AABB-Accredited Cord Blood Banks Prepare for Implementation of New Standards and Regulations
In late 2004, the AABB unveiled a new set of cord blood banking regulations, a drastic overhaul of their previous regulations. These new regulations are aimed to improve the safety and quality of cord blood preservation and are set to become effective May 1, 2005. All cord blood banks that are currently AABB accredited received notices by the end of February 2005 that their facilities would be inspected during May and June to ensure that their services are in keeping with the new regulations. In order for these banks to maintain their AABB accreditation, they will need to fulfill the new standards by this time.
Source: Yahoo! NewsMarch 29, 2005
US Team Finds Alternative Stem Cell Source New research done in the US has lead researchers to state that stem cells from hair follicles may be useful in future medical treatment as they have shown the ability to develop into nerve cells. During the study, investigators examined stem cells taken from mouse whiskers. These stem cells were able to mature into neurons, skin cells, smooth muscle cells and pigment-producing cells. Scientists believe that these hair follicles may be a viable source of stem cells and that, in the future, it could be possible to use a persons own hair follicle as a source of stem cells to grow tissue. These findings back-up previous research done in September by another American team who found that hair follicle stem cells can grow patches of skin, sweat glands and new hair. Source: Guardian UnlimitedMarch 24, 2005
Stem-Cell Patient Walking After Controversial Surgery A New Zealand woman has regained her ability to talk after undergoing a controversial stem cell surgery in China. Willie Terpstra was diagnosed a year ago with motor neuron disease, which slowly hindered her ability to do many things including eating and talking. Because the use of fetal stem cells is banned in New Zealand, Terpstra traveled to Beijing to have the surgery done. During the procedure, Terpstra had millions of stem cells injected into her skull. Since the operation on March 21, 2005, Terpstra has noticed a steady improvement in her condition. She has regained the ability to drink on her own as well as talk. Terpstra is to remain in hospital for another two weeks before returning home to New Zealand. Source: New Zealand HeraldMarch 1, 2005
Women Adopt Frozen Embryos, Save Them from Science A new program at a fertility clinic in Barcelona, Spain allows women to adopt frozen embryos and have them implanted thereby sparing the embryos from scientific research. This scheme coincides with changes made by the Spanish government, which permits the use of frozen embryos in stem cell research. While some of the people who have adopted the embryos have done so for the purpose of conceiving a pregnancy, others have adopted solely to save the embryo from research. Opponents of stem cell research, including the Roman Catholic Church, have deemed the use of human embryos for scientific studies unethical. Currently, 14 women are pregnant with adopted embryos. Source: Reuters
