ScienceDaily (June 11, 2012) When most groups of mammalian cells are faced with a shortage of nutrients or oxygen, the phrase "every man for himself" is more apt than "all for one, one for all." Unlike colonies of bacteria, which often cooperate to thrive as a group, mammalian cells have never been observed to help one another out. But a new study led by a researcher at the Stanford University School of Medicine has shown that certain human embryonic stem cells, in times of stress, produce molecules that not only benefit themselves, but also help nearby cells survive. "Altruism has been reported among bacterial populations and among humans and other animals, like monkeys and elephants," said Stanford postdoctoral scholar Bikul Das, MBBS, PhD. "But in mammalian cells -- at the cellular level -- the idea of altruism has never been described before." Das is the lead author of a paper, published online June 11 in Stem Cells, documenting altruistic behavior by human embryonic stem cells, or hESCs. While altruism is generally thought of as a virtue, it can have a downside for hESCs: The altruistic cells appear to be more prone to accumulating mutations, a sign that they could lead … Continue reading →

BONITA SPRINGS - An attorney for the Bonita Springs doctor accused of performing controversial stem cell treatment on a patient who then died expects depositions to be taken this week that he says will help clear his client's name. Dr. Zannos Grekos had his medical license suspended back in March after a patient, 77-year-old Richard Poling, died following an injection of his own stem cells. Documents posted on the Department of Health's website show that Poling paid $8,000 by wire transfer to have his own stem cells removed from his body and sent by courier to a lab in Boynton Beach. The cells were to be processed and returned the same day. According to the documents, Poling had stomach pains before his cells were returned. Doctors discovered the man had a hematoma, and made him comfortable while he waited for his tissue to be returned for re-injection. The Department of Health found the laboratory used to process the cells "turned out to be a small office in a strip mall" and "the person that allegedly operated the machine that performed the ultrasonic cavitation on the sample of R.P.'s tissue was unsupervised and was not licensed either by the Florida Board … Continue reading →

In Early Study, Procedure Helps Teens Halt Insulin Injections June 11, 2012 (Philadelphia) -- In an early study, an experimental stem cell procedure helped 15 teens with type 1 diabetes stay off of insulin injections for about 1.5 years, on average. The study was very small, and the procedure is not ready for widespread use. "We now have a unique approach with some positive findings, but it's still early. We need to better understand the biology behind the treatment and follow patients for long-term side effects," Robert E. Ratner, MD, chief scientific and medical officer of the American Diabetes Association, tells WebMD. This is the latest of several stem cell studies to show promising results for the treatment of type 1 diabetes, Ratner notes. In the new study, 15 of 28 teens with type 1 diabetes who got an experimental treatment using their own stem cells went into remission and did not need insulin injections for an average of about 1.5 years. The "cocktail treatment" combines stem cell therapy with drugs that suppress the body's immune system. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The experimental treatment is called autologous nonmyeloablative hematopoietic … Continue reading →

SLOUGH, England, June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks the launch of the 2012 Excellence in Epilepsy Journalism Award that aims to raise awareness about epilepsy across the globe. The award is a joint initiative of the International Bureau for Epilepsy and biopharmaceutical company UCB and recognises journalists who have excelled in reporting on this often-misunderstood condition. Epilepsy is the most common, serious neurological condition, affecting nearly 50 million people worldwide.[1] Now in its fourth year, the annual Excellence in Epilepsy Journalism Award recognises original and informative reporting on epilepsy, attracting a growing number of high-quality entries from around the world, with 49 entries from 24 countries received last year. "Despite advances in the understanding and treatment of epilepsy, many people living with epilepsy continue to face prejudice and ignorance. By recognising remarkable, thought-provoking and most importantly accurate journalism, we can help to increase understanding of the condition and continue the IBE's mission to improve the quality of life of all people with epilepsy and their families," commented Mike Glynn, award judge and President of IBE. "At UCB we have a passion for enabling people with epilepsy to enjoy normal everyday lives. We are committed to improving the lives of … Continue reading →