Breast Cancer Stem Cells Progress

Breast Cancer Stem Cells Progress

Canadian researchers at the University of Calgary have developed a method to grow large quantities of breast cancer stem cells for laboratory research. The Regina Leader-Post says that the researchers are using a bioreactor that mimics the human body, similar to a technology which they previously used to grow large numbers of insulin-producing cells for diabetic patients. The Calgary Sun reports that the stem cells will initially come from mice. The bioreactor technology has previously been used for protein production.

One of the important things that seems to me to be happening in science is the ability to create research environments that are less artificial and more like what happens in the body. Simultaneously there’s also an improvement in computer programming that can analyze and predict reactions without as much need for an animal model. Both of these suggest to me that researchers are getting closer to understanding the cell as an organism in its own right and not as a component part that can be disassembled to see how it works. It’s not surprising that improvements in research technology lead to changes in understanding and thinking about the subject of the research, but it’s gratifying to see that progress being made.

Frist to Bring Legislation to Floor This Summer

Frist to Bring Legislation to Floor This Summer

The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Senate Majority leader Bill Frist yesterday said that he would bring stem cell legislation to the floor of the Senate this summer. One of the leading sponsors of the proposed bill that would increase funding for embryonic stem cell research is Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, who yesterday held a news conference with other Senators calling for debate on the issue. He also had the support of former First Lady Nancy Reagan via a letter.

The rest of the article essentially sums up background on the issue. Frist said that the delay was caused by “trying to appease different factions.” (That’s a quote from the article, not from Frist.)

Inside Higher Ed also has a column on the issue, which included one researcher as saying that given the present situation, young scientists might wonder about how long the research can continue. The researcher did, however, think that the climate was changing in Congress. (And we all know that Bush doesn’t believe in climate change…sorry, couldn’t resist that pun.) According to the column, “The senators urged the public to bombard Frist with calls, faxes and e-mails.” Well, here’s his e-mail if you want to make your voice heard: http://frist.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=AboutSenatorFrist.ContactForm
It is a contact form that asks you to select the issue and not a straight e-mail. Stem Cells are not listed as a topic (I suggest you choose “Health”), and you are limited to 1000 characters (approximately 250 words).

A short UPI story on the topic can be found on Monsters and Critics.

Creating New hESC Lines

Creating New hESC Lines

A story in the Orange County Register reports that the University of California-Irvine will be working with a fertility clinic in Orange County to create five new embryonic stem cell lines. The cells will be derived from fertilized eggs that would otherwise be thrown away. The money will come from private funds; the team leader, Hans Kierstead, said it will take about $100,000 a year for several years. Funding is not complete yet.