AUSTRALIAN STEM CELL TRIAL CURES HEARTS
A world-first clinical trial with adult stem cells has helped six patients with severe heart disease, Australian scientists claim. Doctors at a hospital in Newcastle, north of Sydney injected a rare type of adult stem cell, mesenchymal precursor cells, taken from the patients’ own bone marrow, into damaged heart tissue. Afterwards they reported having fewer angina attacks, taking less medication, and having improved heart function.
The next phase of the research will involve donor tissue, as bone marrow in older patients with heart disease is "not the best", said cardiologist Suku Thambar.
Embryonic stem cells are also in the news this week for curing heart disease — but in rats. In an article in Nature Biotechnology, scientists from the University of Washington and from the private biotechnology company Geron claim that the rats developed new heart muscle and were protected against the progression of heart failure. The study did not disclose what happened to the rats in the long term. This is a serious concern, because embryonic stem cells often form tumours with time.
- How long can you put off seeing the doctor because of lockdowns? - December 3, 2021
- House of Lords debates assisted suicide—again - October 28, 2021
- Spanish government tries to restrict conscientious objection - October 28, 2021
More Stories
After 49 years, SCOTUS strikes down Roe v Wade, abolishing a constitutional right to abortion
The US Supreme Court has struck down two of the most famous decisions in American history, Roe v. Wade and...
Fallen stem cell hero convicted in Swedish court
Once hailed as a stem cell technology pioneer, Italian surgeon Paolo Macchiarini has been convicted of causing bodily harm and...
Hollywood actress explains why she chose surrogacy: ‘I was terrified’
Hollywood starlet Jamie Chung, 39, surprised her fans last year when she and her husband announced the birth of twins....
First legal assisted suicide in Italy
Italy’s parliament is still debating the details of legal assisted suicide. However, last Thursday the first Italian to take advantage...
Re-examining autonomy
The buzzword cutting through the noisy controversy over the US Supreme Court’s repeal of Roe v. Wade is “reproductive autonomy”....
World swimming authority takes conservative stand on gender inclusion
Swimming's world governing body, FINA, has backed a new policy on gender inclusion which will stop most trans women swimmers...