StemCell Therapy

Michael Joyce is a multimedia producer at HealthNewsReview.org and tweets as @mlmjoyce

Ten years ago this probably wouldnt even have been a topic of conversation.

If it had, it likely would have been about medical tourism. There wouldve been outrage directed at third world countries who allow unregulated and unproven stem cell therapies to be offered to desperate patients.

Well, that concern is now closer to home.

There are now hundreds of such clinics across the U.S. The number of clinics is growing, more people are being hurt, state and federal oversight is shockingly inadequate, and the question has become urgent: What can we do about it?

Thats precisely why we produced a recent podcast and sought out the perspectives of these people:

Its also why were hosting a Tweet chat about stem cells that will bring together journalists, stem cell researchers, ethicists, and hopefully many patients and family members.

The chat will be held on Wednesday, August 9 from 2 to 3 p.m. EDT under the hashtag #stemcellhype.

Questions well be discussing during the chat include:

Stem cell therapies when properly researched and applied hold great promise. That makes it all the more critical to openly discuss stem cell interventions that are not evidence-based, not regulated, promoted in misleading ways, and have the potential to cause harm.

Please join the conversation!

Only 7 percent of orthopedic surgeons in the United States are women. Dr. Julie Switzer

Paul Knoepfler PhD is "disturbed and concerned." Here's why. Knoepfler is a stem cell researcher

Stem cell clinics are booming. And hurting people. How can patients protect themselves in a

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Stem cell hype: Join the conversation - HealthNewsReview.org

Adam Putnam was the youngest member of Congress when he went to Capitol Hill in 2001 six months shy of his 26th birthday.

Success came quickly to the newcomer from Bartow, whose grasp of policy and skill at messaging made him a protg of House Speaker Dennis Hastert and No. 3 in the House Republican hierarchy.

Along the way, Putnam racked up a record of votes, some of which haunt him as he seeks the Republican nomination for governor next year in a field that is yet to take shape.

Putnam voted for a new Medicare prescription drug benefit; $700 billion for the so-called Wall Street bailout; $187 billion to rescue mortgage lenders Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae; and $2 billion for a Cash for Clunkers car trade-in program.

Lets go back and look at what the world was like, Putnam said in a Herald/Times interview at a Masonic lodge in rural Wausau, recalling the Great Recessions misery in 2008 and 2009 with its double-digit unemployment. Every decision I made then was hard but had working men and women and families in mind.

But for Putnam, who has long dreamed of life in the Governors Mansion, one issue in Congress still stalks him like no other.

On immigration, many conservatives see any attempt to chart a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants as amnesty, a vague but toxic term in a race for governor in which Putnam is sure to face serious challenges from the right.

Amnesty is an elastic word. The dictionary says its the act of an authority [such as a government] by which pardon is granted to a large group of individuals. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., has called it an unconditional pardon.

Putnam, whose familys citrus and cattle business employs immigrants who are legally eligible to work in Florida, twice pushed for legislation in Congress that would have helped undocumented workers. Both proposals had conditions that had to be met, such as specific work hours and a clean criminal record.

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam speaks with Bob Swindell, with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and Jose Basulto, with Memorial Hospital System, at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance Luncheon on May 15, 2017.

Emily Michot emichot@miamiherald.com

Eight years ago, he was a co-sponsor of H.R. 2414, a bill known as the Agricultural Jobs, Opportunity, Benefits and Security Act, or the Ag Jobs Act of 2009.

A bipartisan effort in President Barack Obamas first term to repair the nations broken immigration system, it had a guest worker program and was supported by some of the most liberal members of Congress such as Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California.

That state, like Florida, has an agricultural economy that needs immigrant labor, both legal and illegal.

The bill had a pilot program of earned status for immigrants, who after working a specific number of hours in the fields, would get work visas known as blue cards. Then, after three years of lawful labor, they could apply for citizenship an idea labeled amnesty by a prominent conservative group

This would provide amnesty and a direct path to citizenship, the Heritage Foundation said at the time. Reject amnesty.

It died without a vote. Then as now, Putnam rejects the notion that he favors amnesty for immigrants.

Ive never supported amnesty, he said. I worked to find a way to fix a broken immigration system.

After a White House meeting on immigration with President Obama and congressional leaders in 2009, Putnam said: Immigration is a complex issue, so there are any number of reforms possible. But granting amnesty to people who are here illegally must not be one of them.

Six years earlier, in 2003, Putnam was one of a dozen House Republicans who co-sponsored a bill, H.R. 2899, with a guest worker program for undocumented immigrants in all job sectors, patterned after a proposal by Arizona Sen. John McCain. It failed to pass.

Former U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler, D-Boca Raton, who served in Congress from 1996 to 2010, praised Putnams approach to immigration.

He often was about solving problems, Wexler said. He was part of the responsible wing of the Republican Party.

But asked if Putnam still supports those ideas, his campaign said it was unrealistic to take stands on bills that are dead.

Adam Putnam felt then and does now that our national immigration system is broken and Washington needs to fix it, spokeswoman Amanda Bevis said.

Jack Oliver of North Palm Beach, legislative director of an anti-immigration group, Floridians for Immigration Enforcement, said hes disillusioned with Putnams overall record on immigration, including his lack of support for a federal law known as E-Verify to check the legal status of immigrant workers.

Oliver recalled that Putnam, in his first year on Floridas Cabinet in 2011, worked with then-Republican Sen. JD Alexander of Lake Wales to narrow the scope of an E-Verify bill (SB 2040) in the Florida Senate.

Adam Putnam campaigns at the 48th annual Possum Festival in Wausau, Fla., on Saturday, Aug. 5.

Paul Goulding Real Florida Media

Alexander noted that his family citrus businesses in Polk County employed immigrants, and the E-Verify proposal drew flak from contractors and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, which questioned its reliability and accuracy.

The amended bill limited E-Verify to one-stop career centers and state agencies and exempted private employers.

Its the same old thing, Oliver said of Putnam. When they run, they say theyre for something. Then when push comes to shove, they dont follow through. Were just kind of leery. Hes been a disappointment in the past.

Putnams campaign said that he opposes a patchwork of state laws and that immigration is a federal responsibility.

Throughout Putnams decade on Capitol Hill, he compiled a voting record that The Almanac of American Politics called reliably conservative.

Putnam consistently got A-plus grades from the NRA, and his ratings from the American Conservative Union ranged between 92 and 100. Congressional Quarterly said Putnam voted with President George W. Bush about 98 percent of the time.

Numbers USA, an advocacy group that supports lower immigration levels, was not so generous. Putnams record with the group was a 65 a C.

That reflected both his support for guest worker bills and his opposition to other proposals, such as giving legal status to Dreamers, children who came to the U.S. illegally, and a requirement that federal contractors use E-Verify.

On other key issues, Putnam voted for Bushs tax cuts, oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and allowing the parents of Terri Schiavo to intervene in the Pinellas County womans right-to-die case.

He opposed stem cell research, raising the minimum wage and ending a ban on same sex marriages.

Putnam, 43, is a rarity: a candidate for Florida governor with a long voting record in Congress. Democrat Lawton Chiles, also a Polk County native, walked away from a safe U.S. Senate seat and ran for governor in 1990. Jim Davis had served as a Democratic Tampa U.S. representative for 10 years when he ran for governor in 2006. His opponent, Charlie Crist, ran a series of TV ads that lampooned his tenure in Congress.

Putnams track record on Capitol Hill has not yet emerged as an issue because he didnt have announced opponents until Friday.

Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, joined the race Friday, filing papers to make his campaign official. He could seek a moderate path to the Republican nomination in a four- or five-person race.

Adam Putnam campaigns at the 48th annual Possum Festival in Wausau, Fla., on Saturday, Aug. 5.

Steve Bousquet Tampa Bay Times

U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Ponte Vedra Beach, and House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land OLakes, are both poised to run as conservatives, with Corcoran hiring a pollster and political advisers who shaped President Donald J. Trumps message and TV ads in 2016.

Corcoran pollster Tony Fabrizio was among the first to directly attack Putnam over immigration.

Fabrizio posted a tweet July 7 on Putnams lengthy pro-illegal immigration record. On Aug. 1, Fabrizio again tweeted: Adam Putnam is for amnesty for illegals.

PolitiFact rated Fabrizios claims half-true because of Putnams frequent votes to stop illegal immigration, such as a 2010 vote to oppose amnesty for so-called Dreamers.

Putnam won two statewide elections, but they were for the most obscure Cabinet post.

In whats sure to be a brutal primary, Putnams rivals will try to define him before he can do it himself, using those votes in Congress.

His opponents are thinking, We will define who Adam used to be before he has the opportunity to, said a veteran Florida political strategist, J.M. (Mac) Stipanovich, a harsh critic of Trump who says Putnam is pandering to supporters of the president.

Every election cycle is different, but they are clearly fighting the last war 2016. Its dispiriting, Stipanovich said.

Putnam has led a charmed life in Florida politics.

His closest race was his first run for Congress, in 2000, when he got 57 percent of the vote. He has never been seriously tested in a Republican primary.

Anticipating the attacks, Putnam said: Im a consistent conservative. Im a long, strong conservative. Ive been attacked by the media from time to time for being too much of a conservative.

Tampa Bay Times researcher Caryn Baird contributed to this report.

As a member of Congress from 2001-10, Adam Putnam cast hundreds of votes and rose to No. 3 in the House GOP hierarchy, which required him to support his partys agenda. Some Putnam votes will be controversial with Republican primary voters if, as expected, he is challenged from the right.

Year

Issue

Position

2003

Create new visa program for undocumented immigrants

Yes*

2003

Add a new prescription drug benefit under Medicare

Yes

2005

Raise members of Congress salaries by $3,100, to $165,200 a year

Yes

2008

Increase the federal debt ceiling

Yes

2008

Override Pres. Bushs veto of farm programs, crop subsidies, food stamps

Yes

2008

Approve $700 billion Wall Street bailout for banks to buy distressed homes

Yes

2009

Grant U.S. citizenship to farm workers who work a certain number of years

Yes*

2009

Approve $187 billion bailout for mortgage lenders Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac

Yes

2009

Spend $2 billion for Cash for Clunkers vehicle trade-in program

Yes

* Neither bill passed, but Putnam was a co-sponsor of both.

Sources: Almanac of American Politics; CQs Politics in America; Congressional Record; votesmart.org; Congress.gov; legistorm.com

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Congressional voting record may make or break Putnam's run for governor - Miami Herald

MIAMI (AP) Ryan Tannehill has decided surgery can no longer be avoided.

The Miami Dolphins quarterback will undergo an operation to repair the torn ACL in his left knee and will miss the entire season, a person familiar with the decision said Friday.

The person confirmed the decision to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Dolphins hadnt disclosed it publicly. Tannehill will be placed on injured reserve, the person said.

Tannehill, who missed the final four games of last season with two sprained ligaments in his knee, reinjured it a week into training camp on Aug. 3. The Dolphins consulted with specialists before the team and Tannehill decided surgery was the best option.

Tannehill opted not to have surgery after last seasons injury, and instead rehabilitated the partially torn ligaments and underwent stem cell treatments.

Jay Cutler, who parted with the Chicago Bears after eight seasons, agreed to delay his fledgling network TV career and signed a $10 million, one-year contract Monday to replace Tannehill. Cutler, 34, might make his Dolphins debut in their second exhibition game next Thursday.

Tannehill won the No. 1 job for Miamis opener in his rookie season of 2012 and made 77 consecutive starts before his injury last season. Hes expected to be ready for the start of training camp next season.

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Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill will reportedly have surgery, miss entire season - FOXSports.com

The list of medical or scientific endeavours mired in controversy is fairly short, but stem cell research and related therapy are some of the most contentious issues in modern science. Simply, stem cell therapy involves the use of stem cells to treat or prevent a disease or condition, a form of this type of treatment involves bone marrow transplant which is a relatively common operation. Whilst this may not strike you as something worthy of debate, it is because it is the further research in stem cell therapy that has become a battleground of ideology and discussion.

There is research and case studies showing that stem cell therapy involving cells from the umbilical cord blood of infants as well embryonic stem cells from human embryos. Although the former is fairly innocuous, is the latter, which requires a human embryo that has caused controversy, as to harvest them, you must destroy the embryo.

Understandably, there is a lot of opposition to the use of human embryonic stem cells in research, often times based on a range of philosophical, moral, or religious objections, with most protesters worried of cloning embryos just to harvest these cells. Theology, philosophy and morality aside, the medical possibilities of embryonic stem cells are almost limitless.

Doctors have explained that due to the nature of these cells, they are more flexible and can be put to a far greater range of uses than other more conventional stem cells. They pertain that these cells could help treat an incredibly high amount of diseases and illnesses including but not limited to neurodegenerative diseases and conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Of course, this only adds to the mounting debate surrounding the use of these cells, further driving questions from a moral and philosophical viewpoint as to whether or not it is ethical to be using embryonic stem cells, despite the purported benefits. Although research continues into the use of these specific cells, and governments grapple with potential legal and medical ramifications, it is important to realize that there are several other stem cell opportunities that do not require the same controversial source.

Although there has been blowback on other forms of research in the sector namely the use of umbilical blood the use of bone marrow transplants and other such alternative continue to save lives daily. However, until society catches up with science and medicine, there will be a continued debate as to the ethics and morality of this type of research, its applications, and what it could open the door for.

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Stem cell research: the debate continues to rage - CosmicNovo.com (Science and Technology)

August 7 2017, 12:01am,The Times

Matt Ridley

We can uphold our bold but sensitive approach to regulation while seizing opportunities in agriculture and medicine

Britain has an opportunity to seize on the latest breakthroughs in gene editing and pioneer new approaches in agriculture, research and medicine. We are well placed to be bold but responsible gene editors. Bolder than continental countries, looking over their shoulder to the disapproving Roman Catholic church; more responsible than China, where decisions on such matters are taken by officials with little consultation with the public; and without the culture battles over moral and legal issues that so often divide the United States on matters of biology.

This is partly a matter of good regulation. Britains pioneering debate in the 1980s on how to regulate embryo research, allowing such work up to 14 days, drew the sting from subsequent arguments about cloning, stem cells and

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Britain can lead the world in gene editing - The Times

While there is a lot of excitement surrounding the total solar eclipse that will cross into North Georgia on Aug. 21, many have expressed concerns about eye safety when looking directly at the sun during this once-in-a-generation event.

So is it really dangerous to look directly at an eclipse? Can it cause blindness? Actually, yes.

Its not going to make the vision go completely black as in black blindness, but it makes it to where it is a severe vision loss permanently, said Dr. Elizabeth Ellison, an optometrist with Gainesville Eye Associates. Blind is vision of 20-200 or worse for the state of Georgia for driving and such. ... Theyll just be able to see light.

Ellison and her husband, Dr. Stephen Ellison, also an optometrist at Gainesville Eye Associates, shared information and tips for those interested in watching the eclipse. The eye condition most associated with people who suffer damage from watching an eclipse is solar retinopathy.

Thats when a high amount of sunlight or UV can damage the retina, Stephen Ellison said. You can get that anytime just looking at the sun, but we see a spike in it around eclipses because everyones looking at the sun. Even just a few seconds can cause permanent damage.

The center part of our retina is called the macula and that is responsible for reading and seeing peoples faces and having 20-20 vision, Elizabeth Ellison said. Thats the part that gets affected in solar retinopathy. When you first look directly at the sun, what happens is it damages the center part. Its permanent. Theres no way we can treat it.

Stephen Ellison added the condition affects the central spot in your vision and can also change your color vision overall.

If thats damaged, your color vision is going to be off, he said. It will definitely alter your color vision.

While Ellisons havent seen cases of solar retinopathy as a result of looking directly in the sun, they said some of their fellow eye doctors have. They have seen cases where welders suffered eye injuries that cause similar effects.

If they arent using their proper eye protection or shield and theyre trying to weld just closing their eyes or using their sunglasses, its the same effect, Stephen Ellison said. They have all that light coming in that can damage the retina.

With solar retinopathy, the effects come 12 to 24 hours after the event. The welders, when they have their eyes injured, its not right after theyre doing the welding; its that night or the next day that they notice it. You dont really know how much damage is being done at that moment, so thats why you have to be very careful.

While he said the safest option is not to look at the sun during an eclipse, Stephen Ellison said using approved eclipse glasses is a way to look at the sun during the event without damaging eyes. He said the glasses should meet the requirements for the ISO 12312-2 safety standard, which is approved by NASA. He said the glasses are darker than sunglasses and provide the needed eye protection.

The approved glasses are being sold both online and in stores, although several local stores said this week they were out of the glasses but may be getting more before Aug. 21. A public event about the eclipse is scheduled for Aug. 20 from 1-4 p.m. at the planetarium at the University of North Georgias Dahlonega campus where approved glasses will be given away until all are gone. In addition, the UNG Gainesville campus and Lanier Technical College will be giving away glasses to students Aug. 21 just before the eclipse starts.

Stephen Ellison said another way to watch is through a pinhole projector made from a two pieces of paper or stiff white cardboard. After cutting a pinhole in the paper or cardboard, he said a person can hold it toward the sun and it projects an image down on the ground. So, you can see the eclipse without actually looking at it, he said.

Both recommended against using a camera or binoculars to photograph or look at the sun during an eclipse.

The rest is here:
Don't eclipse your eyesight; take precautions to view celestial event - Gainesville Times

by: Casey McNerthneyUpdated: Aug 11, 2017 - 9:47 AM

A 59-year-old man is one of two people able to see again thanks to cornea donations from a man who died last month on Mount Rainier.

Michael Naiman was 42 when he died July 16, shortly after summiting Mount Rainier for a second time. Rangers descended approximately 150 feet to retrieve his body, but he died from the fall into a crevasse on the Emmons Glacier.

Naiman was taken to the Pierce County Medical Examiners office, where staff started the organ donation process.

It was comforting, relative Josh Trujillo said of receiving the notification letter Monday from SightLife, a global health organization. We knew that the donation was happening, but we didnt know wed be reached out to.

Naiman, family said, would be so proud to know his final gift was helping others.

The cornea is the clear part of the eye over the iris and pupil, and last year there were more than 82,000 cornea transplants, according to a government site about organ donation.

Corneas can be damaged by eye disease, injury or birth defects. Blood types with donors and recipients dont have to match, and age, eyesight, and eye color also arent factors, according to the site. The white part of the eye, called the sclera, also can be donated for operations to rebuild an eye.

Mike always put himself in places where he was seeing extraordinary things, Trujillo said. Whether he was diving with whales or climbing tall mountains or spending time with his family and friends. Whoever was gifted sight by Mikes donation should know that those eyes have seen many amazing things.

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Naiman grew up with his father in the mountains of northern New Mexico, often in a teepee or their sheltered truck. He was a woodsman from an early age, and Naimans father taught him how to fish and find sticks for their wood stove.

He graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1994 and after moving to Seattle lived on a 38-foot wooden yacht on Lake Union.

Naiman graduated from Seattle University in 2012 and worked as a diagnostic sonographer at Northwest Hospital. He also spent years as a professional photographer.

He was happy with little, he was happy with more, friend Michael Dietrich wrote on Facebook shortly after Naimans death. Natural confidence grants you that ability to enjoy life as is. And if you have that you will always shine, as Michael did more abundantly than most anybody I ever knew.

Naiman summited Mount Baker and Mount Adams and went to the crater of Mt. St. Helens. But the climb he loved more than all the others was Mount Rainier a place his parents also loved.

Naiman is survived by a large family including his parents, Mark Naiman and Sheila Bjeletich, and brothers Aryn and Dan Daly. Aryn Daly is planning a trip to summit Mount Rainier next year.

Family asked that in lieu of flowers, friends donate to Mount Rainier search and rescue operations. To sign up as an organ donor in any state, follow this link.

Naiman, family said, would love to see others have that same smile he had on the summit.

Finally realizing the longtime goal of climbing the tallest volcano in the contiguous U.S. was made even sweeter by sharing it with two great friends, Naiman wrote to his climbing partners after their first summit.

Thank you both for helping me realize a major dream.

2017 Cox Media Group.

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Eye donations from man who died on Mount Rainier restores vision for 2 people - KIRO Seattle

by: Wendy CoronaUpdated: Aug 10, 2017 - 6:39 PM

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. - Community members in Cherokee County are coming together to help a girl who is losing her eyesight.

Earlier this year, doctors diagnosed 10-year-old Lucie Ray with Stargardtsdisease.

That was pretty crushing, said Lucies father, Beau Ray.

The condition damages the retina and leads to the deterioration of central vision.

Lucie Ray is a sixth-grader at ET Booth Middle School in Woodstock.

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Shes an avid softball player and a member of the Georgia Trouble traveling team.

At softball, the ball would just not be there, it would just be blacked out to me, said Lucie Ray.

Members of Lucies softball team, Cherokee County businesses and other members of the community now are raising money for a special, high-tech pair of glasses from the company E-Sight.

They can actually move the screens inside the visor so that it projects the image into the peripheral vision around the blind spots, Beau Ray said.

The father of one of Lucies classmates is organizing a fundraiser Thursday evening at Reformation Brewery in Woodstock from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

If you would like to donate to Lucies fund, click here.

2017 Cox Media Group.

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Community raises money for special glasses for girl losing eyesight - WSB Atlanta

Opening our eyes each morning and seeing the shapes and colours around us is something we often take for granted. We neglect to appreciate good eyesight until those shapes and colours start to get blurry. Even then we tend to ignore the signs which can lead to much bigger problems, especially if were behind the wheel.

In fact, studies show that up to one in five middle-aged drivers are taking to the road knowing their eyesight is not as good as it should be.So, how do you know if youre one of them?

According to British law, you must be able to read the new-style number plate on a car from a distance of 20 metres. This can be done with glasses or contact lenses youre prescribed.

If you cant, youre not only endangering your own life and the lives of others on the road, youre also breaking the law. Driving with untreated vision is an offence and can cost you a fine of up to 1,000, plus penalty points and possible disqualification.

Even if you do pass the number plate test, loss of vision in one eye, loss of peripheral vision and double vision can severely affect your ability to drive. They can cause difficulty in reading road signs, maintaining lane position and driving at night.

To minimise dangers, the Royal National Institute of Blind People and Specsavers suggest everyone should have an eye examination at least once every two years.

As some eye disorders dont show symptoms in the early stages, initial diagnosis is the key to good eye health.

And thats not only to keep you safe on the roads, but also to detect any underlying eye condition such as cataracts or glaucoma.

Glaucoma is currently the leading cause of irreversible blindness across the world. But its more easily managed the earlier it is detected.

In addition, eye tests can also pick up on more serious medical problems including diabetes and high blood pressure, which with early diagnosis can be treated.

Developing an eye condition can occur at any age. However, some groups of people may be at a higher risk, depending on age (those over 60) or family history.

If you notice any changes in your eyesight, dont ignore the signs and have it checked out by an optician. Visit specsavers.co.uk/eye-health to book an appointment today

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Keep your eyes on the road and your sight in check - Evening Standard

Shutterstock/meyerandmeyerYoure typing at your desk like any normal work day, and you happen to glance away from the screen. As you do, a cluster of grey-ish dots appears out of nowhere, drifting along wherever you turn your gaze. You clean off your glasses and check for eye boogers, but that doesnt help. Its like the dots are somehow stuck on your eye.

Thats because they are. Those annoying shapes are called eye floaters, and they can look like black or grey spots, squiggles, or cobweb-like strings. They drift around your field of vision and dart away when you try to look at them directly, eventually settling the bottom of your eye and out of your sightline. Floaters appear when the vitreous, the gel-like substance that gives your eye its round shape, shrinks and forms clumps or strands. So what youre seeing is actually the shadow of those clumps on your retina.

Almost everyone experiences eye floaters over their lifetimes, and theyre more annoying than anything. The people most at risk are those who are diabetic, have had cataract surgery, are very nearsighted, or are over 50. (Visiting your eye doctor is only one important health tweak you need to make when you turn 50.) In rare cases, floaters can also be a sign of retinal tear or retinal detachment, which could cause you to lose your eyesight permanently. If you see a lot of new floaters, flashes, or a shadow in your peripheral vision, contact your doctor immediately.

However, a new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology shows that YAG lasers (the same lasers used for cataract surgeries) may be a viable solution for these floating annoyances that dont pose major health risks. In a randomized clinical trial, 52 patients either received the laser treatment or a sham one. Of those who received the real treatment, 54 percent saw their floaters decrease over the next six months.

Researchers say more studies will need to be done before this option becomes available to the public. For now, most people learn to ignore them. These tips can help you be temporarily rid of those nuisances:

Surprised that eye floaters could be such a huge warning sign? We were,too. Check out more serious health problems that cant wait and read up on their subtle symptoms.

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Those Random Spots in Your Vision Are Eye FloatersHere's What to Do About Them - Reader's Digest

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif., Aug. 8, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --As much as 80 percent of learning a child does is visual, with children spending most of the school day reading, looking at a blackboard, and using laptops and tablets. However, come back-to-school season, parents overlook one of the most critical learning tools their child's eyes. Half (50.1 percent) of US parents do not bring their school-age children for a back-to-school eye exam, according to a VSP Vision Care and YouGov survey, "How Parents 'See' Eye Health."

Although three in four respondents (76 percent) said sight is the most important sense, findings from the survey of 1,000 US parents revealed their attitudes don't match their actions for themselves and their kids. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), kids should have a first comprehensivevision assessment at six months to ensure the eyes are working together and to detect any vision problems early; followed by a comprehensive eye exam at three years old, five years old, and annually throughout the school years. However, one in five parents (21 percent) did not take their kids to the eye doctor for the first time until they were school age (at least five years old). Additionally, one in 10 (13 percent) has never taken their child(ren) to the eye doctor.

"It may seem surprising, but kids who can't read or even speak yet can still have a comprehensive eye exam. The connection between eyes and the brain starts early. As an optometrist and a mom of school age children myself, I encourage parents to prioritize back-to-school eye exams, the same way you wouldn't miss a dentist or pediatrician visit," said Dr. Mary Anne Murphy, OD, owner and practitioner of Front Range Eye Associates in Denver and Board member at VSP Global. "Kids don't know what's normal and what's not when it comes to eye health. When vision problems aren't identified early, kids will be at a disadvantage before they even start kindergarten."

The survey uncovered other key barriers that prevent parents from getting an annual eye exam for their children.

Parents incorrectly assume school or pediatric vision screenings are the same as a comprehensive eye exam. More than one-third (37 percent) of moms said they skipped eye exams because their kids already have their eyes checked in school. Vision screenings only test for distance vision and visual sharpness, and can miss up to 80 percent of vision problems, including serious conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), which can lead to vision loss if not treated. A child can easily pass a vision screening, but not be able to see well enough to read a book. During a comprehensive eye exam, optometrists look at things a school vision screening will not, such as family medical history, the overall health of the eyes, how the eyes work together, and their ability to focus. Additionally, an annual eye exam can improve more than just eyesight. Optometrists can detect other health problems including diabetes and hypertension.

Parents are delaying eye exams and vision insurance until kids start school.One in four parents surveyed didn't take their children to the eye doctor until they were at least five years old, and vision insurance may have something to do with it. For 23 percent of moms surveyed, obtaining visioninsurance is the biggest barrier to taking their kids for an eye exam. However, 30 percent said having vision insurance would motivate them to change that. Only 11 percent of kids join the family's vision insurance plan at birth according to VSP claims data. Even though many common vision problems are detectable from infancy, most parents start using their vision benefits for their kids when they reach school age. VSP findings show 45 percent of kids have had an eye exam above the age of six, compared to 10 percent for those between ages zero and five. This is a missed opportunity given that 90 percent of brain development occurs between birth and five years old. Long before most kids step foot into a classroom, the foundation is being laid for a lifetime of learning, and without proper vision, that foundation is weaker than it should be.

They're more apt to take kids to the eye doctor when something is wrong, instead of going proactively. Among parents who do not bring their children to the eye doctor annually, 72 percent of moms and 48 percent of dads said they would be motivated to do so if their child complains of discomfort or changes in vision. Just like the rest of the body, a child's eyesight can change in just a year in some cases it can mean the difference between needing glasses or not. Yearly eye exams can help parents and their children stay on top of vision and prescription changes.

"You don't have to wait for back-to-school season to get your child an eye exam. But if your kids haven't had their annual eye exam this year, or at all, now is a great time to do so," said Dr. Murphy. "Kids use their vision throughout the school day, while doing homework and during sports and games. Optometrists are here to partner with parents, teachers and school nurses to stay on top of vision changes and make sure kids have the resources they need to do their best in school."

How Parents 'See' Eye Health, by the Numbers

About VSP GlobalAs a doctor-governed company, VSP Global exists to create value for members and opportunities for VSP network doctors. VSP Global's complementary businesses include VSP Vision Care, the only national not-for-profit vision benefits company, which provides access to eye care for its 84 million members around the world through a network of 40,000 eye doctors; Marchon Eyewear, Inc., one of the world's largest designers, manufacturers and distributors of high quality eyewear and sunwear; VSP Optics Group, industry leaders in ophthalmic technology and lab services, providing custom lens solutions for the vision and lifestyle needs of patients; Eyefinity, the eye care industry's largest electronic health records and practice management software company, and VSP Omni-Channel Solutions, which creates connected consumer experiences designed to strengthen the relationship between VSP members and their eye doctors. To date, VSP network doctors have provided eye exams and eyewear at no-cost to over a million people in need through a partnership with VSP Global's Eyes of Hope.

About YouGovYouGov is a leading international full-service research and consulting company and a pioneer in the use of technology to collect higher-quality, in-depth data for the world's leading businesses and institutions so that they can better serve the people that sustain them. With offices throughout the US, UK, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, YouGov leverages its online sampling, research expertise and consulting experience to provide clients with sophisticated market strategy, market analytics, and survey and forecasting services.

Survey Methodology All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov. Total sample size was 1011 adults. The sample was split into three groups, with one being 256 women age 30-55, with children under 18, household income between $50,000 and $150,000, and with at least some college education; the second being men with the same qualifications; and the third being parents who did not fit into those categories. Fieldwork was conducted between June 16-23, 2017. The survey was carried out online.

Maryam Brownrel="nofollow">Maryam.Brown@vsp.com C: 949.230.8735

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/half-of-us-parents-skip-back-to-school-eye-exams-for-their-children-survey-says-300501365.html

SOURCE VSP Vision Care

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Half of US Parents Skip Back-to-School Eye Exams for Their Children, Survey Says - Markets Insider

Although three in four respondents (76 percent) said sight is the most important sense, findings from the survey of 1,000 US parents revealed their attitudes don't match their actions for themselves and their kids. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), kids should have a first comprehensivevision assessment at six months to ensure the eyes are working together and to detect any vision problems early; followed by a comprehensive eye exam at three years old, five years old, and annually throughout the school years. However, one in five parents (21 percent) did not take their kids to the eye doctor for the first time until they were school age (at least five years old). Additionally, one in 10 (13 percent) has never taken their child(ren) to the eye doctor.

"It may seem surprising, but kids who can't read or even speak yet can still have a comprehensive eye exam. The connection between eyes and the brain starts early. As an optometrist and a mom of school age children myself, I encourage parents to prioritize back-to-school eye exams, the same way you wouldn't miss a dentist or pediatrician visit," said Dr. Mary Anne Murphy, OD, owner and practitioner of Front Range Eye Associates in Denver and Board member at VSP Global. "Kids don't know what's normal and what's not when it comes to eye health. When vision problems aren't identified early, kids will be at a disadvantage before they even start kindergarten."

The survey uncovered other key barriers that prevent parents from getting an annual eye exam for their children.

Parents incorrectly assume school or pediatric vision screenings are the same as a comprehensive eye exam. More than one-third (37 percent) of moms said they skipped eye exams because their kids already have their eyes checked in school. Vision screenings only test for distance vision and visual sharpness, and can miss up to 80 percent of vision problems, including serious conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), which can lead to vision loss if not treated. A child can easily pass a vision screening, but not be able to see well enough to read a book. During a comprehensive eye exam, optometrists look at things a school vision screening will not, such as family medical history, the overall health of the eyes, how the eyes work together, and their ability to focus. Additionally, an annual eye exam can improve more than just eyesight. Optometrists can detect other health problems including diabetes and hypertension.

Parents are delaying eye exams and vision insurance until kids start school.One in four parents surveyed didn't take their children to the eye doctor until they were at least five years old, and vision insurance may have something to do with it. For 23 percent of moms surveyed, obtaining visioninsurance is the biggest barrier to taking their kids for an eye exam. However, 30 percent said having vision insurance would motivate them to change that. Only 11 percent of kids join the family's vision insurance plan at birth according to VSP claims data. Even though many common vision problems are detectable from infancy, most parents start using their vision benefits for their kids when they reach school age. VSP findings show 45 percent of kids have had an eye exam above the age of six, compared to 10 percent for those between ages zero and five. This is a missed opportunity given that 90 percent of brain development occurs between birth and five years old. Long before most kids step foot into a classroom, the foundation is being laid for a lifetime of learning, and without proper vision, that foundation is weaker than it should be.

They're more apt to take kids to the eye doctor when something is wrong, instead of going proactively. Among parents who do not bring their children to the eye doctor annually, 72 percent of moms and 48 percent of dads said they would be motivated to do so if their child complains of discomfort or changes in vision. Just like the rest of the body, a child's eyesight can change in just a year in some cases it can mean the difference between needing glasses or not. Yearly eye exams can help parents and their children stay on top of vision and prescription changes.

"You don't have to wait for back-to-school season to get your child an eye exam. But if your kids haven't had their annual eye exam this year, or at all, now is a great time to do so," said Dr. Murphy. "Kids use their vision throughout the school day, while doing homework and during sports and games. Optometrists are here to partner with parents, teachers and school nurses to stay on top of vision changes and make sure kids have the resources they need to do their best in school."

How Parents 'See' Eye Health, by the Numbers

About VSP GlobalAs a doctor-governed company, VSP Global exists to create value for members and opportunities for VSP network doctors. VSP Global's complementary businesses include VSP Vision Care, the only national not-for-profit vision benefits company, which provides access to eye care for its 84 million members around the world through a network of 40,000 eye doctors; Marchon Eyewear, Inc., one of the world's largest designers, manufacturers and distributors of high quality eyewear and sunwear; VSP Optics Group, industry leaders in ophthalmic technology and lab services, providing custom lens solutions for the vision and lifestyle needs of patients; Eyefinity, the eye care industry's largest electronic health records and practice management software company, and VSP Omni-Channel Solutions, which creates connected consumer experiences designed to strengthen the relationship between VSP members and their eye doctors. To date, VSP network doctors have provided eye exams and eyewear at no-cost to over a million people in need through a partnership with VSP Global's Eyes of Hope.

About YouGovYouGov is a leading international full-service research and consulting company and a pioneer in the use of technology to collect higher-quality, in-depth data for the world's leading businesses and institutions so that they can better serve the people that sustain them. With offices throughout the US, UK, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, YouGov leverages its online sampling, research expertise and consulting experience to provide clients with sophisticated market strategy, market analytics, and survey and forecasting services.

Survey Methodology All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov. Total sample size was 1011 adults. The sample was split into three groups, with one being 256 women age 30-55, with children under 18, household income between $50,000 and $150,000, and with at least some college education; the second being men with the same qualifications; and the third being parents who did not fit into those categories. Fieldwork was conducted between June 16-23, 2017. The survey was carried out online.

Maryam Brown Maryam.Brown@vsp.com C: 949.230.8735

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/half-of-us-parents-skip-back-to-school-eye-exams-for-their-children-survey-says-300501365.html

SOURCE VSP Vision Care

http://www.vspglobal.com

Continued here:
Half of US Parents Skip Back-to-School Eye Exams for Their ... - PR Newswire (press release)

NEED STEM CELL INFO RELEVANT TO YOU?Go to the MEDICAL CONDITION column to the left to search our extensive database of stem cell treatment articles.

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ASCTCs most advanced product is an assay that can detect, very early in the drug development pipeline, drug candidates that will ultimately fail because of their toxicity to tissue stem cells.The companys patent portfolio contains biotechnologies that solve the two main technical problems production and quantification.In addition, the portfolio includes novel technologies for isolating cancer stem cells and producing iPSCs.

Boston, MA (PRWEB) August 29, 2014

A major challenge before new biotechnology start-up companies, especially ones in the biotech start-up dense realm of Boston-Cambridge, is gaining visibility that can lead to important strategic alliances and able investors. James Sherley, the Director of Bostons Adult Stem Cell Technology Center, LLC (ASCTC), has made increasing the local and national visibility of his company an important priority since he started the company in September 2013.

In addition to a social media marketingcampaignlaunched earlier in July of this year, Director Sherley has targeted research and development conferences both nationally andinternationallyto increase industry awareness of ASCTCs unique portfolio of intellectual property available for licensing and its current commercial development targets. The company is focused on producing two products to address two important needs in drug development and regenerative medicine, respectively, that it is uniquely positioned to address.

ASCTCs most advanced product is an assay that can detect, very early in the drug development pipeline, drug candidates that will ultimately fail because of their toxicity to tissue stem cells. ASCTC developed the new technology in partnership withAlphaSTAR, Corporation, located in Long Beach, California. Currently, such lurking drugs are not detected until after expensive animal testing, more expensive clinical trials, or worse, after marketing. Director Sherley refers to the second product as, A future of pounds and pounds of normal adult tissue stem cells. The company holds a patented technology for mass production of human tissue stem cells. The initial production target is human liver stem cells that can be used to make mature human liver cells for use in drug development and to support liver transplant patients. The company also holdspatentsfor production of pancreatic stem cells and hair follicle stem cells.

The sponsor the 2014 Stem Cells & Regenerative MedicineConference, in Boston, September 15-16, Terrapinn, Inc., invited ASCTC to attend as a VIP guest. Although ASCTC will not make a formal presentation at this conference, Director Sherley will participate in a roundtable discussion on the topic, Articulating value for up-and-coming regenerative medicine, stem cell and cell-based therapies.

Later in September (22-24), Director Sherley will present one of the selected Next Generation Presentations for new companies atBioPharm America 2014, also taking place in Boston. In addition to the public presentation, ASCTC will also participate in confidential partnering meetings with potential investors and strategic alliance partners arranged by conference organizers.

In October, Director Sherley will present to a primarily academic research audience a more detailed accounting of ASCTCs computer simulation technology for quantifying tissue stem cells in culture. This technology is the basis for the companys new assay for tissue stem cell toxicity. Director Sherley is particularly interested in the response from several experts in tissue stem cell growth dynamics who are invited speakers. The symposium, which will take place at Rhode Island Hospital, a medical affiliate of Brown University in Providence, has the goal of presenting emerging disruptive research in the area of Novel Stem Cells and Vesicles. Director Sherley is a member of the symposium organizing committee.*****************************************************************************************The Adult Stem Cell Technology Center, LLC(ASCTC) is a Massachusetts life sciences company established in September 2013. ASCTC Director and founder, James L. Sherley, M.D., Ph.D. is the foremost authority on the unique properties of adult stem cells. The companys patent portfolio contains biotechnologies that solve the two main technical problems production and quantification that have stood in the way of successful commercialization of human adult tissue stem cells for regenerative medicine and drug development. In addition, the portfolio includes novel technologies for isolating cancer stem cells and producing iPSCs. Currently, ASCTC is employing its technological advantages to pursue commercialization of mass-produced therapeutic human liver cells and facile assays that are early warning systems for drug candidates with catastrophic toxicity due to adverse effects against adult tissue stem cells.via

During the Second International Adult Stem Cell conference at the Vatican, a boy who had his windpipe replaced with one grown using his own stem cells won the Pontifical Hero Award for his courage. Ciaran Finn-Lynch, 14, was born withlong-segment tracheal stenosis,a condition that resulted in a narrow windpipe and made it hard for him to breathe.The operation involved taking a donor trachea and seeding it with stem cells taken from Ciarans bone marrow. The result of the procedure was that after six months, his trachea looked almost normal. Further more, the operation used his own cells, preventing the need for anti-rejection drugs.

Vatican Honors Boy for Courage During Stem Cell Trachea Transplant Operation that Used His Own Cells

During the Second International Adult Stem Cell conference at the Vatican, a boy who had his windpipe replaced with one grown using his own stem cells won the Pontifical Hero Award for his courage.

Ciaran Finn-Lynch, 14, was the second person to receive the award, and he made the trip from Northern Ireland to the Vatican to receive it.

Ciaran is a shining example of what this result has shown, said his father, Paul Finn, in an April 12 interview with CNA.

His mother, Colleen Finn, said we need to have faith in God to get through all of this.

This has made our faith stronger because we need more and more prayers all the time, she added.

Ciaran was born with long-segment tracheal stenosis, a condition that resulted in a narrow windpipe and made it hard for him to breathe.

He had a major transplant surgery to rebuild his trachea when he was two years-old.

Doctors placed metal stents to hold his windpipe open and he went without any major issues until he was 10 years-old.

One day after school, the stents that had been placed in his windpipe started to cut into his aorta, the main blood vessel coming out of his heart.

He was taken to intensive care at Belfast Hospital and then later transferred to Londons Great Ormond Childrens Hospital.

He had several operations but he had more bleeding from his stents, said Doctor Paolo De Coppi, head of the surgery unit at University College Londons Institute of Child Health, during the April 12 morning session of the conference.

The leader of our team didnt know what to do next, but an option was to do an operation done before on an adult in Barcelona. But we didnt have the time to do that, De Coppi explained.

But we did something similar and it was a quite difficult operation, he said.

The operation involved taking a donor trachea and seeding it with stem cells taken from Ciarans bone marrow.

The result of the procedure was that after six months, his trachea looked almost normal.

Ciaran is doing really well and I think he has a chance to become a rock star, since he plays the drums so well, De Coppi commented after showing a video of Ciaran playing with a band.

Ciaran told CNA that it felt good to receive the award and that he was happy with his life.

His father noted that the stem cells have been a great contribution to Ciarans procedure.

What weve heard here these last couple of days (at the conference) has been amazing, knowing theyre talking about building other organs, Paul Finn said.

Ciarans mother noted that she was happy that her son is not on any medication, since the operation used his own cells, preventing the need for anti-rejection drugs.

You just have to keep going on for him, and you cant show that youre scared or teary and you just have to put a brave face on, said Colleen.via

Parkinson's: Adult Stem-Cell Use Proves Successful Once Again!

LifeNews.com reports the results were published in the February issue of the Bentham Open Stem Cell Journal. Dr. David Prentice, a fellow with the Family Research Council, says the research features only one patient.

The gentleman was treated with stem cells into only half of his brain, and he went almost five years (without symptoms), he explains. Now his symptoms did start to return after that, and obviously hed like the other half of his brain treated.

The patients motor skills improved by over 80 percent in the first five years after the procedure. Prentice says he was able to have an active lifestyle. During that time he was traveling all around the world and living a full life, he points out.

David Prentice (FRC)No human embryos were killed in the research. They used the gentlemans own adult stem cells, so obviously theres no chance of transplant rejection, no tumors, Prentice notes, and of course, adult stem cells really work in patients.

UCLA researchers will now expand their work to 15 humans.via

Revolutionaryfindings in study by researchers in Korea suggest the first real breakthrough toward preventing Alzheimer's and helping millions of patients and families by relieving its symptoms. Researchers announced this week the results of a study that suggests an astounding possibility: adult stem cells may not only have a positive effect on those suffering from Alzheimer's disease, theycanprevent the disease.Using fat-derived adultstem cells from humans,adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells, researchers were able to cause Alzheimer's disease brains in animal models to regenerate. For the first time in history, stem cells were used toidentify the mechanism that is key to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and demonstrated how to achieve efficacy as well as prevention of the symptoms of Alzheimer's with adult stem cells, a "holy grail" of biomedical scientists for decades.

In the first study of its kind, researchers at Korea's leading university and the RNL Bio Stem Cell Technology Institute announced this week the results of a study that suggests an astounding possibility: adult stem cells may not only have a positive effect on those suffering from Alzheimer's disease, theycanprevent the disease.Using fat-derived adultstem cells from humans [scientific term:adMSCs, orhuman, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells], researchers were able to cause Alzheimer's disease brains in animal models to regenerate. The researchers, for the first time in history, used stem cells toidentify the mechanism that is key to treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and demonstrated how to achieve efficacy as well as prevention of the symptoms of Alzheimer's with adult stem cells, a "holy grail" of biomedical scientists for decades.

Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia (loss of brain function), is the 6th leading cause of death, and affects 1 in 8 people -- more than breast cancer. As of 2010, there were 35.6 million people with Alzheimer's disease in the world, but this number is expected to double every 20 years. It is estimated that the total cost of Alzheimer's is US$604 billionworldwide, with 70% of this cost in the US andEurope. To put that in perspective, Alzheimer's care costs more than the revenues of Wal-Mart (US$414 billion) and Exxon Mobil (US$311 billion), according to the British World Alzheimer's Report of ADI. The cost of Alzheimer's is at the top of health economists' list of the disorders of aging that could topple nations' entire economies, and that regularly ruin not only the lives of patients but of their relatives.

According to the results of this first major study, Alzheimer's may soon be a preventable disease, or even a thing of the past. Equally important, the safety human administration of the kind of adult stem cells used in this experiment has been established in multiple articles and government-approved clinical trials.

THE RESEARCH:

The study was jointly led by SeoulNational UniversityProfessorYoo-Hun Suhand RNL Bio Stem Cell Technology Institute (SCTI) director Dr.Jeong-Chan Ra.

The researchers and their teams injected stem cells into mice genetically designed to have the core symptoms and physiology of Alzheimer's disease. They were able to identify that these human stem cells, derived from adipose tissue, behave in a very special way when injected into the tail vein of mice subjects. The cells migrated through the blood brain barrier, thought by many to be impossible for adult stem cells to cross, and went into the brain. In fact,fluorescent labeled cells were monitored for distribution in subjects and the team identified that the infused cells migrated throughout the bodiesincluding brainexcept the olfactory organ, and therefore confirmed that IV infused stem cell can reach to the brain across the blood brain barrier.

The team infused human adipose stem cells intravenously in Alzheimer model mice multiple times two weeks apart from three month to 10 month.Once there, the mice who received cells improved in every relevant way: ability to learn, ability to remember, and neuropathological signs. More important, for the first time ever, Alzheimer model mice showed the mediation of IL-10, which is known for anti-inflammation and neurological protection.

The team also found that stem cell restored special learning ability from Alzheimer model subjects with great reduction of neuropathy lesions.This was found using tests used for Alzheimer's disease: behavioral assessment. In assessment it was found, amazingly, that stem cells' therapeutic effect on Alzheimer's disease was tremendous. This was also found in pathological analysis. The key though was prevention: the scientists showed that stem cells, when infused into Alzheimer's mice, decreased beta amyloid and APP-CT, known to cause brain cell destruction, leading to dementia and Alzheimer's disease. In the lab it was clear that stem cells increased neprilysin, which hydrolyzes toxic proteins. No other compound or treatment has ever suggested so strongly the potential to prevent, as well as stop, this epidemic of incurable dementia sweeping across suffering patients and their families.

Stopping Alzheimer's disease, let alone preventing it, is the focus of thousands of researchers worldwide. Speaking of their breakthrough discovery,Professor Yoo-Hun Suh, who led the study, said, "It is a ground breaking discovery that such a simple method as IV injection of the safest autologous adipose stem cells, without causing any immune rejection, or any ethical issues, opened a new door to conquering Alzheimer's disease, one of the most horrible, expensive and incurablediseases of our time." Joining him, leader of the RNL Bio Stem Cell Technology InstituteDr.Jeong-Chan Rasaid, "It has never been more clear that it is an ethical imperative for governments to provide patients with incurable diseases with their right to participate not only in studies like this but in therapies with such obvious potential, once they have been tested as many times for safety as has our technology." Both scientists stressed that the real breakthrough in their complex research is the prevention of the onset of symptoms.

Specifically, stem cells grafted in the brain, in another part of the study, were identified to induce cell division and neuro differentiation of endogenous neuro progenitor cells around the hippocampus and its surrounding cells and increase in great deal the stability of dendrites and synapses. Stem cell also contributed various anti-inflammatory and neuro growth factors, especially increased the expression of IL-10. This again suppressed apoptosis of brain neurons, the prevention effect against Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Ra of RNL Bio noted that, "RNL Bio has already completed government-approved clinical trials confirming the efficacy of RNL Bio stem cells in the management and treatment of other diseases, including osteoarthritis, limb ischemia, and progressive hemifacial atrophy (Romberg's disease)."

This study was published in a recent volume of the renowned, peer-reviewed U.S. medical journalPLOS ONE. Images, plans for future efforts, and impact on this crushing disease will be discussed when the scientists discuss the details of this revolutionary study in a press conference inSeoulonSeptember 27th.via

SOURCE RNL BIO CO., LTD.

Type 2 Diabetes Trial Using Mesoblasts Proprietary Adult Stem Cells Yields Positive Results

MELBOURNE, Australia, June 18, 2014 Results from the Phase 2 trial of Mesoblasts proprietary adult stem cells in type 2 diabetes patients have been presented at the scientific sessions of the American Diabetes Association annual meeting.

Type 2 diabetes and its complications are considered to have an underlying immunological component associated with excessive pro-inflammatory cytokines.

The immunomodulatory properties of Mesoblasts Mesenchymal Precursor Cells (MPCs) provided the rationale for conducting the study.

The Phase 2 randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, dose escalation trial was conducted across 18 U.S. sites. The trial evaluated the effects of a single intravenous infusion of 0.3, 1.0 or 2.0 million MPCs/kg or placebo over 12 weeks in 61 patients who were inadequately controlled on metformin alone or with one other glucose-lowering agent. Mean diabetes duration was 10 years.

The key findings from the study:

The study investigators concluded there was sufficient evidence to support further evaluation into the use of MPCs in type 2 diabetes and its complications, and to explore further the effects of MPCs on disease mechanisms.

Multiple Sclerosis - Italians Lead Clinical Trial Testing Safety and Effectiveness of Stem Cell Transplantation MS Patients

(ANSA) Boston, September 9 Mesenchymal stem cell therapy to treat multiple sclerosis so far appears safe and without side effects, according to data released Tuesday and obtained through clinical trials on patients as part of the international Mesems project coordinated by University of Genoa neurologist Antonio Uccelli.

The results were announced ahead of the World Congress on Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis opening in Boston Wednesday through Saturday. The Mesems project involves researchers from nine countries Italy, Spain, France, Britain, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Canada and Australia.

It is the first large phase II international multicentre clinical trial to determine the safety of a consensus treatment protocol established by the International Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantation Study Group to obtain information on its effectiveness on multiple sclerosis patients.

So far, 81 patients have been involved in the project half of the 160 needed for the whole clinical trial. About 73 or 90% of those involved in blind testing were given at least one injection with mesenchymal therapy or got a placebo while 51 or 63% were given both injections and 27 33% completed the study.

The promising result is that so far none of these 27 people have suffered significant adverse events, which means that, so far, the treatment appears to be safe, said Uccelli. The neurologist warned that caution is necessary and that the effectiveness of the therapy can only be determined once the study is completed in 2016.

Uccelli however added that preliminary studies on animals have persuaded researchers that mesenchymal stem cells can halt inflammation on the central nervous system and probably succeed in protecting nervous tissue, even repairing it where damage is minor. Out of the 81 patients recruited so far, 28 are Italian and 10 of them have completed the study, Uccelli said, adding that all patients over the past year did relatively well except for one who was treated with placebo.

The neurologist expressed the hope that data in 2016 will give final confirmation that the therapy is effective so we can take the subsequent step with a larger phase III study aimed at demonstrating the role of stem cells as neurorepairers. Meanwhile Genoas bioethics committee has approved a two-year extension of the project, which will be called Mesems Plus, to verify, beyond the year of observation provided for by Mesems, the long-term safety of treatments in the study and the potential insurgence of adverse events in all those treated, said Uccelli.

A study last week showed statin use increases the risk of diabetes by 46 per cent, and those who take the cholesterol-lowering drugs are more than twice as likely to develop Parkinsons disease in later life than those who do not.The Parkinsons research carried out over 20 years suggests cholesterol may have a vital role in protecting the brain and nervous system.The findings have alarmed experts who say if applied to the number of Britons deemed eligible for statins it couldequate to 150,000 extra patients with Parkinsons.The work has also fuelled concerns that statins, now recommended for up to half the adult population over 50 by government drug policy adviser the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, may be doing many patients more harm than good.

Dr Kailash Chand, deputy chairman of the British Medical Association, was speaking following research which found those who take the cholesterol-lowering drugs are more than twice as likely to develop Parkinsons disease in later life than those who do not.

A study last week showed statin use increases the risk of diabetes by 46 per cent.

It has led to calls to end to the widespread use of the drugs.

The Parkinsons research carried out over 20 years, and involving nearly 16,000 people, suggests cholesterol may have a vital role in protecting the brain and nervous system.

The findings have alarmed experts who say if applied to the number of Britons deemed eligible for statins it could equate to 150,000 extra patients with Parkinsons, a central nervous system disorder affecting one in 350 mostly older people.

The work has also fuelled concerns that statins, now recommended for up to half the adult population over 50 by government drug policy adviser the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, may be doing many patients more harm than good.

Doctors used to prescribe the drugs only to those who had a 30 per cent or greater risk of suffering a heart attack within a decade, but this was lowered to 20 per cent in 2005.

A 10-year plan has been introduced to reduce this further and include low-risk patients who have just a 10 per cent chance of a heart attack within a decade.

Nice believes this could save thousands of lives.

Other studies have shown a link between the cholesterol-lowering drugs and potentially disabling side effects including cataracts, diabetes, muscle pains, fatigue and memory loss.

Researchers warn that the mass roll-out of statins leaves 150,000 people at risk

Dr Chand, who suffered debilitating muscle pains while taking statins, said of the Parkinsons research:

This research has been done over a considerable amount of time and on a considerable number of people and it is very worrying.

Speaking in a personal capacity, he added:

"The risks of side-effects of these drugs are far greater than any potential benefits and it is high time these drugs were restricted in the low-risk population" - Dr Kailash Chand

Dr Xuemei Huang, who led the research, recently published in the journal of Movement Disorders, expressed concerns about the widespread prescription of statins.

If we blanket prescribe statins to people we could be creating a huge population of people with neurological problems.

Does mother nature create cholesterol for a reason?

"I think doctors are over-enamoured with statins and think it is a cure-all.

But the body is not just for the heart, it is also for the brain.

View post:
Don Margolis - Adult Stem Cell Research

(HealthDay News) -- An antibiotic treatment intended to lower stem cell transplant patients' risk of developing a respiratory complication appears to have backfired.

French researchers explored the potential of administering the antibiotic azithromycin before and after stem cell transplantation to limit the risk for a condition known as bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS).

A significant number of blood cancer patients who undergo allogeneic stem cell transplant are at risk for developing BOS. It's a potentially deadly complication in which airflow to the lungs becomes progressively obstructed, turning routine breathing into an ordeal. Allogeneic transplants are ones where genetically similar, but not identically matched, material is transplanted.

The new investigation had to be stopped prematurely -- after just over a year. Preliminary indications suggested that the random pool of allogeneic stem cell transplant patients treated with antibiotics were actually more likely to develop BOS than those who were not getting azithromycin.

Dr. Henry Fung serves as vice chair of hematology and oncology at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia.

Although he was not a part of the current investigation, Fung was familiar with the results of the study and said, "in the absence of new scientific rationale on using azithromycin, a similar study should not be repeated."

Azithromycin "will not benefit patients undergoing an allogeneic stem cell transplant," Fung concluded.

Initially, the French investigation planned to include nearly 500 French blood cancer patients, average age 52. The patients began the allogeneic transplant process at one of 19 French bone marrow transplant facilities at some point between 2014 and 2015.

Fung, who's also director of the Fox Chase Cancer Center-Temple University Hospital Bone Marrow Transplant Program, noted that "allogeneic stem cell transplant is a life-saving procedure for many patients with blood cancers."

However, "the success ... [is] limited by long-term complications," he explained.

One complication is a condition known as graft-versus-host disease. This occurs when newly transplanted bone marrow and/or stem cells are seen by the patient's body as foreign material. The immune system then starts attacking the transplant.

The other is BOS.

And, BOS, "once diagnosed, is usually irreversible with no effective treatment available," Fung said.

Following allogeneic stem cell transplantation, roughly 4 percent to 6 percent of patients will develop BOS, the study authors said. That figure rises as high as 14 percent among those patients who also develop graft-versus-host disease.

The French researchers were led by Dr. Anne Bergeron from the Saint-Louis Hospital in Paris. The team noted that prior research had indicated that using the antibiotic azithromycin as a preventive therapy effectively reduced BOS risk among patients undergoing a lung transplant, during which BOS risk typically goes up.

To see whether the same would be true among stem cell transplant patients, the French study participants were randomly assigned to be treated with either azithromycin (250 milligrams three times a week for two years) or a placebo (dummy pill).

However, by December 2016 the investigation was halted, even before all the participants had completed their two-year antibiotic or placebo regimen.

The cited reason was an "unanticipated imbalance" in the incoming results. More people than anticipated in the group that had been getting the antibiotic were developing BOS.

The study findings were published in the Aug. 8 issue of theJournal of the American Medical Association.

More information

There's more about BOS at theRare Clinical Diseases Research Network.

SOURCES: Henry C. Fung, M.D., vice chair, hematology and oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, and director, Fox Chase Cancer Center-Temple University Hospital Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Philadelphia; Aug. 8, 2017,Journal of the American Medical Association

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Antibiotic Doesn't Prevent Lung Complication After Stem Cell Transplant - KARK

Viacyte, privately-held, leading regenerative medicine company, announced today that the first patients have been implanted with the PEC-Direct product candidate, a novel islet cell replacement therapy in development as a functional cure for patients with type 1 diabetes who are at high risk for acute life-threatening complications. The first implant procedures of the clinical trial took place at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, and the UC San Diego School of Medicines Altman Clinical Trials Research Institute. The goal of the open-label clinical trial is to evaluate the PEC-Direct product candidate for safety and definitive evidence of efficacy. In the coming months, the company expects to expand the trial to additional centers including the University of Minnesota and other sites in the US and Canada.

The first cohort of type 1 diabetes patients is receiving multiple small-format cell-filled devices called sentinels in order to evaluate safety and implant viability. These sentinel units will be removed at specific time points and examined histologically to provide early insight into the progression of engraftment and maturation into pancreatic islet cells including insulin-producing beta cells. A second cohort of up to 40 patients is expected to begin enrolling later this year to evaluate both safety and efficacy. The primary efficacy measurement in the trial will be the clinically relevant production of insulin, as measured by the insulin biomarker C-peptide, in a patient population that has little to no ability to produce endogenous insulin at the time of enrollment. Other important endpoints will be evaluated including injectable insulin usage and the incidence of hypoglycemic events. ViaCytes goal is to demonstrate early evidence of efficacy in the first half of 2018 and definitive efficacy 6 to 12 months later.

Islet transplants have been used to successfully treat patients with unstable, high-risk type 1 diabetes, but the procedure has limitations, including a very limited supply of donor organs and challenges in obtaining reliable and consistent islet preparations, said trial investigator James Shapiro, MD, PhD, FRCSC, Director of the Clinical Islet Transplant Program, University of Alberta. An effective stem cell-derived islet replacement therapy would solve these issues and has the potential to help a greater number of people.

Patients with high-risk type 1 diabetes complications, such as hypoglycemia unawareness, are at constant risk of life-threatening low blood glucose, said Jeremy Pettus, MD, investigator in the clinical trial and Assistant Professor of Medicine at UC San Diego. The PEC-Direct islet cell replacement therapy is designed to help patients with the most urgent medical need.

The PEC-Direct product candidate is being developed for type 1 diabetes patients who have hypoglycemia unawareness, extreme glycemic lability, and/or severe hypoglycemic episodes. It is estimated that about 140,000 people in Canada and the US have such high-risk type 1 diabetes. In addition to providing an unlimited supply of cells for implantation, the PEC-Direct approach has other potential advantages relative to cadaver islet transplants such as delivering a more consistent product preparation under quality-controlled cGMP conditions, and a more straightforward and safe mode of delivery.

The clinical trial is being supported in part by JDRF, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. JDRF remains dedicated to accelerating the delivery of beta cell replacement therapies to the T1D community, and we commend ViaCyte in its announcement of the first patients to be implanted with the PEC-Direct islet cell replacement therapy, said Derek Rapp, JDRF President and Chief Executive Officer. JDRF is excited to support this clinical development given its potential to help those people with type 1 diabetes that need it the most those at high risk of life-threatening acute complications. JDRF and ViaCyte share a continuing commitment to realizing the potential of beta cell replacement strategies to deliver insulin independence without immune suppression for people living with type 1 diabetes, and ultimately, at JDRF we hope this will move us forward in fulfilling our vision of a world without type 1 diabetes.

There are limited treatment options for patients with high-risk type 1 diabetes to manage life-threatening hypoglycemic episodes, said Paul Laikind, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of ViaCyte. We believe that the PEC-Direct product candidate has the potential to transform the lives of these patients and we are excited to move closer to that goal with the initiation of clinical evaluation announced today. This also represents a step towards a broader application of the technology. We remain fully committed to developing a functional cure for all patients with insulin-requiring diabetes. To that end, we are hard at work on next-generation approaches as well, and expect the work with PEC-Direct to further advance our knowledge and drive progress.

In addition to JDRF, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM)s Alpha Clinic, the Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center, the JDRF Canadian Clinical Trials Network (CCTN), the Stem Cell Network, and Alberta Innovates Health Solutions (AIHS) are all providing support for the trial.

About the PEC-Direct Product Candidate

The PEC-Direct product candidate delivers stem cell-derived pancreatic progenitor cells, called PEC-01 cells, in a device designed to allow direct vascularization of the cells in the device. After implantation, these cells are expected to become mature human islet tissue including well-regulated beta cells producing insulin on demand. The direct vascularization of the implanted cells is expected to allow for robust and consistent engraftment but will necessitate the use of maintenance immune suppression therapy.

About ViaCyte

ViaCyte is a privately-held regenerative medicine company developing novel cell replacement therapies as potential long-term diabetes treatments to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia and diabetes-related complications. ViaCytes product candidates are based on the derivation of pancreatic progenitor cells from stem cells, which are then implanted in a durable and retrievable cell delivery device. Once implanted and matured, these cells are designed to secrete insulin and other pancreatic hormones in response to blood glucose levels. ViaCyte has two products in clinical development. The PEC-Direct product candidate delivers the pancreatic progenitor cells in a non-immunoprotective device and is being developed for type 1 diabetes patients who have hypoglycemia unawareness, extreme glycemic lability, and/or recurrent severe hypoglycemic episodes. The PEC-Encap (also known as VC-01) product candidate delivers the same pancreatic progenitor cells in an immunoprotective device and is being developed for all patients with diabetes, type 1 and type 2, who use insulin. ViaCyte is headquartered in San Diego, California. The Company is funded in part by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) and JDRF.

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Pouch of stem cells implanted in trial to cure type 1 diabetes - Next Big Future

Im often asked about the safety of treatments that purport to inject stem cells into painful body parts. The reputation of stem cells seems to exceed the reach, with companies touting treatments that arent FDA approved or even being tested.

Back in March, an alarming article in the New England Journal of Medicinedescribed three women blinded by stem cell treatments two of the patients reported seeing a reference on the company website to registration at the National Institutes of Healths well-respected ClinicalTrials.gov, and assuming it applied to their treatment. It didnt.

In what is perhaps a modern version of hawking snake oil, companies can indeed register certain clinical trials without breaking any rules but desperate patients might not know that.

There is no doubt that some patients have misinterpreted a studys listing on ClinicalTrials.gov as a stamp of legitimacy, federal review, and compliance. In this way, treatments with no safety or efficacy data, no prior clinical study, and no ongoing clinical trials under FDA review, appear to have federal approval. Such a misunderstanding can lead to disastrous outcomes for patients, said Thomas Albini, MD, of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami, who treated the blinded women.

When I wrote about the disaster here at DNA Scienceand atMedscape Medical News, my Medscape editor asked me to take a closer look at criteria for listing investigations at ClinicalTrials.gov. It proved an interesting exercise, but I declined to write an article, fearing lawsuits if I named companies.

ClinicalTrials.gov is where research groups, in academia and pharma/biotech, describe protocols to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new drugs, biologics, and devices, which FDA regulates, typically in randomized, controlled trials. But for an observational study that just follows what happens after a treatment, no such thumbs-up is required; no investigational new drug (IND) designation or investigational device exemption (IDE) need be filed. And that creates a loophole that companies are happily jumping through and luring patients in pain, who may know little about clinical trial design, and perhaps trust too much the companies and the doctors offering these services.

Its easy to see how people are fooled. One company claims that By providing access to registered clinical studies through the NIH, we are providing patients with the ability to choose a stem cell treatment center with the highest standard of care. If the treatment is experimental, how can there even be a standard of care?

MOST STUDIES LEGIT

I love ClinicalTrials.gov its packed with information about all manner of conditions, with contacts and references. I started my investigation by searching for studies that sounded bogus.

I began with a treatment that epitomizes pseudoscience: magnets. But I was fooled. Other than legit uses in medical devices, my magnet search called up as an acronym of sorts for theMothers and Girls Dancing Together Trial, a well-designed study on preventing childhood obesity, with a decent sample size and controls.

I also thought the randomised crossover trial of the acute effects of a deep-fried Mars bar or porridge on the cerebral vasculature was fake, but it turned out to be a medical students project, well done, and published in the Scottish Medical Journal.

But trial NCT02833532, sponsored by a Korean pharmaceutical company, was likely a joke, with the stated purpose of temporary penile enhancement and one of the investigators first name being Dong. Participants must answer the question How do you rate your penile size? Very small/small/normal/big/very big to enroll. Those accepted get to try something made of hyaluronic acid, which is found, coincidentally, in cocks combs.

Searching ClinicalTrials.gov for stem cells returns more than 4,000 entries, so I gave up. Fortunately, Leigh Turner, PhD, associate professor at the Center for Bioethics at the University of Minnesota, wasnt afraid of lawyers and took a more measured, scholarly approach. He recently published the intriguing findings in Regenerative Medicine, where you can find nice tables naming the stem cell companies that use and possibly abuse ClinicalTrials.gov.

AN ACADEMIC INVESTIGATION

Dr. Turner searched ClinicalTrials.gov for stem cells along with patient-sponsored, patient-funded, and self-funded because expecting patients to pay is a red flag. Only a very few real clinical trials charge patients, and those that do must have FDA approval to do so.

He found 7 such pay-as-you-go clinical trials, each enrolling more than 100 people, at the government website, and another 11 in a database of companies that provide direct-to-consumer stem-cell-based treatments. The DTC label indicates that the treatments arent part of a real experimental protocol. One of themhad signed up more than 3,000 gullible people.

The companies that charge patients yet proclaim a ClinicalTrials.gov listing are having their proverbial cake and eating it too borrowing the governmental veneer of a sanctioned clinical trial, while collecting fees. And many health care consumers arent even aware theyre being bamboozled.

Another red flag in a stem cell pitch is an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink list of targets. Stem Cell Network, for example, claims to be able to treat, using stem cells grown from a patients fat, some 28 conditions, including the vague knee problems, and also muscular dystrophy, ankle problems, neuropathy, asthma, and alopecia areata. Also be wary of stem cells derived from one body part like butt fat being injected into another body part such as eyeballs.

Wed like people to protect themselves by going to a reliable website, like ClinicalTrials.gov, to distinguish legitimate from bogus claims of stem cell clinics. But the findings of this paper challenge that advice because this valuable resource, which is designed to promote transparency and to help people find clinical trials, lists unlicensed and unproven stem cell interventions that companies turn into personal marketing platforms. So if you have ALS, MS, Parkinsons disease, a ClinicalTrials.gov listing looks like any other study on the NIH website. Many people think a listing is credible, Dr. Turner told me.

There is an urgent need for careful screening of clinical studies before they are registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, Dr. Turners paper concludes. But in the current climate of a nuclear threat, a health care system in disarray, and possible cuts to the CDC, FDA, and NIH, ramping up scrutiny at ClinicalTrials.gov is unlikely to have priority, if the President even has a clue what it is.

Its not possible to slash, burn, defund, and deregulate at every turn and think that federal agencies are going to improve how they function. But no administration is forever, no budget is forever, deregulatory moments dont last forever, and perhaps problems that are ignored or neglected now will be addressed in the future, with collateral damage along the way while nothing is done, warns Dr. Turner.

Those seeking stem cell treatments should check out the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) Patient Handbook on Stem Cell Therapiesand stemcells.nih.gov. Alas, much of the media is still somewhat unfamiliar with the biology of stem cells, that they are not cells that can turn into any cell typebut that they self-renew and jettison a new stem cell at every division. Thats what makes them stem cells, not the ability to spawn specialized cells.

So I tell people who ask me if they should have stem cells shot into their aching knees or backs to do so only if they wouldnt object to an abnormal growth cancer forming there.

When it comes to stem cell therapies, its caveat emptor buyer beware!

More here:
Are Stem Cell Companies Abusing ClinicalTrials.gov? - PLoS Blogs (blog)

Doing challenges in The Sims 4 can be a lot of fun but a lot of them also require a lot of work. Thats fun when youre looking for a more involved challenge but sometimes you just want quick and easy fun. Thats where the Random Genetic Challenge comes in. Creating your Sims is certainly one of the most fun aspects of playing The Sims 4 but sometimes its justfun to see if lady luck is on your side.Plenty of Sims 4 players have been taking to forums and social media to share the results of their own Random Genetics Challenge and heres how you can get in on the action.

You just start out by randomizing two adult Sims. You will do this by going through each of the different customizable features and clicking the dice icon for a pre-determined amount of times that you should decide on before starting the challenge. For example, if you decide your lucky number is three you will click on the dice icon three times for each of the features. Once you do this for both parent Sims you will want to use the Play With Genetics feature to create their child. Technically, you are welcome to use any age Sim youd like for this challenge but the most common and highly recommended Life Stage to use is the Teen.

The next step is incredibly simpletry to make your new offspring as beautiful as possible without actually changing any of their genetics. So you cant simply do awaywith any features you dont like but youre more than welcome to try to cover them up with different hairstyles and makeup. Now take your new family into the world and see if your Sim will become an Adult that grew into their looks or if theyll be relying on a good personality for the rest of their life.

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The Sims 4: How to Do the Random Genetics Challenge - Twinfinite

FORTY FORT, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- In a time when many wonder about career opportunities of the future, there is one that's showing signs of significant growth. It has to do with helping patients understand and address personal health risk factors.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports nearly 40,000 jobs were created last month in the health sector. Of that sector, one particular field is showing tremendous employment opportunity more than any other job.

What you're witnessing is the future of medicine: unlocking genetic code secrets to personalize treatment and even prevention of certain illnesses and conditions. Both in and out of these DNA labs are genetic counselors who gather and analyze family history and inheritance patterns to help identify individuals and families who may be at risk. "It's so such on the cutting edge of science and technology that it's continuously changing and there are always new things to really keep on top of and excite me," said Geisinger Genomic Medicine Institute Genetic Counselor Marci Schwartz.

Ms. Schwartz works in both cardiovascular and cancer genetics. By the end of 2024, the demand for genetic counselors like her is expected to grow by nearly 30 percent which is greater than any other job sector in the nation. So what's driving that demand? "We are now getting to the point where genetic information is really becoming relevant to clinical care," said Geisinger Genomic Medicine Institute Director Marc Williams, MD.

That care also includes targeted medicine in neurology, pediatrics, and prenatal genetics. Home to the 11 years and counting genome project "MyCode", Geisinger anticipates needing hundreds of genetic counselors in the next few years. "We have a huge opportunity but also this deficit in terms of training personnel," said Dr. Williams. Part of the genetic field job explosion is a recently created position by Geisinger called a genetic counseling assistant.

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton will soon offer a masters program in genomics but exploring career possibilities in this field can begin much sooner. "Some of the shadowing and volunteer experience can certainly be started in high school," said Ms. Schwartz.

You don't need to be a doctor to become a genetic counselor but you do need a masters degree. The starting salary for this growing profession is roughly $65,000 a year. You can learn more about career opportunities in genetic counseling by clicking here.

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Career Opportunity Explosion in Genetics - PA home page

Broadcast, print and online journalists are to begin using an automated fact-checking system that quickly alerts them to false claims made in the press, on TV and in parliament.

An early version of the system, dubbed the bullshit detector by its creators, will be rolled out for testing from October as part of a global fightback against fake news.

It is being developed by researchers at the Full Fact organisation in London with $500,000 (380,000) of funding from charitable foundations backed by two billionaires: the Hungarian-born investor George Soros, and the Iranian-American eBay founder Pierre Omidyar.

The software, which was demonstrated to the Guardian, scans statements as they are made by politicians and instantly provides a verdict on their veracity. An early version relies on a database of several thousand manual fact-checks, but later versions will automatically access official data to inform the verdict. The researchers are co-operating with the Office of National Statistics on the project.

The Full Fact program will be first tested in the UK but will also be deployed in South America and Africa, where Kenyas presidential election campaign has been beset by fake news such as bogus BBC and CNN news reports using fabricated polls to overstate the prospects of President Uhuru Kenyatta.

In London, Full Fact is working with Chequeado, an Argentina-based fact-checking organisation, and Africa Check, which operates in several sub-Saharan countries, including Nigeria and South Africa.

It is like trying to build an immune system, says Mevan Babakar, project manager at Full Fact in London. As more information goes out into the world that is wrong, what we dont have is the means of pushing back against that.

The early version of the software scans the subtitles of live news programmes, broadcasts of parliament, the Hansard parliamentary record, and articles published by newspapers. It tracks millions of words sentence by sentence until it identifies a claim that appears to match a fact-check already in its database.

The Guardian witnessed a real-time demonstration during a health debate in parliament. Words spoken by the politicians were underlined if they matched an existing fact-check. For example, the claim that in the last six years of the last Labour government, 25,000 hospital beds were cut flags a fact-check from the database that states: Correct, the number of overnight beds in the English NHS actually fell by slightly more about 26,000 between 2003-04 and 2009-10.

Another claim, that 10,000 more NHS nursing training places had been made available is also flagged: Incorrect. This figure refers to the governments ambition for additional places by 2020 on nursing, midwifery and child health courses.

In another version of the software, the fact-checks pop up on the TV screen as politicians are speaking, giving viewers instant verdicts on politicians claims. The experience of watching political debate programmes like BBCs Question Time could be transformed.

The developers want to expand the program so that it carries out its own fact-checks by using databases of statistics and verified information. Work is also under way to give Twitter and Facebook users the chance to fact-check their social media feeds, where the large majority of the worst fake news has been distributed.

This is an important investment in the future of fact-checking, says Stephen King, the Omidyar Networks global lead on governance and citizen engagement. These tools will expand the reach and impact of fact-checkers around the world, ensuring citizens are properly informed and those in positions of power are held accountable.

However, Babakar is keen to stress the limitations of the system so far and believes the tool should only be used by journalists in the first instance rather than the general public.

If we go straight to the public it will pit us against people wanting quick answers who wont be satisfied because we cant always make the answers small, she said. It is to help the journalist better push back, for example by challenging politicians at a press conference rather than going back to their desk and researching the claims. This way you can challenge the claim straight away. That is really important for public debate.

The fledgling system is not without its problems; sometimes it flags up a fact-check that isnt relevant, for example. The challenge for the programmers is to get the software to understand the fuzzy logic and idiom used so often in speech.

Neither is Babakar comfortable with the idea that the system separates the true from the false, especially since fake has become associated with information people dislike rather than which is objectively false.

I have a problem with the word truth because that means different things to different people, said Babakar. I think things are correct or incorrect. A truth can be personal. People may say crime is rising because it is in their area but the national average may be falling.

The softwares aim is not to offer people conclusions, but instead provide the best available evidence, Babakar says.

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Journalists to use 'immune system' software against fake news - The Guardian

The study was also supported by Diabetes UK and JDRF, the type 1 diabetes charity.

Dr Elizabeth Robertson, Director of Research at Diabetes UK, the charity who supported the lead author of the study, said: "Diabetes UK is committed to increasing our understanding of the immune attack in type 1 diabetes and finding ways to stop it.

These new findings are an exciting step towards immunotherapies being used to prevent this serious condition from developing in those at high risk, or stop it from progressing in those already diagnosed."

Prof Colin Dayan from Cardiff University, the clinical Chief Investigator for the study, added: "It was encouraging to see that people who receive the treatment needed less insulin to control their blood glucose levels, suggesting that their pancreas was working better.

Karen Addington, UK Chief Executive of JDRF which funded the research, said: "Exciting immunotherapy research like this increases the likelihood that one day insulin-producing cells can be protected and preserved.

That would mean people at risk of Type 1 diabetes might one day need to take less insulin, and perhaps see a future where no one would ever face daily injections to stay alive."

The research was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Originally posted here:
Immune systems of type 1 diabetics can be 'retrained' to stop destroying insulin, scientists show - Telegraph.co.uk