“The Healing Cell” touts enormous success using adult stem cells – National Right to Life News
By Dr. Matthew Watson
 National Right to Life News | “The Healing Cell” touts enormous success using adult stem cells National Right to Life News Dr. David Prentice, Adjunct Professor of Molecular Genetics and an international expert on the stem cell topic, recently testified several times to Kansas lawmakers on this developing field. Prentice quoted recent science and medical journals ... |
Uncategorized
Comments Off on “The Healing Cell” touts enormous success using adult stem cells – National Right to Life News |
March 10th, 2013
Public Banned from ‘Best Stem Cell Meeting in the World’
By Dr. Matthew Watson
“The best stem cell meeting in the
world” is underway today in San Francisco – conducted at taxpayer
expense – but the public is barred from attending.
More than 500 persons are at the meeting at an undisclosed location, including some
representatives of biotech firms. And the meeting is even being
written about on the internet by a blogger. But the $3 billion
California stem cell agency says the public is not allowed in because
some of the information is “proprietary.”
representatives of biotech firms. And the meeting is even being
written about on the internet by a blogger. But the $3 billion
California stem cell agency says the public is not allowed in because
some of the information is “proprietary.”
CIRM President Alan Trounson addressed
the meeting earlier this week and declared it was “the best stem
cell meeting in the world,” according to UC Davis researcher Paul
Knoepfler, who is reporting from the session on his blog.
the meeting earlier this week and declared it was “the best stem
cell meeting in the world,” according to UC Davis researcher Paul
Knoepfler, who is reporting from the session on his blog.
The attendees consist almost entirely
of the recipients of taxpayer-funded grants given by the stem cell agency although a number of
businesses have been brought in.. CIRM, which is paying for the gathering, says of the annual sessions,
of the recipients of taxpayer-funded grants given by the stem cell agency although a number of
businesses have been brought in.. CIRM, which is paying for the gathering, says of the annual sessions,
“The purpose of meeting is to bring together investigators funded
by CIRM, to highlight their research, and encourage scientific
exchange and collaboration.”
Kevin McCormack, spokesman for the
agency, today said the public was barred from the meeting, which ends tomorrow, because “so
many presentations/talks (are) using proprietary information.”
agency, today said the public was barred from the meeting, which ends tomorrow, because “so
many presentations/talks (are) using proprietary information.”
That rationale is nothing new in the
world of science. But there is no chance of maintaining secrecy about anything that is
truly proprietary when hundreds of people have access to it in
this sort of forum. No penalties exist for disclosure, plus the whole
point of the session is to share information.
world of science. But there is no chance of maintaining secrecy about anything that is
truly proprietary when hundreds of people have access to it in
this sort of forum. No penalties exist for disclosure, plus the whole
point of the session is to share information.
Yesterday we wrote briefly about the importance of transparency and openness in government, and make no mistake about
it, the stem cell agency is a government operation. We doubt that
anything egregious is underway at the session, but closing it to the
public is a reminder about where the agency's priorities lie.
it, the stem cell agency is a government operation. We doubt that
anything egregious is underway at the session, but closing it to the
public is a reminder about where the agency's priorities lie.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/uqpFc/~3/uiwodYaNIP8/public-banned-from-best-stem-cell.html
Stem Cell Therapy
Comments Off on Public Banned from ‘Best Stem Cell Meeting in the World’ |
March 10th, 2013
Good News, Bad News and the California Stem Cell Agency
By Dr. Matthew Watson
A few weeks ago an anonymous reader
admonished the California Stem Cell Report to be more positive about
the $3 billion agency and its efforts to develop the cures that its
backers promised California voters more than eight years ago.
The comment was thoughtful and pointed
out that “almost all the time” the agency “has done the right
thing.” The reader made the remarks in the context of continuing
coverage of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report that found there
were major flaws in CIRM's operations. (The reader's comment can be found here at the end of the post.)
out that “almost all the time” the agency “has done the right
thing.” The reader made the remarks in the context of continuing
coverage of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report that found there
were major flaws in CIRM's operations. (The reader's comment can be found here at the end of the post.)
Given the reader's remarks, it seems a
good time to review the operating principles and biases of the
California Stem Cell Report.
good time to review the operating principles and biases of the
California Stem Cell Report.
Bias No. 1: Openness and transparency
come first in any government operation. They are
fundamental to the integrity of all government enterprises. Bias No.
2: The California stem cell agency is generally doing a good job at
funding stem cell research. We generally favor all manner of stem cell research.
come first in any government operation. They are
fundamental to the integrity of all government enterprises. Bias No.
2: The California stem cell agency is generally doing a good job at
funding stem cell research. We generally favor all manner of stem cell research.
Regarding our operating principles, the
goal is report news and information about the agency along with
analysis and explanation. One key to understanding what this blog
does is to understand what news is. News by definition is almost
always “bad” as opposed to “good.” News deals with the
exceptional. It is not news that millions of drivers commute to work
safely each day on California freeways. It is news when one is killed
in a traffic accident.
goal is report news and information about the agency along with
analysis and explanation. One key to understanding what this blog
does is to understand what news is. News by definition is almost
always “bad” as opposed to “good.” News deals with the
exceptional. It is not news that millions of drivers commute to work
safely each day on California freeways. It is news when one is killed
in a traffic accident.
The California Stem Cell Report also
tries to fill information voids. We understand that the stem cell
agency believes certain information is not in their best interests to
disclose. Such is always the case with both private and public
organizations. However, it is generally in the public interest to see
more information rather less, particularly information that an
organization would rather not see become public.
tries to fill information voids. We understand that the stem cell
agency believes certain information is not in their best interests to
disclose. Such is always the case with both private and public
organizations. However, it is generally in the public interest to see
more information rather less, particularly information that an
organization would rather not see become public.
Analysis and explanation of what the stem cell agency does is rare in the California media and even less seen
nationally or internationally. This blog focuses primarily on the
public policy aspects of the agency – not the science. The agency
is an unprecedented experiment that brings together big science, big
government, big academia, big business, religion, morality, ethics,
life and death in single enterprise – one that operates outside the
normal constraints of state agencies. No governor can cut CIRM's
budget. Nor can the legislature. Even tiny changes in Proposition 71,
which created CIRM, require either another vote of the people or the
super, super-majority vote of both houses of the legislature and the signature of the governor. All of
this is the result of the initiative process – a well-intended tool
that has been abused and that has also created enormous problems for the
state of California that go well beyond the stem cell agency.
nationally or internationally. This blog focuses primarily on the
public policy aspects of the agency – not the science. The agency
is an unprecedented experiment that brings together big science, big
government, big academia, big business, religion, morality, ethics,
life and death in single enterprise – one that operates outside the
normal constraints of state agencies. No governor can cut CIRM's
budget. Nor can the legislature. Even tiny changes in Proposition 71,
which created CIRM, require either another vote of the people or the
super, super-majority vote of both houses of the legislature and the signature of the governor. All of
this is the result of the initiative process – a well-intended tool
that has been abused and that has also created enormous problems for the
state of California that go well beyond the stem cell agency.
Then there is the funding of the
agency, which basically lives off the state's credit card. All the
money that goes for grants is borrowed and roughly doubles the actual
expense to taxpayers.
agency, which basically lives off the state's credit card. All the
money that goes for grants is borrowed and roughly doubles the actual
expense to taxpayers.
Since January 2005, we have posted
3,452 items on the stem cell agency because we believe the California
Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is an important enterprise
– one that deserves more attention that it receives in the
mainstream media. Our readership includes persons at the NIH, the
National Academy of Sciences, most of the major stem cell research
centers in California, academic institutions in the Great Britain,
Canada, Norway, Germany, Russia, China, Australia, Singapore and
Korea – not to mention the agency itself and scientific journals.
3,452 items on the stem cell agency because we believe the California
Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is an important enterprise
– one that deserves more attention that it receives in the
mainstream media. Our readership includes persons at the NIH, the
National Academy of Sciences, most of the major stem cell research
centers in California, academic institutions in the Great Britain,
Canada, Norway, Germany, Russia, China, Australia, Singapore and
Korea – not to mention the agency itself and scientific journals.
We do not attempt to replicate what the
California stem cell agency itself does, which is to post online a
prodigious amount of positive stories and good news about the agency.
To do so would serve no useful public purpose and would simply be
repetitive. That said, there is room to acknowledge the work that the
agency does, particularly the staff, but also the board. We try to
point that out from time to time.
California stem cell agency itself does, which is to post online a
prodigious amount of positive stories and good news about the agency.
To do so would serve no useful public purpose and would simply be
repetitive. That said, there is room to acknowledge the work that the
agency does, particularly the staff, but also the board. We try to
point that out from time to time.
The California Stem Cell Report also
welcomes and encourages comments, anonymous and otherwise. Directors
and executives of the agency have a standing invitation to comment at
length and have their remarks published verbatim, something almost
never seen in the mainstream media.
welcomes and encourages comments, anonymous and otherwise. Directors
and executives of the agency have a standing invitation to comment at
length and have their remarks published verbatim, something almost
never seen in the mainstream media.
Finally, given the questions raised by
the Institute of Medicine about disclosure of potential conflicts of
interests, the author of this blog and his immediate family have no
financial interests in any biotech or stem cell companies, other than
those that may be held by large mutual funds. We have no relatives
working in the field. We do have the potential personal conflicts,
cited generally by the IOM in connection with some CIRM board
members, involving relatives who have afflictions that could be
possibly be treated with stem cell therapies in the distant future.
the Institute of Medicine about disclosure of potential conflicts of
interests, the author of this blog and his immediate family have no
financial interests in any biotech or stem cell companies, other than
those that may be held by large mutual funds. We have no relatives
working in the field. We do have the potential personal conflicts,
cited generally by the IOM in connection with some CIRM board
members, involving relatives who have afflictions that could be
possibly be treated with stem cell therapies in the distant future.
Source:Stem Cell Therapy
Comments Off on Good News, Bad News and the California Stem Cell Agency |
March 10th, 2013
BBSRC attends UK Biotechnology showcase – Labmate Online
By Dr. Matthew Watson
BBSRC attends UK Biotechnology showcase Labmate Online At a recent showcase about the success and future of Industrial Biotechnology (IB) in the UK, David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, announced £35M of BBSRC funding to boost research in IB and Bioenergy. The funding will create networks ... |
Uncategorized
Comments Off on BBSRC attends UK Biotechnology showcase – Labmate Online |
March 10th, 2013
East Bay Conversations: The Promises and Perils of Biotechnology – Berkeleyside
By Dr. Matthew Watson
East Bay Conversations: The Promises and Perils of Biotechnology Berkeleyside This event series features an impressive line-up of national and international speakers in conversation with local hosts and audience members on the regional an global implications of biotechnological development. The series launch on March 21st ... |
Uncategorized
Comments Off on East Bay Conversations: The Promises and Perils of Biotechnology – Berkeleyside |
March 9th, 2013
Genetic engineering ‘monster’ exists only in our minds – TheNewsTribune.com
By Dr. Matthew Watson
 TheNewsTribune.com | Genetic engineering 'monster' exists only in our minds TheNewsTribune.com Genetic engineering 'monster' exists only in our minds. Mark Lynas is a British environmentalist and journalist, with impeccable crusader credentials. In the 1990s he took a leading role in the worldwide campaign against genetically modified foods, and ... |
Uncategorized
Comments Off on Genetic engineering ‘monster’ exists only in our minds – TheNewsTribune.com |
March 3rd, 2013
Genetic Engineering Labeling Bill Introduced in U.S. Congress – eNews Park Forest
By Dr. Matthew Watson
WNAX | Genetic Engineering Labeling Bill Introduced in U.S. Congress eNews Park Forest Washington, DC--(ENEWSPF)--February 28, 2013. Representative Jared Polis (D-CO) announced last Wednesday that he intends to co-sponsor a bill in Congress along with Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR) to mandate the labeling of food containing ... Controversial GMO bill to be scrutinized by ag committee this summerConcord Monitor Bills would require labels on genetically engineered foodMinneapolis Star Tribune |
Uncategorized
Comments Off on Genetic Engineering Labeling Bill Introduced in U.S. Congress – eNews Park Forest |
March 3rd, 2013
What Natural Genetic Engineering Does and Does Not Mean – Huffington Post
By Dr. Matthew Watson
What Natural Genetic Engineering Does and Does Not Mean Huffington Post In correspondence and comments on some of my blogs, there have been confusions or questions as to what I mean by "natural genetic engineering" (NGE). I will use this blog to spell out what my understanding of NGE is. Then I will discuss some ... |
Uncategorized
Comments Off on What Natural Genetic Engineering Does and Does Not Mean – Huffington Post |
March 3rd, 2013
Imprimis welcomes government’s move to set up Institute of Agricultural Bio … – India PRwire (press release)
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Imprimis welcomes government's move to set up Institute of Agricultural Bio ... India PRwire (press release) Imprimis, a leader in the life sciences communications space, has welcomed the announcement in the latest budget about establishing the Indian Institute of Agricultural Bio-technology at Ranchi, Jharkhand. The Institute will serve as a centre of ... Union Budget 2013: Booster dose for agri biotechTimes of India |
Uncategorized
Comments Off on Imprimis welcomes government’s move to set up Institute of Agricultural Bio … – India PRwire (press release) |
March 3rd, 2013
Ideas for Biotechnology Development Center Sought – HSToday
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Ideas for Biotechnology Development Center Sought HSToday As the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) begins to build its new National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kan., it is asking for industry feedback on a planned part of the lab that would transfer technology to companies producing ... |
Uncategorized
Comments Off on Ideas for Biotechnology Development Center Sought – HSToday |
March 3rd, 2013
Top 10 ways biotechnology could improve our everyday life – EurekAlert (press release)
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Top 10 ways biotechnology could improve our everyday life EurekAlert (press release) Daejeon, Republic of Korea, February 25, 2013—The Global Agenda Council on Biotechnology, one of the global networks under the World Economic Forum (WEF), which is composed of the world's leading experts in the field of biotechnology, announced ... |
Uncategorized
Comments Off on Top 10 ways biotechnology could improve our everyday life – EurekAlert (press release) |
March 3rd, 2013
Mylan to Buy Strides Injectables Unit for $1.6 Billion – Bloomberg
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Mylan to Buy Strides Injectables Unit for $1.6 Billion Bloomberg Mylan Inc.'s $1.6 billion agreement to buy Strides Arcolab Ltd. (STR)'s injectable-medicine unit will help the U.S. company's push into copies of expensive biotechnology drugs, Chief Executive Officer Heather Bresch said. “Injectables have been high on ... |
Uncategorized
Comments Off on Mylan to Buy Strides Injectables Unit for $1.6 Billion – Bloomberg |
March 3rd, 2013
Biotechnology doesn’t intimidate Bob Jones HOSA members in Montgomery – Madison Record
By Dr. Matthew Watson
 Madison Record | Biotechnology doesn't intimidate Bob Jones HOSA members in Montgomery Madison Record MADISON – Biotechnology, extemporaneous writing and even pathophysiology were among the topics that led to competition honors for Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) members from Bob Jones High School. Sponsor Melinda Lawson and ... |
Uncategorized
Comments Off on Biotechnology doesn’t intimidate Bob Jones HOSA members in Montgomery – Madison Record |
March 3rd, 2013
Screening for DNA-repair gene could predict rate of progress of Huntington’s … – HealthCanal.com
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Screening for DNA-repair gene could predict rate of progress of Huntington's ... HealthCanal.com It worsens mutations like the one that causes Huntington's disease or myotonic dystrophy,” Dr. Pearson explains. He is Senior Scientist in Genetics & Genome Biology at SickKids and is Associate Professor of Molecular Genetics at University of Toronto. |
Uncategorized
Comments Off on Screening for DNA-repair gene could predict rate of progress of Huntington’s … – HealthCanal.com |
March 3rd, 2013
Scientists Discover How Deadly Bacteria Trick the Immune System – Infection Control Today
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Scientists Discover How Deadly Bacteria Trick the Immune System Infection Control Today ... to better, more targeted treatments," says senior author Dr. Robert L. Modlin, chief of dermatology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and a professor of microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics in the UCLA Division of Life Sciences. |
Uncategorized
Comments Off on Scientists Discover How Deadly Bacteria Trick the Immune System – Infection Control Today |
March 3rd, 2013
New cancer ‘vaccine’ shows future promise in treating and preventing … – EurekAlert (press release)
By Dr. Matthew Watson
New cancer 'vaccine' shows future promise in treating and preventing ... EurekAlert (press release) "Successfully promoting antitumor immunity will help eradicate tumor cells, control cancer progression and help prevent tumor relapse," says Wang, Harrison Scholar, member of the Cancer Molecular Genetics research program at VCU Massey Cancer ... |
Uncategorized
Comments Off on New cancer ‘vaccine’ shows future promise in treating and preventing … – EurekAlert (press release) |
March 3rd, 2013
3 Solid, Low Beta Biotechnology Stocks To Buy On Dip – Seeking Alpha
By Dr. Matthew Watson
3 Solid, Low Beta Biotechnology Stocks To Buy On Dip Seeking Alpha In this articles, three solid, large-cap biotechnology stocks with strong fundamentals are presented, including Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD), Amgen Inc. (AMGN), and Celgene Corporation (CELG). All three stocks have a strong ROE and a low beta and are ... |
Uncategorized
Comments Off on 3 Solid, Low Beta Biotechnology Stocks To Buy On Dip – Seeking Alpha |
March 3rd, 2013
UNESCO urges popularisation of biotechnology in Africa – BusinessDay
By Dr. Matthew Watson
UNESCO urges popularisation of biotechnology in Africa BusinessDay Maciej J. Nalecz, a professor, and the global organisation's director of basic sciences, stated in a key note address that biotechnology is most suited to enable Africa tackle its challenges. Nalecz stated, “Biotechnology is an obvious choice for ... |
Uncategorized
Comments Off on UNESCO urges popularisation of biotechnology in Africa – BusinessDay |
March 3rd, 2013
Farmer’s Diary: Biotechnology and the future of farming – Daily Monitor
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Farmer's Diary: Biotechnology and the future of farming Daily Monitor As we could all have read in the Seeds of Gold last week, the Bill on biotechnology and biosafety is now before Parliament. For years we have been waiting for a law governing the use of biotechnology products, which are bound to become common as our ... |
Uncategorized
Comments Off on Farmer’s Diary: Biotechnology and the future of farming – Daily Monitor |
March 3rd, 2013
3 Surprising Ways to Fight a Cold – Men’s Health News
By Dr. Matthew Watson
 Men's Health News | 3 Surprising Ways to Fight a Cold Men's Health News “Your lifestyle is absolutely critical in telomere length—it plays a huge role,” says David Gilley, Ph.D., a professor of medical and molecular genetics at Indiana University School of Medicine. Read on to discover how you can revitalize your ... |
Uncategorized
Comments Off on 3 Surprising Ways to Fight a Cold – Men’s Health News |
March 3rd, 2013