenta cells are expanded in cell culture, one healthy donor is capable of supplying enough cells for several patients.

In the study, researchers tested the safety and possible exacerbation of the disease with this new MS treatment approach based on PDA-001. A phase 1b, randomised, multi-centre, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 16 MS patients (ten with relapsing-remitting MS and six with secondary progressive MS), aged between 18 and 65 years. Six patients received a high dose of PDA-001 (600106 cells), other six were given a lower dose (150106 cells), and the remaining four patients received a placebo. Patients were monitored monthly for brain lesions.

Researchers found none of the patients had worsening of MS-related brain lesions one year after treatment with both PDA-001 doses, and the majority of the patients had stable or had improved levels of disability.

Were hoping to learn more about how placental stromal cells contribute to myelin repair, said the studys lead author and Professor of Neurology at Mount Sinai, Dr Fred Lublin in a news release.

We suspect they either convert to a myelin making cell, or they enhance the environment of the area where the damage is to allow for natural repair. Our long-term goal is to develop strategies to facilitate repair of the damaged nervous system.

The research team concluded that PDA-001 treatment was overall safe and well tolerated by patients, and that preliminary evidence suggests that PDA-001 could be able to repair damaged nerve tissues in MS patients.

This is the first time placenta-derived cells have been tested as a possible therapy for multiple sclerosis, said Dr Lublin.

The next step will be to study larger numbers of MS patients to assess efficacy of the cells, but we could be looking at a new frontier in treatment for the disease.

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MS-UK | Stem cells And MS Research

Regenocyte uses adult stem cell therapy to treat diseases that have not been treatable with traditional medicine or that could only be treated through surgery or drugs. Adult stem cell treatment is being used to treat high-risk, life-threatening cardiac pulmonary, neurological and vascular diseases. Regenocytes founder Dr. Zannos Grekos and his team of international medical specialists, successfully transplant adult stem cells (autologous) to treat heart disease such as cardiomyopathy, pulmonary disease like COPD and Cystic Fibrosis,neurological disease such as Parkinsons and Alzheimers, spinal cord injuries and many other health problems with adult stem cell therapy.

Start NOW and learn how adult stem cell therapy can help you.

Through the Regenocyte adult stem cell therapy process, adult stem cells, taken from the patients own bone marrow or Adipose (fat) tissue, have been successful in treating cardiovascular disease, traumatic brain injury and many other medical conditions. Patients that once had limited options are now finding viable solutions through stem cell therapies with Regenocyte.

Adult Stem Cell Therapy can work for you. Find out HERE.

Adult stem cell therapy research has been documented to effectively treat many inoperable and last stage diseases. Stem cell therapies are used by many respected and qualified physicians around the world as an alternative treatment for more invasive procedures such as pacemakers and even organ transplant.

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Adult stem cell therapy offered by Zannos G. Grekos, MD of ...

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- J.R. Graham will never forget the moment his career flashed before his eyes.

It was Friday the 13th, May 2013, as he warmed up for the start of the third inning on a warm night in Mississippi. The stocky right-hander had entered that season as the third-ranked prospect in the Atlanta Braves system, but something wasn't right after he threw a changeup.

"I felt it start in the back of my shoulder," Graham recalled. "It was just kind of a numb tingling that shot down my arm. It felt like a pinched nerve. I went, 'Ooh.' My fingers were tingling."

He threw another pitch. This time it was a fastball that didn't even reach home plate.

"I just stood there in shock. It was just a moment of panic.

Twins third baseman J.R. Graham throws against Tampa Bay in the seventh inning at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Fla. on Friday, March 6, 2015. The Ray beat the Twins, 2-1. (Pioneer Press: John Autey)

He stood frozen on the mound, staring at catcher Christian Bethancourt. Throughout his career at Livermore (Calif.) High School and Santa Clara University, Graham, 23 at the time, had never had any arm trouble. But the next day, he couldn't even lift his arm.

The official diagnosis was a strained rotator cuff. He was treated with injections of stem cells and platelet-rich-plasma.

"We did both of them, just to make sure," he said. "We weren't messing around."

Typically, such treatments are reserved for elbow injuries. Dr.

Link:
Twins: Rule 5 pick J.R. Graham feeling 'like I'm back'

Summary Notes for Members of the California State Legislature on

A report from "California Cloning: A Dialogue on State Regulation" Held at Santa Clara University, October 12, 2001

Cloning Californians? Report of the California Advisory Committee on Human Cloning January 11, 2002 Sacramento, CA

Science and Technology Perspectives Religious Perspectives Ethics Perspectives Legal Perspectives Useful Web Resources

"California Cloning: A Dialogue on State Regulation" was convened October 12, 2001, by the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University. Its purpose was to bring together experts from the fields of science, religion, ethics, and law to discuss how the state of California should proceed in regulating human cloning and stem cell research.

A framework for discussing the issue was provided by Center Director of Biotechnology and Health Care Ethics Margaret McLean, who also serves on the California State Advisory Committee on Human Cloning. In 1997, the California legislature declared a "five year moratorium on cloning of an entire human being" and requested that "a panel of representatives from the fields of medicine, religion, biotechnology, genetics, law, bioethics and the general public" be established to evaluate the "medical, ethical and social implications" of human cloning (SB 1344). This 12-member Advisory Committee on Human Cloning convened five public meetings, each focusing on a particular aspect of human cloning: e.g., reproductive cloning, and cloning technology and stem cells. The committee is drafting a report to the legislature that is due on December 31, 2001. The report will discuss the science of cloning, and the ethical and legal considerations of applications of cloning technology. It will also set out recommendations to the legislature regarding regulation of human cloning. The legislature plans to take up this discussion after January. The moratorium expires the end of 2002.

What should the state do at that point? More than 80 invited guests came to SCU for "California Cloning" to engage in a dialogue on that question. These included scientists, theologians, businesspeople from the biotechnology industry, bioethicists, legal scholars, representatives of non-profits, and SCU faculty. Keynote Speaker Ursula Goodenough, professor of biology at Washington University and author of Genetics, set the issues in context with her talk, "A Religious Naturalist Thinks About Bioethics." Four panels addressed the specific scientific, religious, ethical, and legal implications of human reproductive cloning and stem cell research. This document gives a brief summary of the issues as they were raised by the four panels.

Science and Biotechnology Perspectives

Thomas Okarma, CEO of Geron Corp., launched this panel with an overview of regenerative medicine and distinguished between reproductive cloning and human embryonic stem cell research. He helped the audience understand the science behind the medical potential of embryonic stem cell research, with an explanation of the procedures for creating stem cell lines and the relationship of this field to telomere biology and genetics. No brief summary could do justice to the science. The reader is referred to the report of the National Bioethics Advisory Committee (http://bioethics.georgetown.edu/nbac/stemcell.pdf) for a good introduction.

Responding to Okarma, were J. William Langston, president of the Parkinsons Institute, and Phyllis Gardner, associate professor of medicine and former dean for medical education at Stanford University. Both discussed the implications of the presidents recent restrictions on stem cell research for the non-profit sector. Langston compared the current regulatory environment to the Reagan era ban on fetal cell research, which he believed was a serious setback for Parkinsons research. He also pointed out that stem cell research was only being proposed using the thousands of embryos that were already being created in the process of fertility treatments. These would ultimately be disposed of in any event, he said, arguing that it would be better to allow them to serve some function rather than be destroyed. President Bush has confined federally-funded research to the 64 existing stem cell lines, far too few in Langstons view. In addition, Langston opposed bans on government funding for stem cell research because of the opportunities for public review afforded by the process of securing government grants.

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Ethics of Human Cloning and Stem Cell Research