HOUSTON - It's a debate that puts many people's religious beliefs at odds with science. Medical breakthroughs have allowed doctors to use human stem cells to treat chronic diseases with incredible results. But even patients who benefit have reservations about how stem cells are harvested. Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating, progressive disease that typically only gets worse once a patient is diagnosed. But much to the surprise of many doctors, patient Debbie Bertrand's symptoms have improved instead of regressing. "The last time I walked into this building, I had to use the wheelchair," Bertrand said. "I couldn't even walk, so this is a big day for me." Bertrand uses a walker to visit Celltex -- a Houston company that has been preserving her stem cells since 2011. She was one of the first patients to receive breakthrough treatments using stem cells taken from fat cells, which are then reinjected into her body. "I had pretty high expectations, but I think they've exceeded anything I could've ever hoped for," Bertrand said. "My doctors are still blown away because you're never supposed to get better when you have MS. But my quality of life is just so much better." Bertrand's experience is … Continue reading →

The impact of investing in stem cell research will be the topic at thenext Lincoln Science Caf at 7 p.m. on April 13. C. Randal Mills, Ph.D., president and CEO of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, will speak at Vega, 350 Canopy St. Prior to joiningthe institutein 2014, Mills was president and CEO of Osiris Therapeutics Inc., a biotechnology company specializing in stem cell science. Under his leadership, Osiris developed the worlds first approved stem cell drug, remestemcel-L, to treat graft versus host disease in children, a devastating complication of bone marrow transplantation that can be fatal. Science Cafsare face-to-face conversations with a scientist on a current topic. They are open to people21 and older, and take place in casual settings like pubs and coffeehouses. A scientist gives a brief presentation followed by a question-and-answer period. For more information about Science Cafes, go to unmc.edu/sciencecafe. Podcasts of previous Science Cafes also are available on the website or available for download on iTunes. See original here: Stem cell research is focus of April 13 Lincoln Science Caf … Continue reading →