Heart disease and stem cells
The film "Beat of the Heart" in this package shows how certain bone marrow cells (multipotent - adult - stem cells) from a patient with acute myocardial infarction are used to invoke novel blood vessel growth in the traumatised hearth muscle tissue. If you are up to it, you can also read about the aims and results of a scientific study on this subject, or a recent publication.
Descriptive information on concurrent European research and participating research groups is on a separate page. The groups work together in a large EU funded programme: the European Vascular Genomics Network. You can also read about the efforts of this Network of Excellence in an online Word document.
The research group of prof.dr. Elisabetta Dejana, involved in studying blood vessel growth, was visited during the making of the film "Beat of the Heart". A collegue uses zebra fish to study how cells (also stem cells) migrate to their target location.
On the Europa server, a long list of European research projects can be found that are involved in stem cell research in the 6th Framework Programme (3Mb Acrobat file).
Videos from YouTube
Heart_Health : The behaviors that many people engage in to cope with stress such as poor eating habits and smoking put them at risk for heart disease.
Stem Cell Ethics Part 2 : This is a clip from a stem cell ethics convention. A scientist talks about the advantages of stem cells and how embryos are not independant organisms.
Cord Blood Stem Cell Transfusion Saves Child : Diagnosed at birth with Sickle Cell Anemia, Joseph Davis Jr. was saved by the stem cell rich cord blood of his newborn brother Isaac.
Stem Cell Research : A highschool student produced a video in a laboratory environment, showing some steps in stem cell experiments. Interesting despite lack of skills, a decent camera, or editing hardware...
Making Brain Cells: : Scientists have announced they've found a way to coach adult hair follicle stem cells into becoming brain cells. The research means these potentially precious cells may be everywhere there's hair. Watch this ScienCentral video to learn more.
New Twist in Stem Cell Debate : Scientist shows that embryos can be saved, but its stem cells can still be used.
Stem Cell Clip : Experts on Stem Cell Research Speak out.
Videos at Google
Stem Cell Research: Implications for the Future: A distinguished panel of stem cell researchers from UCSF, two of UCSF's Nobel laureates and visiting Nobel laureate Arvid Carlsson of Sweden discuss the future of stem cell research. The panel is moderated by David Kessler, dean of the UCSF School of Medicine and vice chancellor for medical affairs at UCSF.
ICL Forum: Lawrence Goldstein on Stem Cell Research: Dr. Lawrence Goldstein, a renowned expert on stem cells, explains the science and the promise for human health in this controversial field of research to an audience at the Institute for Continued Learning at the University of California, San Diego.
Stem Cells: The Science and Ethics: A noted neuroscientist and ethicist explains the stem cell controversy -- ethical, medical, social and economic implications--and the hope for cures.
