Page 6«..5678..»

Category Archives: New Jersey Stem Cells

SpaceX set to launch Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule from Cape Canaveral this week – Florida Today

Posted: March 4, 2020 at 9:44 am

FLORIDA TODAY's Rob Landers brings you some of today's top stories on the News in 90 Seconds. Florida Today

Get ready to rumble Friday night. And that's not just because it's Friday and it's time to party.

SpaceX is poised to launch its Falcon 9 rocket and cargo Dragon capsule from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 no earlier than 11:50 p.m. Friday.

From there it will head on a three-day journey to the International Space Station where Dragon will deliver science experiments, cargo and supplies to the crew onboard.

This will mark the aerospace company's 20th flight under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services contract as well as the last time SpaceX uses its Dragon 1 capsule before retiring it to make way to its newer, more advanced spacecraft: Dragon 2.

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

The newer spacecraft is not only equipped to carry supplies to and from the space station, but it is also certified to refly up to five times (Dragon 1 for instance, was only certified for three re-flights) and can also carry humans, which could happen as soon as May for NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

"Some of the accomplishments of SpaceX under the CRS One program includesthe first U.S. Commercial provider toberth the ISS ... With that we're looking forward to SpaceX continuing on the CRS Two contract with SpaceX-21," said Jennifer Buchli, deputy chief scientist for NASA's International Space Station Program Science Office during a media teleconference.

SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket with cargo for the International Space Station on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019. Cape Canaveral hosted the liftoff. Florida Today

For this mission, Dragon 1 will deliver several science experiments including:

ACE-T-Ellipsoids: Researchers from the New Jersey Institute of Technology will examine colloids small particles suspended within a fluid in microgravity to not only understand fluid physics more but to advance space-based additive manufacturing, an area of great interest to NASA and other agencies in the U.S.

MVP Cell-03: Emory University School of Medicine will study whether microgravity increases the production of heart cells from specific stem cells, called "human-induced pluripotent stem cells." Those specific cells have the potential to be used toreplenish cells that are damaged or lost due to cardiac diseases.

Flow Chemistry in Microgravity: Researchers from Boston University will study the effects of microgravity on chemical reactions as a step toward on-demand production of chemicals and materials in space.

Droplet Formation Study: Delta Faucet Company will study water droplet formation and water flow in microgravity to gain a better understanding on how to improve its showerhead technology in an effort to create better performance while also conserving water and energy.

Dragon will also deliver the European external payload hosting facility called Bartolomeo that will be an enhancement to the space station's European Columbus Module.

Contact Jaramillo at321-242-3668or antoniaj@floridatoday.com. Follow her onTwitterat@AntoniaJ_11.

Get the latest space news by becoming a subscriber.

Read or Share this story: https://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2020/03/02/spacex-set-launch-falcon-9-rocket-and-dragon-capsule-cape-canaveral/4855497002/

Go here to see the original:
SpaceX set to launch Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule from Cape Canaveral this week - Florida Today

Posted in New Jersey Stem Cells | Comments Off on SpaceX set to launch Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule from Cape Canaveral this week – Florida Today

Are stem cells really the key to making humans live longer? – Wired.co.uk

Posted: February 16, 2020 at 2:46 am

To some longevity acolytes, stem cells promise the secret to eternal youth. For a hefty fee, you can pay a startup to extract your own stem cells and cryogenically freeze them, in the hope that they can one day be used in a treatment to help extend your life.

Other firms let you bank stem cells from your babys umbilical cord and placenta after childbirth, if youre convinced the high cost represents an insurance policy against future illness. Or you can follow the example of Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett and opt for an anti-ageing cream made with stem cells derived from the severed foreskins of newborn babies in South Korea.

Stem cells are the parent cells which give rise to other cells in our bodies. Since scientists first isolated human embryonic stem cells in a lab and grew them over 20 years ago, they have been mooted as a source of great hope for regenerative medical treatments, including for age-related degenerative conditions such as Parkinsons, Alzheimers, heart disease and stroke.

But apart from a few small-scale examples, the only stem cell-based medical treatment practised in clinics uses haematopoietic stem cells found in the blood and bone marrow which only produce blood cells for transplants in blood cancer patients. These cells are taken from a patients sibling or an unrelated donor, before being infused into a patients blood, or theyre taken from a patients own blood before being reinfused. The procedure has been used to treat blood malignancies for almost half a century, and recently multiple sclerosis too. So how likely is it that the predictions about stem cells' longevity-enhancing powers will become a reality?

In September 2019, Google banned ads for unproven or experimental medical techniques such as most stem cell therapy, citing a rise in bad actors attempting to take advantage of individuals by offering untested, deceptive treatments [that can often] lead to dangerous health outcomes. The decision was welcomed by the International Society for Stem Cell Research, which emphasised that most stem cell interventions remain experimental. Selling treatments before well-regulated clinical trials have been done, the body said, [threatens public] confidence in biomedical research and undermines the development of legitimate new therapies.

Its easy to see how less scrupulous companies can exploit the allure of stem cells, which seem to occupy a place in our collective consciousness as a kind of magical elixir. High hopes for stem cell-based therapies have grown since 2006, when the Japanese biologist Shinya Yamanaka created a new technology to reprogram adult cells, such as skin cells, into a similar state to embryonic stem cells, which are pluripotent, meaning they can develop into any tissue in the body. The Nobel prize-winning breakthrough was hailed as a major step in the study of stem cells without the need for controversial embryo research, and towards the use of these human induced pluripotent stem cells to regenerate damaged or diseased organs or effectively grow new spare parts which could treat the life-limiting and life-shortening illnesses associated with ageing.

Gerontologist Aubrey de Grey, whose Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence (SENS) research foundation aims to eliminate ageing-related diseases, thinks the chances well soon have stem cell based therapies are high. For anything that's in clinical trials, you're talking about maybe five years before it's available to the general public, he says, citing stem cell treatments for Parkinsons disease, currently being tested in phase two clinical trials, as one of the developments he thinks is likely to come soonest.

However, given that these trials involve a relatively small number of participants and most clinical trials ultimately fail, his predictions might be overly optimistic. Often described as a maverick, De Grey believes that humans can live forever and there is a 50 per cent chance medical advances of which stem cell therapies will play an important part will make this a reality within the next 17 years. Though living forever, he says, is not the ultimate goal but a rather large side effect of medicine which will successfully prevent or repair the damage that comes with ageing.

For New Jersey-based Robert Hariri, who co-founded Human Longevity Inc, which set its sights more modestly on making 100 the new 60, stem cells derived from placentas present especially exciting opportunities. A biomedical scientist, surgeon and entrepreneur, Hariri says his current venture Celularity which is focused on engineering placental cells, including stem cells, to create drugs for cancer and other conditions is not as concerned about the actual age number, but about preserving human performance as we age and treating the degenerative diseases that rob us of our quality of life.

Many of those working in the field, however, remain cautious in their optimism. Researchers have highlighted the potential risks of giving pluripotent cells to patients, whether they are induced or embryonic, as these cells can develop cancer-causing mutations as they grow.

Davide Danovi, a scientist at Kings College Londons Centre for Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine, says the path to stem cell-based therapy is very long and full of hurdles. The supply chain involves challenges, he says. On the one hand, allogeneic treatments those with stem cells derived from one individual and expanded into big batches to create cells to treat many individuals have the advantage of being similar to the traditional pharmaceutical business models. The product is clear, its something that comes in a vial and can be scaled up and mass produced, Danovi says. But this treatment can present a greater risk of rejection from the patient, as opposed to the more bespoke autologous option which is more expensive and time-consuming as it involves extracting a patients own stem cells before reprogramming them.

Danovi is most excited by the potential of stem cells to treat age-related macular degeneration. In 2017 Japanese scientist Masayo Takahash led a team that administered transplants of artificially grown retinal cells created from induced pluripotent stem cells taken from donors to five patients with the eye condition, which can cause blindness, and theyre reported to be doing well. The eye, he says seems to be a place where immunity plays less of a role relative to other issues, so you can host cells which come from another individual with fewer problems [of rejection]. But, with other organs such as the liver, he says there are major conceptual problems with creating enough tissue. Its like the clean meat burger - you're talking about a production that is, in many cases, not easy to reach with the current technology.

Hariri believes placentas will solve some of the production challenges crucially, theyre an abundant commodity, with the vast majority thrown out after childbirth. His interest was sparked 20 years ago when his oldest daughter was in the womb: When I saw her first ultrasound in the first trimester, the placenta had already developed into a relatively sizable organ, even though she was just a peanut-sized embryo. Id been taught that the placenta was nothing more than an interface, but [if that was the case], you would expect that it would grow at the same rate as the embryo. His curiosity piqued, he began to see the placenta not as an interface but as a biological factory, where stem cells could be expanded and differentiated to participate in the development of that foetus. That intrigued me and I started to collect placentas and just, you know, basically disassemble them.

Placentas have numerous benefits, he says they dont carry the same ethical controversy as embryonic stem cells, for one thing. Scientists working on embryonic stem cells have to destroy an early embryo, and that option yields them a dozen cells, which have to be culture-expanded in the laboratory into billions of cells. In contrast, the placenta houses, billions and hundreds of billions of cells, which can be expanded as well, but you're starting out with a dramatically larger starting material.

Increasingly, scientists in the anti-ageing sphere are focusing on an approach that seems like the opposite of planting fresh stem cells into our bodies. Experts such as Ilaria Bellantuono at Sheffield Universitys Healthy Lifespan Institute are working towards creating senolytics medication that could kill off our senescent cells, the zombie cells that accumulate in tissues as we age and cause chronic inflammation. I think stem cells are very good for specific disease, where the environment is still young, Bellantuono says, but the data in animal models tells us that senolytics are actually able to delay the onset and reduce the severity of multiple diseases at the same time for example, there is evidence for osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and diabetes. She explains that while human trials are still in their early stages, senolytics are likely to be more cost-effective than stem cell therapy and the status quo of older patients taking multiple pills for multiple diseases, which can interact with each other. Besides, she adds, they may actually work in tandem with stem-cell based therapies in the future, with senolytics creating a more hospitable environment in tissues to allow stem cells to do their work.

And as for the so-called penis facial? Its far from the only ultra-expensive stem cell skincare making bold anti-ageing claims but youre probably better off saving your money, as you are with the experimental medical treatments on offer. Stem cells are definitely exciting but theyre not the key to eternal youth. At least, not yet.

Robert Harari will be one of the speakers at WIRED Health in London on March 25, 2020. For more details, and to book your ticket, click here

Why do modern tomatoes taste so bad?

How Tesla became the world's most overvalued car company

Marvel at the incredible real-life Iron Man

How Slack ruined work

Follow WIRED on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn

Get The Email from WIRED, your no-nonsense briefing on all the biggest stories in technology, business and science. In your inbox every weekday at 12pm sharp.

by entering your email address, you agree to our privacy policy

Thank You. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. You will hear from us shortly.

Sorry, you have entered an invalid email. Please refresh and try again.

See more here:
Are stem cells really the key to making humans live longer? - Wired.co.uk

Posted in New Jersey Stem Cells | Comments Off on Are stem cells really the key to making humans live longer? – Wired.co.uk

Musicians and community coming together in Asbury Park to help Point Pleasant 3-year old – Asbury Park Press

Posted: February 12, 2020 at 7:43 pm

Max Weinberg of the E Street Band plays air drums at a New Jersey Devils inside the Prudential Center in Newark on Feb. 1, 2020. AP Staff

Three-year old Carson Dratch of Point Pleasant has a battle in front of him, but with a communityand a group of steadfast musiciansbehind him, things are looking up.

Musician Matt Witte, his cousin, will lead a benefit for Carson on Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Asbury Park Yacht Club on the boardwalk in Asbury Park.

Carson has Aplastic Anemia, a rare disease that affects bone marrow.

He's a normal little kid afflicted with a terrible disease, Witte said. So far, everything is going well, really good. Everything has been successful but we got a longway to go.

Carson's parents, Doug and Danielle Dratch, reported that Carson has completed his chemotherapy and received his donor's stem cells on Dec.19. The donor's cells have taken to Carsons little body and have been multiplying themselves since day (one), according to the family's Gofundme.com page.

Super Bowl Halftime Show: "Jersey Shore"stars defend Jennifer Lopez, Shakira

Three-year old Carson Dratch of Point Pleasant.(Photo: Courtesy of the Dratch family)

A second medical scare, a brain aneurysm, has been averted and he's home now. He's currently on five medications and is making two trips a week to the hospital. He also needs home nursing.

Funds are needed to help defray costs.

Their hospital bills are out of control, Witte said. They have insurance but it doesn't pay for everything.

Chances are you have come across one of Carson's relatives. Mom Danielle's maiden name is Carr, of the Point Pleasant Beach-based Carr's Driving School family. It's been operated by the Carrs since 1957.

[Subscribe to the Asbury Park Pressand download the app for the latest on the New Jersey music scene. ]

Matt Witte(Photo: Chris Jordan/STAFF PHOTO)

Witte, a former Atlantic Records recording artist, will take the stage with long-time collaborator John Swayne. Old Lady and Disposable are also on the bill. Attendees are asked to make a $10 donation.

Children are our future and we got to help out however we can, said Peter Mantas, entertainment director of the Asbury Park Yacht Club and the adjacent Langosta Lounge.

A fire in downtown Bound Brook on Jan.12 destroyed a pair of buildings under construction and nearly wiped out a block of homes. It looked like a war zone.

Now, out of the ashes has come resiliency.

A We Stand with Bound Brook benefit concert will take place at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Brook Arts Center, not far from where the fire took place. Second Wind;Tuesday at Eight with special guest Bill Turner of Bill Haley and the Comets;Anthony Didio;and Rachael Wise and The Guys will play while members of the Serova School of Dance and the Elite Dance Center also will perform.

Proceeds will provide relief to those who have been impacted by the fire via the Fire Relief Fund and the Salvation Army.

We Stand with Bound Brook, 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, Brook Arts Center, 10 Hamilton St., Bound Brook. $10, free for kids 2 to 13 and first responders. brookarts.org.

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Are you ready for some rattle and roll?

The Michigan Rattlers, who are indeed from Michigan, are coming through the area with shows Tuesday, Feb. 11, at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, and Wednesday, Feb. 12, at the Mercury Lounge in New York.

[ Looking for the trusted place to find the best home service providers? Find local pros. ]

Actually, roots rock, or alt-country, might be a better description for the band, who have been touted in everything from Rolling Stone to the Bluegrass Station.

You can expect a good live, energetic, rocking set with meaningful songs and some smiling faces up on the stage having a great time, says the band about the Wonder Bar show. Maybe even a few new songs, too.

They're shaking things up. Brent Cowles is also on the bill.

Michigan Rattlers with Brent Cowles, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, Wonder Bar, Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. wonderbarasburypark.com.

What do you do when youre the real-life drummer on the million-selling hit single that comes on the Drum Cam during the New Jersey Devils game at the Prudential Center in Newark?

You air-drum, of course.

Max Weinberg air drums at the Feb. 1, 2020 New Jersey Devils vs. Dallas Stars hockey game at the Prudential Center in Newark.(Photo: Chris Jordan)

Thats what Mighty Max Weinberg did on Feb. 1 during the Devils game against the Dallas Stars when Dancing in the Dark by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band came on the arenas Drum Cam as part of the Ticketmaster Wheel of Cams.

Weinberg air-drummed along, and was introduced to the crowd afterward to a big cheer.

Weinberg, a big Devils fan, was in town with his wife Becky Weinberg and daughterAli Roginto help the 2000 Devils celebrate the 20th anniversary of their Stanley Cup win. Max Weinbergs Jukebox played for the 2000 team at White Eagle Hall in Jersey City on Jan. 31.

More music: Naughty by Nature, up close and personal, at the Grammy Museum Experience in Newark

All the Weinbergs are big hockey fans. Son Jay Weinberg follows the Devils and wanted to be there on Saturday but had another obligation. Hes on tour with his band Slipknot in Europe at the moment.

By the way, the Devils 3-2 lost to the Stars in overtime on Saturday.

Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. His multiple awards include recognition for stories on both Bruce Springsteen and Jersey Shore. Contact him at @chrisfhjordan; cjordan@app.com.

Who: Matt Witte with John Swayne, Old Lady and Disposable

When: 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8

Where: Asbury Park Yacht Club, Boardwalk, Asbury Park

Tickets: $10 donation requested

Info: apyachtclub.com

Read or Share this story: https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/music/2020/02/06/musicians-and-community-coming-together-asbury-park-help-point-pleasant-3-year-old/4664811002/

See the original post here:
Musicians and community coming together in Asbury Park to help Point Pleasant 3-year old - Asbury Park Press

Posted in New Jersey Stem Cells | Comments Off on Musicians and community coming together in Asbury Park to help Point Pleasant 3-year old – Asbury Park Press

TV Guy: A return to history with Auschwitz Untold – New Jersey Herald

Posted: January 27, 2020 at 9:41 am

-- Monday marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp. To commemorate the event, the History Channel returns to history, for one night at least, with "Auschwitz Untold" (9 p.m. Sunday, TV-14), a history of the Nazis' Final Solution program, including interviews with survivors who recall their internment when they were only children.

Discovery offers a special airing of the 2018 historical drama "Who Will Write Our History" (3 p.m. Sunday, TV-14). Joan Allen and Adrien Brody headline an impressive voice cast in this handsome production about a group of scholars, journalists and activists in Poland's Warsaw Ghetto, who decided, at great personal risk, to write and research the real story of their occupation and oppression in order to counter Nazi propaganda that depicted Jews as filthy vermin fit for extermination.

-- Linking the Maitland family's "vacation" in Ohio to similar mysterious killings, Holly begins to see patterns that defy rational explanation on "The Outsider" (9 p.m. Sunday, HBO, TV-MA). Portrayed by actress Cynthia Erivo ("Bad Times at the El Royale," "Harriet"), investigator Holly Gibney is the latest in a long line of "damaged" detectives, dating back through "Monk" all the way to Sherlock Holmes.

Her social unease and peculiar focus, born of her place on the autism spectrum, makes her one of the more compelling television characters to emerge in the new year. "The Outsider" is a very good series. Holly has all but stolen the show.

SUNDAY'S HIGHLIGHTS

-- "60 Minutes" has been preempted by "Grammy Red Carpet Live" (7 p.m., CBS).

-- Alicia Keys hosts the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards (8 p.m., CBS).

-- The doctor (Jodie Whittaker) races to save Gloucester from trigger-happy space police in the latest helping of "Doctor Who" (8 p.m., BBC America).

-- "The Impeachment of Donald J. Trump" (8 p.m., CNN) recaps events from the Senate trial.

-- "The Circus: Inside the Wildest Political Show on Earth" (8 p.m., Showtime, TV-14) returns for a fifth season to cover both impeachment drama and the impending primary season.

-- "Shameless" (9 p.m., Showtime, TV-MA) wraps ups its 10th season.

-- A murder occurs with supernatural trappings on "Vienna Blood" (10 p.m., PBS, TV-14, check local listings).

-- An optimistic scenario emerges on "Avenue 5" (10 p.m., HBO, TV-MA).

-- Election night proves tense as "The L Word: Generation Q" (10 p.m., Showtime, TV-MA) wraps up its eight-episode season.

-- Abby leaves her apartment to help Julia Sweeney with her radio showcase on the season finale of "Work in Progress" (11 p.m., Showtime, TV-MA).

SUNDAY SERIES

"America's Got Talent" (7 p.m., NBC, r, TV-PG) ... Knock on wood on "The Simpsons" (8 p.m., Fox, r, TV-14) ... "America's Funniest Home Videos" (8 p.m., ABC, r, TV-PG) ... Birthday drama on "Batwoman" (8 p.m., CW, TV-14) ... Biology class cut-ups on "Bob's Burgers" (8:30 p.m., Fox, r, TV-14).

"American Ninja Warrior" (9 p.m., NBC, TV-PG) ... On two helpings of "Family Guy" (ABC, r, TV-14): Peter becomes the president's spokesman (9 p.m.); job insecurity (9:30 p.m.) ... On two helpings of "Shark Tank" (ABC, r, TV-PG): kids' shoes (9 p.m.); stem cells (10 p.m.) ... An unoriginal villain strikes on "Supergirl" (9 p.m., CW, TV-PG).

kevin.tvguy@gmail.com

The rest is here:
TV Guy: A return to history with Auschwitz Untold - New Jersey Herald

Posted in New Jersey Stem Cells | Comments Off on TV Guy: A return to history with Auschwitz Untold – New Jersey Herald

Europe’s guardian of stem cells and hopes, real and unrealistic – FRANCE 24

Posted: January 20, 2020 at 9:48 pm

Warsaw (AFP)

Poland has emerged as Europe's leader in stem cell storage, a billion-dollar global industry that is a key part of a therapy that can treat leukaemias but raises excessive hopes.

Submerged in liquid nitrogen vapour at a temperature of minus 175 degrees Celsius, hundreds of thousands of stem cells from all over Europe bide their time in large steel barrels on the outskirts of Warsaw.

Present in blood drawn from the umbilical cord of a newborn baby, stem cells can help cure serious blood-related illnesses like leukaemias and lymphomas, as well as genetic conditions and immune system deficits.

Polish umbilical cord blood bank PBKM/FamiCord became the industry's leader in Europe after Swiss firm Cryo-Save went bankrupt early last year.

It is also the fifth largest in the world, according to its management, after two companies in the United States, a Chinese firm and one based in Singapore.

Since the first cord blood transplant was performed in France in 1988, the sector has significantly progressed, fuelling hopes.

- Health insurance -

Mum-of-two Teresa Przeborowska has firsthand experience.

At five years old, her son Michal was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia and needed a bone marrow transplant, the entrepreneur from northern Poland said.

The most compatible donor was his younger sister, Magdalena.

When she was born, her parents had a bag of her cord blood stored at PBKM.

More than three years later, doctors injected his sister's stem cells into Michal's bloodstream.

It was not quite enough for Michal's needs but nicely supplemented harvested bone marrow.

As a result, Michal, who is nine, "is now flourishing, both intellectually and physically," his mum told AFP.

A cord blood transplant has become an alternative to a bone marrow transplant when there is no donor available, with a lower risk of complications.

Stem cells taken from umbilical cord blood are like those taken from bone marrow, capable of producing all blood cells: red cells, platelets and immune system cells.

When used, stem cells are first concentrated, then injected into the patient. Once transfused, they produce new cells of every kind.

At the PBKM laboratory, "each container holds up to 10,000 blood bags... Safe and secure, they wait to be used in the future," its head, Krzysztof Machaj, said.

The bank holds around 440,000 samples, not including those from Cryo-Save, he said.

If the need arises, the "blood will be ready to use without the whole process of looking for a compatible donor and running blood tests," the biologist told AFP.

For families who have paid an initial nearly 600 euros ($675) and then an annual 120 euros to have the blood taken from their newborns' umbilical cords preserved for around 20 years, it is a kind of health insurance promising faster and more effective treatment if illness strikes.

But researchers also warn against unrealistic expectations.

- Beauty products -

Haematologist Wieslaw Jedrzejczak, a bone marrow pioneer in Poland, describes promoters of the treatment as "sellers of hope", who "make promises that are either impossible to realise in the near future or downright impossible to realise at all for biological reasons."

He compares them to makers of beauty products who "swear their cream will rejuvenate the client by 20 years."

Various research is being done on the possibility of using the stem cells to treat other diseases, notably nervous disorders. But the EuroStemCell scientist network warns that the research is not yet conclusive.

"There is a list of almost 80 diseases for which stem cells could prove beneficial," US haematologist Roger Mrowiec, who heads the clinical laboratory of the cord blood programme Vitalant in New Jersey, told AFP.

"But given the present state of medicine, they are effective only for around a dozen of them, like leukaemia or cerebral palsy," he said.

"It's not true, as it's written sometimes, that we can already use them to fight Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease or diabetes."

EuroStemCell also cautions against private blood banks that "advertise services to parents suggesting they should pay to freeze their child's cord blood... in case it's needed later in life."

"Studies show it is highly unlikely that the cord blood will ever be used for their child," the network said.

It also pointed out that there could be a risk of the child's cells not being useable anyway without reintroducing the same illness.

Some countries, such as Belgium and France, are cautious and ban the storage of cord blood for private purposes. Most EU countries however permit it while imposing strict controls.

- Rapid growth -

In the early 2000s, Swiss company Cryo-Save enjoyed rapid growth.

Greeks, Hungarians, Italians, Spaniards and Swiss stored blood from their newborns with the company for 20 years on payment of 2,500 euros upfront.

When the firm was forced to close in early 2019, clients were left wondering where their stem cells would end up.

Under a kind of back-up agreement, the samples of some 250,000 European families were transferred for storage at PBKM.

The Polish firm, founded in 2002 with two million zlotys (around 450,000 euros, $525,000), has also grown quickly.

Present under the FamiCord brand in several countries, PBKM has some 35 percent of the European market, excluding Cryo-Save assets.

Over the last 15 months, outside investors have contributed 63 million euros to the firm, PBKM's chief executive Jakub Baran told AFP.

But the company has not escaped controversy: the Polityka weekly recently published a critical investigative report on several private clinics that offer what was described as expensive treatment involving stem cells held by PBKM.

2020 AFP

Read more from the original source:
Europe's guardian of stem cells and hopes, real and unrealistic - FRANCE 24

Posted in New Jersey Stem Cells | Comments Off on Europe’s guardian of stem cells and hopes, real and unrealistic – FRANCE 24

Horizon Discovery to Provide Access to Novel Base Editing Technology – Yahoo Finance

Posted: January 15, 2020 at 2:42 am

Horizon Discovery Group plc (LSE: HZD) ("Horizon", "the Company" or "the Group"), a global leader in the application of gene editing and gene modulation technologies, today announced that it will provide access to a novel base editing technology licensed from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, for exclusive use in therapeutic, diagnostic and services applications. This technology is incorporated into Horizons next-generation gene editing platform to enable the development of novel therapeutics that rely on engineering patients cells either directly in the body (gene therapy), or externally before transplanting back into the patient (cell therapy). This platform will also expand the Companys research tools and service provisions.

The Company formed an exclusive partnership with Rutgers in January 2019 to further develop the novel base editing technology invented by Dr. Shengkan Jin, associate professor of pharmacology, and co-inventor Dr. Juan C. Collantes, post-doctoral research fellow at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and has since been funding research in base editing at the University while undertaking its own evaluation and proof-of-concept studies. Horizon has a number of internal programs designed to accelerate the clinical uptake of this technology and is now seeking 35 partners to assess and shape the development of its Pin-point base editing platform.

Horizon will offer partners access to a novel system that could be used to progress more effective multi-gene knockout cell therapy programs through clinical development with an improved safety profile. Partners will also gain access to the Companys expertise in genome engineering of different cell types, access to early technical data, and influence over the direction of future development.

Base editing is a novel technology for engineering DNA in cells, which the potential to correct certain errors or mutations in the DNA, or inactivate disease-causing genes. Compared with currently available gene editing methodologies such as conventional CRISPR/Cas9, which creates "cuts" in the gene that can lead to adverse or negative effects, this new technology allows for accurate gene editing while reducing unintended genomic changes that could lead to deleterious effects in patients.

Dr. Jonathan Frampton, Corporate Development Partner, Horizon Discovery, said: "The technology could have a significant impact in enabling cell therapies to be progressed through clinical trials and towards commercialization. Horizon is pleased to offer an effective and precise base editing technology and, alongside Rutgers, aims to make base editing available to all appropriate cell and gene therapy companies as well as research departments. Partnering with leading organizations will help us to drive innovation and deliver the best therapy for the patient."

Dr. Shengkan 'Victor' Jin of Rutgers University stated: "The cytidine deaminase version of the technology alone could potentially be used for developing cell therapies such as gene modified cells for sickle cell anemia and beta thalassemia, HIV resistant cells for AIDS, over-the-shelf CAR-T cells for cancer, and MHC-compatible allogenic stem cells for transplantation. Other applications could include use as gene therapies for inherited genetic diseases including antitrypsin deficiency and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In addition, we intend to take full advantage of the unique modularity and versatility features of Pin-point platform and develop efficient gene inactivation agents for potential treatment of many devastating diseases where the leading causal contributing factors are well defined. At the top of this disease list are Alzheimers disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and familial hypercholesterinemia."

Dr. S. David Kimball, Senior Vice President for Research and Economic Development at Rutgers University, added: "The gene editing technology developed by Rutgers has the potential to revolutionize how scientists think about their search for better options and outcomes in the treatment of disease. It has the potential to solve some of the most persistent global health challenges. This partnership with Horizon Discovery is paving the way to deliver biotherapies for precision medicine and diagnostics and improve human health. I am proud that Rutgers, together with Horizon, is among the frontrunners in the field of gene editing."

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200114005331/en/

Contacts

Zyme Communications (Trade and Regional Media) Lorna CuddonTel: +44 (0)7811 996 942Email: lorna.cuddon@zymecommunications.com

Read this article:
Horizon Discovery to Provide Access to Novel Base Editing Technology - Yahoo Finance

Posted in New Jersey Stem Cells | Comments Off on Horizon Discovery to Provide Access to Novel Base Editing Technology – Yahoo Finance

John Theurer Cancer Center Announces Appointment of Five New Physicians – Newswise

Posted: January 15, 2020 at 2:42 am

MEDIA CONTACT

Available for logged-in reporters only

John Theurer Cancer Center Announces Appointment of Five New Physicians

Cancer doctors bolster center's stem cell transplantation, blood cancer, and thoracic cancer programs.

Newswise HACKENSACK, N.J.,January 9, 2019 Five new physicians have joined the medical staff at John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Cancer Center in New Jersey:

Hyung C. Suh, MD, PhD, is a hematologist-oncologist who joined the Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy program. Dr. Suh specializes in the care of people with blood cancers (such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma) and in the use of stem cell transplantation, cellular therapy, and immunotherapy to treat these cancers. He is also an experienced biomedical scientist with expertise in hematology-oncology research and the translation of research findings from the laboratory to the patients they may help. A native of South Korea, Dr. Suh graduated from Yonsei University College of Medicine in Seoul, where he earned his MD and PhD degrees. He completed internal medicine residencies at Yonsei University College of Medicine and Cleveland Clinic Foundation and hematology-oncology fellowships at Yonsei University College of Medicine and UCLA School of Medicine.

Gurbakhash Kaur, MD, is a hematologist-oncologist who specializes in hematology-oncology, especially the treatment of multiple myeloma. She is especially interested in the application of novel immunotherapies to treat cancer, including multiple myeloma. Dr. Kaur received her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine and completed her internal medicine residency at Tufts Medical Center. She then went on to complete a fellowship in hematology-oncology at Montefiore Medical Center.

Sukhdeep Kaur, MD, is a hematologist-oncologist who specializes in stem cell transplantation including allogeneic transplants (from a donor) and autologous ("self") transplants for blood cancers and blood diseases. She also oversees the use of cellular therapies in patients, including CAR T-cell therapy an innovative treatment which trains a patient's white blood cells (called T cells) to find and destroy cancer cells. Dr. Kaur received her medical degree from Ross University and completed her internal medicine residency at Drexel University College of Medicine, serving as Chief Resident in her final year. She then went on to complete a fellowship in hematology-oncology at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital/Cancer Institute of New Jersey, where she was Chief Fellow.

Andrew Ip, MD, MS, is a hematologist-oncologist who specializes in the care of patients with lymphoma and multiple myeloma. In his research, Dr. Ip is part of John Theurer Cancer Center's Outcomes Division. He is interested in utilizing population science to see the "big picture" of cancer care in order to enhance the lives of patients and their families. He also has an interest in using digital health technology to promote improved cancer outcomes, having piloted an Apple Watch physical activity intervention for people with cancer. Dr. Ip received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College (now Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University). He completed his internal medicine residency at Emory University School of Medicine, where he was Chief Medical Resident in his last year. He then went on to complete a fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory, where he was Chief Fellow for his final year.

Kaushal Parikh, MBBS, is a medical oncologist who specializes in the treatment of patients with thoracic cancers, such as lung cancer, thymoma, and mesothelioma. He is also involved in drug development and early-phase clinical trials, particularly through John Theurer Cancer Center's robust Phase I clinical trials program. He and his colleagues are working to expand the translational research program so that more findings from the laboratory can be translated to the clinic to help patients. Dr. Parikh received his medical degree from Topiwala National Medical College in Mumbai, India. He completed his internal medicine residency and hematology-oncology fellowship at New York Medical College, where he was Chief Hematology and Oncology Fellow for his final year. He then completed a fellowship in thoracic oncology at the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine in Minnesota.

For more information, contact Mary McGeever, Hackensack University Medical Center Communications and Public Relations Department, at 551-996-1730 (office), 551-795-1675 (cell) or Mary.McGeever@HackensackMeridian.org

ABOUTJOHN THEURER CANCER CENTERATHACKENSACKUNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

John Theurer Cancer CenteratHackensack University Medical CenterisNew Jersey'slargest and most comprehensive center dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, management, research, screenings, and preventive care as well as survivorship of patients with all types of cancers. The 14 specialized divisions covering the complete spectrum of cancer care have developed a close-knit team of medical, research, nursing, and support staff with specialized expertise that translates into more advanced, focused care for all patients. Each year, more people in theNew Jersey/New York metropolitan area turn toJohn Theurer Cancer Centerfor cancer care than to any other facility inNew Jersey. Housed withinHackensack University Medical Center, a 775-bed not-for-profit teaching, tertiary care, and research hospital, John Theurer Cancer Center provides state-of-the-art technological advances, compassionate care, research innovations, medical expertise, and a full range of aftercare services that distinguishJohn Theurer Cancer Centerfrom other facilities.For additional information, please visitwww.jtcancercenter.org.

About Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center

Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center, a 781-bed nonprofit teaching and research hospital located in Bergen County, NJ, is the largest provider of inpatient and outpatient services in the state. Founded in 1888 as the countys first hospital, it is now part of the largest, most comprehensive and truly integrated health care network in New Jersey, offering a complete range of medical services, innovative research and life-enhancing care, which is comprised of 35,000 team members and more than 7,000 physicians. Hackensack University Medical Center is ranked #2 in New Jersey and #59 in the country in U.S. News & World Reports 2019-20 Best Hospital rankings and is ranked high-performing in the U.S. in colon cancer surgery,lung cancersurgery,COPD, heart failure, heart bypass surgery, aortic valve surgery,abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, knee replacement and hip replacement. Out of 4,500 hospitals evaluated, Hackensack is one of only 57 that received a top rating in all nine procedures and conditions. Hackensack University Medical Center is one of only five major academic medical centers in the nation to receive Healthgrades Americas 50 Best Hospitals Award for five or more years in a row. Beckers Hospital Review recognized Hackensack University Medical Center as one of the 100 Great Hospitals in America 2018. The medical center is one of the top 25 green hospitals in the country according to Practice Greenhealth, and received 26 Gold Seals of Approval by The Joint Commission more than any other hospital in the country. It was the first hospital in New Jersey and second in the nation to become a Magnet recognized hospital for nursing excellence; receiving its sixth consecutive designation in 2019. Hackensack University Medical Center has created an entire campus of award-winning care, including: John Theurer Cancer Center, a consortium member of the NCI-designated Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center; the Heart & Vascular Hospital; and the Sarkis and Siran Gabrellian Womens and Childrens Pavilion, which houses the Joseph M. Sanzari Childrens Hospital and Donna A. Sanzari Womens Hospital, which was designed with The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center and listed on the Green Guides list of Top 10 Green Hospitals in the U.S. Hackensack University Medical Center is the Hometown Hospital of the New York Giants and the New York Red Bulls and is Official Medical Services Provider to THE NORTHERN TRUST PGA Golf Tournament. It remains committed to its community through fundraising and community events especially the Tackle Kids Cancer Campaign providing much needed research at the Childrens Cancer Institute housed at the Joseph M. Sanzari Childrens Hospital. To learn more, visit http://www.HackensackUMC.org.

Link:
John Theurer Cancer Center Announces Appointment of Five New Physicians - Newswise

Posted in New Jersey Stem Cells | Comments Off on John Theurer Cancer Center Announces Appointment of Five New Physicians – Newswise

Horizon to provide access to novel base editing technology – SelectScience

Posted: January 15, 2020 at 2:42 am

Horizon Discovery, one of theglobal leaders in the application of gene editing and gene modulation technologies, announced that it will provide access to a novel base editing technology licensed from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, for exclusive use in therapeutic, diagnostic and services applications. This technology is incorporated into Horizons next-generation gene editing platform to enable the development of novel therapeutics that rely on engineering patients cells either directly in the body (gene therapy), or externally before transplanting back into the patient (cell therapy). This platform will also expand the companys research tools and service provisions.

The company formed an exclusive partnership with Rutgers in January 2019 to further develop the novel base editing technology invented by Dr. Shengkan Jin, associate professor of pharmacology, and co-inventor Dr. Juan C. Collantes, post-doctoral research fellow at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and has since been funding research in base editing at the University while undertaking its own evaluation and proof-of-concept studies. Horizon has a number of internal programs designed to accelerate the clinical uptake of this technology and is now seeking 35 partners to assess and shape the development of its Pin-point base editing platform.

Horizon will offer partners access to a novel system that could be used to progress more effective multi-gene knockout cell therapy programs through clinical development with an improved safety profile. Partners will also gain access to the companys expertise in genome engineering of different cell types, access to early technical data, and influence over the direction of future development.

Base editing is a novel technology for engineering DNA in cells, which the potential to correct certain errors or mutations in the DNA, or inactivate disease-causing genes. Compared with currently available gene editing methodologies such as conventional CRISPR/Cas9, which creates cuts in the gene that can lead to adverse or negative effects, this new technology allows for accurate gene editing while reducing unintended genomic changes that could lead to deleterious effects in patients.

Dr. Jonathan Frampton, Corporate Development Partner, Horizon Discovery, said: The technology could have a significant impact in enabling cell therapies to be progressed through clinical trials and towards commercialization. Horizon is pleased to offer an effective and precise base editing technology and, alongside Rutgers, aims to make base editing available to all appropriate cell and gene therapy companies as well as research departments. Partnering with leading organizations will help us to drive innovation and deliver the best therapy for the patient.

Dr. Shengkan 'Victor' Jin of Rutgers University stated: The cytidine deaminase version of the technology alone could potentially be used for developing cell therapies such as gene modified cells for sickle cell anemia and beta thalassemia, HIV resistant cells for AIDS, over-the-shelf CAR-T cells for cancer, and MHC-compatible allogenic stem cells for transplantation. Other applications could include use as gene therapies for inherited genetic diseases including antitrypsin deficiency and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In addition, we intend to take full advantage of the unique modularity and versatility features of Pin-point platform and develop efficient gene inactivation agents for potential treatment of many devastating diseases where the leading causal contributing factors are well defined. At the top of this disease list are Alzheimers disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and familial hypercholesterinemia.

Dr. S. David Kimball, Senior Vice President for Research and Economic Development at Rutgers University, added: The gene editing technology developed by Rutgers has the potential to revolutionize how scientists think about their search for better options and outcomes in the treatment of disease. It has the potential to solve some of the most persistent global health challenges. This partnership with Horizon Discovery is paving the way to deliver biotherapies for precision medicine and diagnostics and improve human health. I am proud that Rutgers, together with Horizon, is among the frontrunners in the field of gene editing.

Want more of the latest science news straight to you inbox? Become a SelectScience member for free today>>

See more here:
Horizon to provide access to novel base editing technology - SelectScience

Posted in New Jersey Stem Cells | Comments Off on Horizon to provide access to novel base editing technology – SelectScience

Reviewing Phibro Animal Health (NASDAQ:PAHC) & AgeX Therapeutics (NASDAQ:AGE) – Riverton Roll

Posted: January 15, 2020 at 2:42 am

AgeX Therapeutics (NYSE:AGE) and Phibro Animal Health (NASDAQ:PAHC) are both small-cap medical companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, analyst recommendations, earnings, dividends, profitability, institutional ownership and valuation.

Profitability

This table compares AgeX Therapeutics and Phibro Animal Healths net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Risk & Volatility

AgeX Therapeutics has a beta of 4.42, indicating that its stock price is 342% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Phibro Animal Health has a beta of 0.83, indicating that its stock price is 17% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for AgeX Therapeutics and Phibro Animal Health, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Phibro Animal Health has a consensus price target of $26.60, indicating a potential upside of 5.18%. Given Phibro Animal Healths higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Phibro Animal Health is more favorable than AgeX Therapeutics.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

17.7% of AgeX Therapeutics shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 50.5% of Phibro Animal Health shares are owned by institutional investors. 3.1% of AgeX Therapeutics shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 50.1% of Phibro Animal Health shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares AgeX Therapeutics and Phibro Animal Healths revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Phibro Animal Health has higher revenue and earnings than AgeX Therapeutics.

Summary

Phibro Animal Health beats AgeX Therapeutics on 9 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks.

About AgeX Therapeutics

AgeX Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company, focuses on the development and commercialization of therapeutics for age-related degenerative diseases in the United Stated. The company is developing AGEX-BAT1 and AGEX-VASC1, which are cell-based approaches in the preclinical stage of development to correct metabolic imbalances in aging; and to restore vascular support in ischemic tissues. It is also involved in the development of AGEX-iTR1547, a drug-based formulation in preclinical development for restoring regenerative potential in various aged tissues afflicted with degenerative diseases. In addition, the company develops Renelon, a first-generation tissue regeneration product designed to promote scarless tissue repair. Further, it markets genomic interpretation algorithms; and Cytiva, including pluripotent stem cell derived heart muscle cells used in screening drugs for efficacy and safety. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Alameda, California. AgeX Therapeutics, Inc.(AMEX:AGE) operates independently of BioTime, Inc. as of November 28, 2018.

About Phibro Animal Health

Phibro Animal Health Corporation operates as a diversified animal health and mineral nutrition company primarily in the United States. It operates through three segments: Animal Health, Mineral Nutrition, and Performance Products. The company develops, manufactures, and markets products for a range of food animals, including poultry, swine, beef and dairy cattle, and aquaculture. Its animal health products also comprise antibacterials that are biological or chemical products used in the animal health industry to treat or to prevent diseases; anticoccidials primarily used to prevent and control the disease coccidiosis in poultry and cattle; anthelmintics to treat infestations of parasitic intestinal worms; and anti-bloat treatment products for cattle to control bloat in animals grazing on legume or wheat-pasture. In addition, the company offers nutritional specialty products, which enhance nutrition to help improve health and performance; and vaccines to prevent diseases primarily for the poultry and swine markets. Further, it manufactures and markets formulations and concentrations of trace minerals, such as zinc, manganese, copper, iron, and other compounds; and various specialty ingredients for use in the personal care, industrial chemical, and chemical catalyst industries. The company sells its animal health and mineral nutrition products through local sales offices to integrated poultry, swine, and cattle integrators, as well as through commercial animal feed manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors. It also operates in Israel, Latin America, Canada, Europe, Africa, and the Asia/Pacific. The company was formerly known as Philipp Brothers Chemicals, Inc. and changed its name to Phibro Animal Health Corporation in July 2003. The company is headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey. Phibro Animal Health Corporation is a subsidiary of BFI Co., LLC.

Receive News & Ratings for AgeX Therapeutics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AgeX Therapeutics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.

View original post here:
Reviewing Phibro Animal Health (NASDAQ:PAHC) & AgeX Therapeutics (NASDAQ:AGE) - Riverton Roll

Posted in New Jersey Stem Cells | Comments Off on Reviewing Phibro Animal Health (NASDAQ:PAHC) & AgeX Therapeutics (NASDAQ:AGE) – Riverton Roll

Stemming the Tide Confronting Anti-Semitism in the 21st Century – The Times of Israel

Posted: January 5, 2020 at 4:18 am

Im having a difficulty formulating a cohesive thought process as my thinking changes on an hourly basis. As I dont have any brilliant epiphanies, this article may offer ideas that can be deemed contradictory. Inasmuch as Im horrified by recent events targeting the Jewish community I would rather not posit morose or doomsday scenarios depicting the demise of the American Jewish community. On the contrary, and in spite of what transpired, the State of Israel and the American Jewish community has the support of the majority of American people. I cant recall a time in our collective history when Jews were as free to outwardly profess their religion as they are today. Relative to a perfect world, our situation is far from perfect. However, relative to an imperfect world, our situation is far better than our ancestors.

One one hand it seems like a redundant theme; every few months we decry another incident against Jews and the Jewish community. Of course we are all grief stricken by the murder of innocent victims and express our condolences and sympathy to their families and community. We pray for those injured in the latest attack in Monsey and beseech the Almighty to grant them a speedy recovery from their physical and emotional injuries. Furthermore, an uptick in violence against Jews in the New York and New Jersey area has brought the matter of anti-Jewish sentiment a little closer to home. Understandably, people are angry and politicians will announce new measures, but what if anything can be done to reverse the trend.

To many its uncomfortable to feel pessimistic, yet dismissing reality and living with a false sense of security is a far less attractive alternative. King Solomon wrote, There is nothing new under the sun, and indeed there are those who opine that nothing has significantly changed in the history of the Jews. This vile hatred has always existed and its only our proximity to the violence that has our communities more on edge. The goldiner medina was the way refugees who suffered from Europes blatant anti-semitism referred to the United States. It was the one country where Jews imagined they were safe and secure. It was the one country in which religious Jews werent afraid to dress in traditional garb or look and act as they did in the shtetl back home. Yet now they question if that belief was fictitious? Was it only an illusion?

For years, smatterings of anti-Jewish sentiment were quickly dismissed as irrelevant and part of the loony fringe but now they have begun to think differently. They believed the KKK was an extinct part of a shameful past and our country was now bonding together to counter extremism and protect minorities, but that too is being reevaluated. The recurring excuse for resentment against the Jew for killing Jesus was replaced with ecumenical encouragement, mutual understanding, and forgiveness. The pope himself refuted such hateful allegations and reflected on the synthesis the church should have with their Jewish brethren. Collectively they sighed a breath of relief and believed that the problems of yesteryear were behind us. But now they have begun to question if it was all a mirage and nothing at all has really changed.

What happened? How is it possible that in 2020 the Jews in America are facing the same dilemma that the Jews in Europe faced a hundred years ago? And if Bernie Sanders can be a front runner as the Democratic nominee why arent the Jews feeling as accepted and equal as they were a few years ago? Although there is a growing pronouncement that this hatred will no longer be tolerated or accepted, it still exists. Christian, Muslim and Jewish leaders stand together against hate but Jews are still being murdered. People of all ethnicities and political views express solidarity and mutual love, but why has little changed. Tomorrow or the day after another catastrophic event will engender more sympathy and ecumenical hand holding but sadly the Jew is still scapegoated. It is as if were on a holding pattern with fuel running dangerously low and depending on fumes to land safely.

I offer no apologies for those who express these views because in one chamber of my heart I believe they are correct. Yet, I also can imagine a scenario where optimism reigns and a solution can be found. Instead of focusing on four millennium of religious intolerance I would study a country that faces this type of hostility on a daily basis. Israelis understand that anti-Israel sentiment was a foundation of their existence. Its an existential threat that weighs heavily on every prime minister and Israeli politician. They know better than anyone else, that the greatest of allies can turn into the greatest of foes and lifelong friends can become the evil nemesis of tomorrow. Today the United States is their greatest supporter but who knows what tomorrow might bring. The reverberations of political upheavals are an ever constant fear among those who have to protect the existence of the State of Israel and the security and safety of its citizens.

However, Israelis realized long ago what the Jews in America are unwilling to accept. They understood that every day requires innovative thinking to ensure that they survive today. There is never a guarantee of what tomorrow may bring but there is an acknowledgment that tomorrows existence is totally dependent on existing today. Every day is a new battle and every fight has the chance of being the last. Failure is not an option. Therefore, the Israelis are never complacent and never let down their guard. They are always prepared for the next inevitable eventuality. Yet, they also embrace a philosophy of outreach to their enemies. It is an outreach that is not dependent on sympathy or compassion but is reliant on proving that its more beneficial to be friends than enemies. They may be unsuccessful on university campuses but they are making tremendous strides in the international arena. Israel has decided to confront reality instead of hiding from it. Their solicitation to the Arab world is directed against the Arab worlds fear of the Iranian regime and economic benefits that will benefit both sides. Their solicitation to the African continent is directed against famine and protection against insurgents and terrorist organizations. And their solicitation to the western world is directed towards a goal of eradicating terror cells and Israels knowledge of cyber security. And its leadership in areas of biotech, medicinal breakthroughs and development of the high tech industry has further allowed Israel to help stem its pariah status. Israel is changing the rules of the game. It is empowered by a newly conceived victor mentality and has ceased relying on playing the victim. What will happen tomorrow is anyones guess. But it wont be from an apathy and a lack of trying.

Perhaps the Jew in America can confront Anti-Semitism by using an approach similar to Israel. For thousands of years diaspora Jews were victims of oppression and denigration by hostile regimes. We survived but never thrived. The great sage Hillel wrote two thousand years ago, If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, who am I? What he expresses to the 21st century Jew is an understanding that success and failure is dependent on us. I must be my strongest advocate; I must decide once and for all, that I am no longer a victim. My strength or weakness is not determined by others, it is I who has control of my destiny. That being said, Hillel continues if we are only for ourselves, who are we?

In reality, Im more optimistic today despite the tragedies that occurred over Chanukah. Although we have not yet succeeded in eradicating anti Jewish sentiment, positive inroads have been made. Jews no longer cower in fear worrying about anti Jewish legislation and negative propaganda. On the contrary, may of enemies are coming to our defense. They are finally realizing they have more to lose than we do. Even Al Sharpton has had an about face and recently met with Rabbi Marc Schneier to apologize on behalf of the African American community. Is there more thats needed, absolutely. There is never a justification for any hatred or animus based solely on race or religion. But small significant steps are far better than no steps at all.

Who knows if Hillels dictum can offer a meaningful way to hasten the forward trajectory? As few solutions have been effective over the past four millennium, its worth to begin thinking outside of the box. Hillel concludes his premise with the realization that human beings are reticent to change and frightened of the ramifications. So he added an addendum And if not now, when?

Shabbat Shalom,Rabbi Jack Engel

Rabbi Jack and his wife, Miriam have reinvigorated Anshei Emuna, a Modern Orthodox Synagogue located in Delray Beach, Florida, in the ten plus years they have been at the Shul, through their experiences gleaned from serving in pulpits in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. They are advocates of a modern Orthodoxy, being open minded, yet adhering to the integrity of halacha. They believe that being an ohr lagoyim refers first and foremost to the entirety of our collective Jewish family.

Continue reading here:
Stemming the Tide Confronting Anti-Semitism in the 21st Century - The Times of Israel

Posted in New Jersey Stem Cells | Comments Off on Stemming the Tide Confronting Anti-Semitism in the 21st Century – The Times of Israel

Page 6«..5678..»