A recent study has shown that autologous cord blood infusions are a safe and effective treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder. The study was a single-center phase 1 open-label trial. What is autism spectrum disorder?
Human embryonic stem cells have the ability to differentiate into any type of cell found in the human body. The scientific community believes that stem cells hold the key to the prevention and treatment of diseases. Now researchers are discovering that haploid stem cells could change the face of medicine.
Developmental biologists of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden have joined only a handful of others in a quest to genetically edit human embryos using CRISPR/Cas-9 technology. The controversial endeavor has underlined ethics talks on modification of human embryonic DNA, also known as ‘germline modification’. The Swedish group has pushed the boundaries by using viable [Read More]
One of the biggest scientific debates of the current century has been whether it is ethical to use embryonic stem cells to treat human disease. It has even played a role in presidential politics, right up there with terrorism, immigration, and abortion. Humans, like all multicellular organisms, have certain cells in their bodies called stem [Read More]
The innovative yet controversial procedure that is used to create three-parent babies has hit a roadblock. A risk has been identified in which the defective mitochondria, which are replaced with healthy mitochondria from the “third” parent, may stage a comeback. Mitochondria are the organelles in the cell that generate energy. When the DNA of mitochondria [Read More]
Preliminary results have recently been presented on a early-phase clinical trial that aims to treat paralysis as a result of spinal cord injury. Embryonic stem cells differentiated into early nerve cells are used to repair injury to nerves in the spinal cord. The researchers hope to restore muscle function in these recently paralyzed patients. Other [Read More]
One of the leading causes of miscarriage is a problematic placenta, a temporary organ that develops in a woman’s uterus for the duration of her pregnancy to provide nutrition to the developing baby. The placenta is a critical link between the mother and her baby. In addition to providing nourishment and immunity to the fetus, [Read More]
