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The European Science Foundation publishes policy briefing for human stem cell research
June 25, 2001The policy paper recommends the permission of studies of stem cells from embryos and adults, reproductive cloning should not be permitted, but therapeutic cloning should be allowed.
There are many chronic, serious and disabling human diseases such as, Parkinson's Disease, Cystic Fibrosis and Huntington's Chorea, for which there are no current therapies. The scientific study of stem cells has raised new hopes for the treatment by a number of applications. Animal work has already demonstrated what might be achieved, with the result that a number of scientists are already investigating the properties of human stem cells. This work is in an early stage, but it is creating unease because of ethical and moral issues involved.
ESF recognises the major ethical concerns that surround this area of research. It recommends that all work on human stem cells should be regulated. In this context the scientific community is engaged in a proactive approach to the ethical questions in many of the European countries.
As shown in the tables of the ESF position paper, there are major differences in the legislative framework between countries concerning human stem cell research. The ESF urges all European countries to introduce legislation and regulation to oversee and control the laboratories concerned, the scientists involved and the experiments that can be performed. Scientific advance is so rapid in this area, that regulation will need to be kept under continual review. ESF recognises that the position differs between countries, and there will be a continual debate on this sensitive issue.
The full version of the ESF paper on Stem cell research can be found on the Internet at: http://www.esf.org/ftp/pdf/2001/Espb/ESPB14.pdf
European Science Foundation (ESF)
As shown in the tables of the ESF position paper, there are major differences in the legislative framework between countries concerning human stem cell research. The ESF urges all European countries to introduce legislation and regulation to oversee and control the laboratories concerned, the scientists involved and the experiments that can be performed. Scientific advance is so rapid in this area, that regulation will need to be kept under continual review. ESF recognises that the position differs between countries, and there will be a continual debate on this sensitive issue.
The full version of the ESF paper on Stem cell research can be found on the Internet at: http://www.esf.org/ftp/pdf/2001/Espb/ESPB14.pdf
European Science Foundation (ESF)
Stem Cells Current Events and Stem Cells News RSSFirst reconstitution of an epidermis from human embryonic stem cells
Stem cell research is making great strides. This is yet again illustrated by a study carried out by the I-STEM* Institute (I-STEM/ Inserm UEVE U861/AFM), published in the Lancet on 21 November 2009. The I-STEM team, directed by Marc Peschanski has just succeeded in recreating a whole epidermis from human embryonic stem cells.
Bone Implant Offers Hope for Skull Deformities
A synthetic bone matrix offers hope for babies born with craniosynostosis, a condition that causes the plates in the skull to fuse too soon.
Your Own Stem Cells Can Treat Heart Disease
The largest national stem cell study for heart disease showed the first evidence that transplanting a potent form of adult stem cells into the heart muscle of subjects with severe angina results in less pain and an improved ability to walk. The transplant subjects also experienced fewer deaths than those who didn't receive stem cells.
Is hepatic differentiation of embryonic stem cells induced by valproic acid and cytokines?
Embryonic stem (ES) cells, known for their capacity to proliferate indefinitely and differentiate into almost all types of cells including hepatocytes, have raised the hope of cellular replacement therapy for liver failure.
Paradoxical protein might prevent cancer
One difficulty with fighting cancer cells is that they are similar in many respects to the body's stem cells. By focusing on the differences, researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found a new way of tackling colon cancer. The study is presented in the prestigious journal Cell.
U of M researchers find 2 units of umbilical cord blood reduce risk of leukemia recurrence
A new study from the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota shows that patients who have acute leukemia and are transplanted with two units of umbilical cord blood (UCB) have significantly reduced risk of the disease returning.
The use of stem cells in regenerative medicine may also be detrimental for health
The use of stem cells in regenerative medicine is not always beneficial for human health, it may even be harmful according to a work done by the University of Granada and University of León. Scientists have demonstrated that transplantation of human mononuclear cells isolated from umbilical cord blood exerted a deleterious effect in rats with liver cirrhosis.
Penn Study Provides First Clear Idea of How Rare Bone Disease Progresses
An international team of scientists, led by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, is taking the first step in developing a treatment for a rare genetic disorder called fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), in which the body's skeletal muscles and soft connective tissue turns to bone, immobilizing patients over a lifetime with a second skeleton.
Iowa State University researcher discovers key to vital DNA, protein interaction
A researcher at Iowa State University has discovered how a group of proteins from plant pathogenic bacteria interact with DNA in the plant cell, opening up the possibility for what the scientist calls a "cascade of advances."
Scientists successfully reprogram blood cells
Researchers have transplanted genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells into mice so that their developing red blood cells produce a critical lysosomal enzyme -preventing or reducing organ and central nervous system damage from the often-fatal genetic disorder Hurler's syndrome.
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