Wednesday, October 3, 2007

...At The Stem Cell Summit

I will put up detailed information soon. For now, here are some Brief Highlights:

  • Governor Deval Patrick appeared at the conference today to speak in support of stem cell research. He thinks Massachusetts should be able to attract top-notch scientists and researchers in this field
  • Over 35 countries participated in the summit, through poster sessions, speakers, vendors, consumers and researchers
  • Doctors are aiming for a "pragmatic cure" for SCI - meaning that basic motor function could be achieved by reconnecting as little as 20% of damaged CNS nerves
  • Blood diseases, such as diabetes and leukemia, may present a simpler treatment than SCI for stem cells because they involve replacing only 1 type of cell vs. the entire CNS
  • Stem cells have not been used in any practical application as of yet
  • There are 3 types of stem cells: embryonic, umbilical, and adult


    more soon...