Latest Stem Cell News 2019
19/01/2024
2019 has been an exciting year for stem cells, with rapid advancements in the field of regenerative medicine and umbilical cord blood research. We have summed up some of the key events over the past year, including the stem cell transplant which helped HIV patient enter remission as well as Michael Schumacher receiving stem cell therapy for heart failure. Keep on reading to find out more…
Ethical, safe pluripotent stem cells created with cord blood
In January, a biotech company and a Catholic non-profit organisation announced they had managed to create pluripotent stem cells from cord blood and peripheral blood.
Their method could provide an ethical alternative to using more controversial embryonic stem cells and suggests that umbilical cord blood stem cells could have even more differentiation potential than scientists originally thought.
Expanded cord blood could improve haematopoietic recovery
In February, scientists reported that expanded umbilical cord grafts could lead to quicker blood cell recovery with less risk of graft versus host disease than other stem cell grafts. In the control group, recovery took 21 days; with umbilical cord blood, it took just 11.5 days.
New cord blood study for autism
A study by Carpenter et al. investigated the effects of autologous cord blood infusions on children with autism. Results showed that umbilical cord blood was able to support the development of structural connectivity in the brain’s neural networks, which had previously been disrupted by autism.
Former EastEnders actor promotes cord blood banking
In March, former EastEnders actor Kellie Shirley encouraged new mothers to consider cord blood banking because of its life-saving properties.
Stem cell therapy could cure sepsis
In Durham, North Carolina, a study showed stem cell therapy might be able to cure sepsis. Results showed that the stem cells were well tolerated and at the highest dose, produced promising anti-inflammatory effects.
Stem cell transplant helps HIV patient enter remission
A UK patient has entered remission from HIV after receiving a stem cell transplant. Although it is too early to say the patient has been ‘cured’, researchers say the condition is now ‘undetectable’ in the patient’s body.
Renowned cord blood scientist wins award
In May, renowned cord blood scientist and researcher Hal Broxmeyer was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Cord Blood Association, which counts Cells4Life among its members. The award, which last year went to Eliane Gluckman MD, recognises Broxmeyer’s significant contributions to cord blood research, which date back more than 30 years. To mark the occasion, we looked at Broxmeyer’s top 5 achievements.
Cells4Life attends the World Advanced Therapies Regenerative Medicine Congress
We attended this year’s World Advanced Therapies Regenerative Medicine Congress. You can read our 5 takeaways from the congress about the future of medicine here.
Olympic snowboard Zoe Gillings-Brier stores again with Cells4Life
In August, Olympic snowboarder and Team GB member Zoe Gillings-Brier welcomed her second child and chose to store cord blood with us once again. She shared her story with The Telegraph Online, which you can read here.
Cells4Life receives AABB accreditation
In August, we celebrated receiving AABB accreditation, a globally renowned certification that recognises standards, practices and quality management in the collection, processing and storage of cord blood.
Michael Schumacher receives a stem cell therapy
Seven-time Formula One champion, Michael Schumacher, reportedly received a pioneering stem cell treatment for heart failure in September. It is said that he received stem cell transfusions that were intended to produce an anti-inflammatory effect throughout his body. We broke down how it works.
Emmerdale star Charley Webb stored her stem cells
In October, soap star Charley Webb stored her baby’s umbilical cord blood stem cells.
“When I was pregnant, I heard about the possibility of collecting and storing my baby’s umbilical cord stem cells, which could then be used in the future should they be needed for treatment (I hope with every part of me we never need it),” she said.
“After researching, we learned that the baby’s umbilical cord is a valuable source of stem cells, and these cells can be collected at birth and stored. These could then be used as a crucial part of treating or curing an illness.”
