National Stem Cell Bank in Wisconsin
National Stem Cell Bank in Wisconsin
The National Institute of Health (NIH) formally announced today through a press release that it has awarded $16.1 million over four years to fund a National Stem Cell Bank, which will be based at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and operated by WiCell Research Institute. Two other universities, Northwestern University and the University of California-Davis, will receive a combined total of $9.6 million over 4 years as Centers of Excellence in Translational Human Stem Cell Research.
WiCell is a non-profit research institution founded in 1999 for stem cell research. The scientific director, Dr. James Thompson, was the leader of the research team that first isolate human embryonic stem cells. According to a Milwaukee Business Journal article, the Stem Cell Bank will provide the following advantages:
"A lower cost of $500 for obtaining stem cell lines for academic research, compared with $5,000 previously;
The continuing ability for academic researchers to patent any discovery made with the stem cell lines;
Comprehensive technical support;
Availability of special training classes to teach researchers how to work with stem cell lines."
An Associated Press article in Greater Milwaukee Today reports that the stem cell bank will distribute the 5 stem cells lines already held by the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It also has an agreement to distribute 6 lines that are held by the Australian based company ES Cell International. Governor Jim Doyle said that the award cemented Wisconsin’s place as a leader in stem cell research.
The two Stem Cell Centers of Excellence will work on stem cell reseach for specific diseases; at Northwestern, the research will be on using embryonic stem cells to treat spinal cord injury, and UC-Davis will do research on culturing umbilical cord stem cells, isolating renal progenitor cells, and improving cell imaging methods for tracking transplanted cells.
2 Comments:
Just wanted to say I love your Blog! Thanks for providing this great service for me and keeping me informed. I am pro stem cell research because I understand what it could bring to our medical industry. I am sick of certain groups ignorantly trying to stamp it out and trying to force their archaic superstitious beliefs onto everyone else. These I have found are primarily ignorant people most of whom couldn't even tell you what stem cell research is. I am going to direct others to your blog and ad a link on my own site to help keep people informed on this important subject. I suggest adding a donation link on your site. You deserve payment for this service and I'd be more than happy to help out in that respect.
We appreciate your comments very much. A 70 page informative paper/manual will be added in a week or two that will help educate people about stem cells and their benefits. We will also consider adding a donate button as this blog does cost money to host, write, and advertise. Thanks for your support!
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