The psychologist Rollo May once described depression as “the inability to construct a future”. [More]
Author Archives: Fredricko
Optogenetics: Controlling the Brain with Light [Extended Version]
Despite the enormous efforts of clinicians and researchers, our limited insight into psychiatric disease (the worldwide-leading cause of years of life lost to death or disability) hinders the search for cures and contributes to stigmatization. Clearly, we need new answers in psychiatry. But as philosopher of science Karl Popper might have said, before we can find the answers, we need the power to ask new questions. In other words, we need new technology. [More]
Controlling the Brain with Light (preview)
Every day as a practicing psychiatrist, I confront my field’s limitations. Despite the noble efforts of clinicians and researchers, our limited insight into the roots of psychiatric disease hinders the search for cures and contributes to the stigmatization of this enormous problem, the leading cause worldwide of years lost to death or disability. Clearly, we need new answers in psychiatry. But as philosopher of science Karl Popper might have said, before we can find the answers, we need the power to ask new questions. In other words, we need new technology.
Developing appropriate techniques is difficult, however, because the mammalian brain is beyond compare in its complexity. It is an intricate system in which tens of billions of intertwined neurons--with multitudinous distinct characteristics and wiring patterns--exchange precisely timed, millisecond-scale electrical signals and a rich diversity of biochemical messengers. Because of that complexity, neuroscientists lack a deep grasp of what the brain is really doing--of how specific activity patterns within specific brain cells ultimately give rise to thoughts, memories, sensations and feelings. By extension, we also do not know how the brain’s physical failures produce distinct psychiatric disorders such as depression or schizophrenia. The ruling paradigm of psychiatric disorders--casting them in terms of chemical imbalances and altered levels of neurotransmitters--does not do justice to the brain’s high-speed electrical neural circuitry. Psychiatric treatments are thus essentially serendipitous: helpful for many but rarely illuminating.
Revolution Postponed: Why the Human Genome Project Has Been Disappointing (preview)
A decade ago biologists and nonbiologists alike gushed with optimism about the medical promise of the $3-billion Human Genome Project. In announcing the first rough draft of the human “book of life” at a White House ceremony in the summer of 2000, President Bill Clinton predicted that the genome project would “revolutionize the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of most, if not all, human diseases.”
A year earlier Francis S. Collins, then head of the National Human Genome Research Institute and perhaps the project’s most tireless enthusiast, painted a grand vision of the “personalized medicine” likely to emerge from the project by the year 2010: genetic tests indicating a person’s risk for heart disease, cancer and other common maladies would be available, soon to be followed by preventives and therapies tailored to the individual.
Heightened Interest from the Medical Research Community and New Funding of International Stem Cell Corporation's (ISCO) Therapeutic Research
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO), http://www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today that the recent presentation entitled "Hepatocyte-like cells derived from patient-specific human parthenogenetic stem cells possess functions of mature human hepatocytes including P450 activity" has been identified as an "AASLD Presidential Poster of Distinction" in the Stem Cells session of The Liver Meeting, the 61st Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), in Boston, MA, one of the most prestigious annual medical and scientific conferences. The abstract of the presentation is published in the peer-reviewed supplement to Hepatology, volume 52, number 4 (SUPPL), Oct. 2010, pg 965A, the official journal of the AASLD.
ISCO's CEO Andrey Semechkin, Ph.D., said, "For our cell biologists to have received this award from the leading society in the U.S. focused on treating liver diseases, demonstrates the high caliber of research being carried out at ISCO, and that human parthenogenetic stem cells and their differentiated derivatives are becoming of greater interest to the medical research community as a potential source of therapeutically valuable cells."
ISCO also announced today the initiation of the first in a series of animal studies designed to demonstrate whether hepatocytes and their progenitors derived from the human parthenogenetic stem cells show any disease modifying activity in vivo.
Dr. Nikolay Turovets, ISCO's Director of Research and Therapeutic Development said, "ISCO's continued focus on therapeutic development is critical to show that hepatocytes derived from stem cells can reproduce missing liver function in a diseased organism. Our first series of experiments are designed to test the ability of our cells to engraft and survive in vivo. A second set of experiments will investigate the functional activity of successfully engrafted cells. Data from these studies will also be used to guide the development of future IND submissions."
In other research news, ISCO announced that a grant in which ISCO is a partner, was recently funded by the Qualified Therapeutic Discovery Project Grants Program created under the healthcare reform legislation enacted last March. The study is led by Paul H. Chen, M.D. to investigate healing after corneal surgery using ISCO's corneal epithelial cells developed by ISCO's wholly-owned subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. ISCO's cells, combined with a proprietary surgical device developed by Dr. Chen, may provide safer and better long term results than LASIK. By utilizing ISCO's human corneal cells, ISCO and Dr. Chen believe that cellular enhanced PRK could eventually replace LASIK for many of the hundreds of thousands of patients who require corrective eye surgery.
According to Dr. Chen, "This collaborative work with ISCO could lead to a safer and more effective treatment that hopefully will provide quicker visual recovery, less pain, and an improved refractive correction outcome."
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB)
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company focused on therapeutic and research products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). These proprietary cells avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryos and, unlike most other major stem cell types, can be immune matched and be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing racial groups. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology, and is developing a line of cosmeceutical products via its subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care. ISCO is advancing novel human stem cell-based therapies where cells have been proven to be efficacious but traditional small molecule and protein therapeutics have not. More information is available on ISCO's website, http://www.internationalstemcell.com.
To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications please click on the following link: http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements pertaining to anticipated developments and therapeutic applications, the potential benefits of collaborations, affiliations, and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as" could", "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates,") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products and the management of collaborations, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, application of capital resources among competing uses, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements.
Key Words: Stem cells, parthenogenesis, biotechnology, hepatocytes, liver disease
International Stem Cell Corporation
Jeffrey D. Janus
Sr. Vice President, Operations
1-760-940-6383
jjanus@intlstemcell.coma>
or
Nikolay Turovets, Ph.D.
Director of Research and Therapeutic Development
nturovets@intlstemcell.com
Heightened Interest from the Medical Research Community and New Funding of International Stem Cell Corporation’s (ISCO) Therapeutic Research
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO), http://www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today that the recent presentation entitled "Hepatocyte-like cells derived from patient-specific human parthenogenetic stem cells possess functions of mature human hepatocytes including P450 activity" has been identified as an "AASLD Presidential Poster of Distinction" in the Stem Cells session of The Liver Meeting, the 61st Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), in Boston, MA, one of the most prestigious annual medical and scientific conferences. The abstract of the presentation is published in the peer-reviewed supplement to Hepatology, volume 52, number 4 (SUPPL), Oct. 2010, pg 965A, the official journal of the AASLD.
ISCO's CEO Andrey Semechkin, Ph.D., said, "For our cell biologists to have received this award from the leading society in the U.S. focused on treating liver diseases, demonstrates the high caliber of research being carried out at ISCO, and that human parthenogenetic stem cells and their differentiated derivatives are becoming of greater interest to the medical research community as a potential source of therapeutically valuable cells."
ISCO also announced today the initiation of the first in a series of animal studies designed to demonstrate whether hepatocytes and their progenitors derived from the human parthenogenetic stem cells show any disease modifying activity in vivo.
Dr. Nikolay Turovets, ISCO's Director of Research and Therapeutic Development said, "ISCO's continued focus on therapeutic development is critical to show that hepatocytes derived from stem cells can reproduce missing liver function in a diseased organism. Our first series of experiments are designed to test the ability of our cells to engraft and survive in vivo. A second set of experiments will investigate the functional activity of successfully engrafted cells. Data from these studies will also be used to guide the development of future IND submissions."
In other research news, ISCO announced that a grant in which ISCO is a partner, was recently funded by the Qualified Therapeutic Discovery Project Grants Program created under the healthcare reform legislation enacted last March. The study is led by Paul H. Chen, M.D. to investigate healing after corneal surgery using ISCO's corneal epithelial cells developed by ISCO's wholly-owned subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. ISCO's cells, combined with a proprietary surgical device developed by Dr. Chen, may provide safer and better long term results than LASIK. By utilizing ISCO's human corneal cells, ISCO and Dr. Chen believe that cellular enhanced PRK could eventually replace LASIK for many of the hundreds of thousands of patients who require corrective eye surgery.
According to Dr. Chen, "This collaborative work with ISCO could lead to a safer and more effective treatment that hopefully will provide quicker visual recovery, less pain, and an improved refractive correction outcome."
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB)
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company focused on therapeutic and research products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). These proprietary cells avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryos and, unlike most other major stem cell types, can be immune matched and be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing racial groups. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology, and is developing a line of cosmeceutical products via its subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care. ISCO is advancing novel human stem cell-based therapies where cells have been proven to be efficacious but traditional small molecule and protein therapeutics have not. More information is available on ISCO's website, http://www.internationalstemcell.com.
To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications please click on the following link: http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements pertaining to anticipated developments and therapeutic applications, the potential benefits of collaborations, affiliations, and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as" could", "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates,") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products and the management of collaborations, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, application of capital resources among competing uses, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements.
Key Words: Stem cells, parthenogenesis, biotechnology, hepatocytes, liver disease
International Stem Cell Corporation
Jeffrey D. Janus
Sr. Vice President, Operations
1-760-940-6383
jjanus@intlstemcell.com
or
Nikolay Turovets, Ph.D.
Director of Research and Therapeutic Development
nturovets@intlstemcell.com
Natural Ways of Reducing Bad Cholesterol Levels
A group of researchers found that eating 45 grams of dark chocolate in a day for a period of 16 weeks can potentially reduce the cholesterols levels of diabetic patients.
Understanding Bad Cholesterol
There are two types of cholesterols in the body: the good and bad. Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) is referred to as bad cholesterol since high levels of LDL results to a higher risk of developing coronary and cardiovascular diseases. It interferes with healthy blood flow by sticking on artery walls and forming a thick and hard cholesterol plaque. This narrows the blood passages in a process called atherosclerosis.
There’s a good type of cholesterol, on the other hand, that is essential in preventing and reversing the adverse effects of LDL accumulation by extracting the bad cholesterol from the walls of the artery and removing them from the body through the liver. The body needs to have more of the good cholesterol in order to function properly. Good cholesterol is responsible for promoting the fluidity and permeability of membranes and it is also essential in the manufacturing of bile acids that breaks down fats and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin D and vitamin A.
A person’s bad cholesterol level is greatly influenced by his diet and hereditary condition. Eating foods with high contents of saturated fats will result to the accumulation of bad cholesterol in the blood. Rich sources of saturated fats are dairy products and meat. Vegetable oils from cocoa, palm and coconut are also rich in saturated fats. There is a specific health condition which may result to high LDL levels despite minimal intake of saturated fats. This is called familial hypercholesterolemia which literally means more cholesterol in the blood. It can be inherited and is usually brought about by the lack of cholesterol receptors in the cells of the liver. Note that the liver is responsible for the processing of LDL cholesterols. This condition can result to atherosclerosis and other coronary diseases in early adulthood. High cholesterol levels have also been linked by different studies to diabetes.
There will always be a natural way of reducing the risk of health conditions such as coronary diseases and diabetes. Medical experts will always recommend healthy diet and active lifestyle on top of anything else. A group of researchers from the Hull York Medical School of the University of Hull found that eating one of our most favorite bitter-sweet treats can reduce the cholesterol levels of diabetic patients.
Dark Chocolate against High Cholesterol in Diabetics
An Overview
A group of researchers from the Hull York Medical School published a study in Diabetic Medicine saying that dark chocolate has the capacity to lower cholesterol levels in people suffering from diabetes. Their findings may sound incongruous but they have found that eating 45 grams of dark chocolate reduced the cholesterol levels of 12 diabetic participants in a study period of 4 months. The head of the research team and professor of diabetes and endocrinology, Steve Atkins, said that their study demonstrated that dark chocolate can result to the reduction of cardiovascular risk caused by insulin resistance and being overweight. The 12 participants had type 2 diabetes, a condition wherein cells are weakly responsive to insulin naturally produced by the body.
The Benefits of Polyphenols
The researchers linked the positive results of their study to polyphenols found in cocoa. This compound has a powerful anti-inflammatory property, making it a strong and effective antioxidant. As its natural function, polyphenols protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals and prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol which causes it to become glued to artery walls, causing atherosclerosis. A person can maintain high levels of polyphenols in the body by eating foods rich in polyphenols; topping the list is cacao alongside green tea and wine. The researchers suggested for chocolate manufacturers to create smaller packages of dark chocolate bars in order to give individuals with diabetes a better way to manage their intake of polyphenol-rich chocolates and so they can better take advantage of its benefits in lowering their blood cholesterol levels.
The Methodology and Results
The researchers recruited a group of 12 diabetic patients and gave them 3 bars of 15-gram dark chocolate bars per day for a period of 16 weeks. The chocolate bars contained 85 percent cocoa and other placebo bars did not have any cocoa content and was only dyed to achieve the same color as dark chocolate. They said that the bars were no bigger than a banana and, unlike the usual way of eating a banana, the bars were eaten at different points of the day. The researchers also said that dark chocolate has a low glycaemic index which related to the release of glucose into the blood stream from sugars.
Though the researchers used a very small group, the participants did not report any increase in weight nor did they experience problems in controlling their blood sugar levels brought by their existing health condition. They said that the study is only a preliminary of more and bigger studies to come and they will be releasing more information regarding their findings in the following days.
Foods against Bad Cholesterol
The body’s bad cholesterol level is a major health concern. High levels of bad cholesterol in the body may result to coronary problems and other serious health problems. But eating the right kind of foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help in managing cholesterol levels and promoting a healthier body.
The body needs soluble fiber in order to sweep out saturated fats which can increase the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood. Soluble fiber can be found in oatmeal, prunes, barley, pears apples and kidney beans. Including some of the fiber-rich foods in ones daily diet can reduce the risk of developing diseases caused by bad cholesterol.
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, tuna, sardines, herring, lake trout and mackerel can also help in lowering bad cholesterol levels. Omega-3 fatty acids help in reducing blood pressure by preventing the clotting of the blood and the accumulation of bad cholesterol on the walls of the arteries.
Almonds, walnuts and other kinds of nuts are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids which helps maintain the smooth passage of blood through the blood vessels and reduce blood cholesterol levels. Eating around 43 grams of nuts can lower the risk of developing heart diseases according to the Food and Drug Administration. But keep in mind that nuts are packed with calories so eating a handful can be enough.
Other foods that can lower bad cholesterol levels are those fortified with plant sterols like yogurt drinks, orange juice and margarine. Eating at least 2 grams of plant sterols through rich food sources can lower LDL cholesterol by more than 10 percent.
Sources:
nutraingredients.com
medicinenet.com
raysahelian.com
mayoclinic.com
webmd.com
Tips on Arthritis and Obesity Prevention
A study showed that obesity can increase the risk of developing arthritis.
Obesity is a global problem and is thought to be second to smoking as one of the contributory cause of cancer. It is a medical condition associated with the excessive storage of body fat which can lead to serious health conditions and reduced life expectancy. A body mass index above 30 kilograms per square meter is considered obese. The list of common health conditions that are induced and intensified by obesity include some types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
There are several factors that cause obesity. In a nutshell, the consumption of a greater number of calories than what the body burns results to the disproportionate storage of fat. An unhealthy diet and an inactive lifestyle are two of the primary causes of obesity and obviously, the best recommended cure is the modification of one’s diet and increased physical activity. Among the chronic conditions caused by obesity is arthritis.
The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report published on October 8 stated that arthritis limits the physical activity of over 21 million people. Obesity is now being linked to arthritis and the study showed that an excess in weight serves as a hindrance to having healthy joints basically because it affects joint movement. And according to the report, unless Americans learn to control their weight, the prevalence of arthritis will remain on the rise. Just like obesity, arthritis is a major public health problem that can be effectively prevented through weight management which includes increased physical activities, diet modification, and proper education.
The Link between Obesity and Arthritis
The National Health Interview Survey for the year 2007 to 2009 indicated that more than 22 percent of adults aged 18 and above are diagnosed with arthritis. This is an equivalent of almost 50 million people. More than 21 million people in this group had reported limited body movements and decreased physical activities. In the population suffering from obesity, on the other hand, more than 33 percent of women and over 25 percent of men have arthritis. This is more than twice of the arthritis prevalence in people with normal or below normal weight, with almost 14 percent in men and about 19 percent in women.
Though the prevalence of arthritis is commonly linked to a person’s age, issues such as lifestyle, physical activity, weight, and even educational attainment are also some of the factors that can increase the risk. The report also showed that the limitations in physical activities that cause arthritis are caused by the ageing population and rising rates of obesity.
The ageing population and increasing prevalence of obesity are expected to increase the rates of developing arthritis in the next 20 years according to the report. The expected number of adults with arthritis can go up as much as 67 million by 2010. The other findings of the study showed that more than 24 percent of women and 18 percent of men were surveyed with doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Almost 22 percent of the survey participants whose educational attainment was less than a high school diploma had arthritis, comparatively higher than the 20 percent of people who spent a few years in college. In addition to this, almost 24 percent of people with sedentary lifestyle have arthritis, a lot lesser than the 19 percent who engaged in increased physical activities.
The survey participants were asked if they were diagnosed with any form of arthritis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, gout or fibromyalgia by a medical expert. According to the report, arthritis results to an annual cost of $128 billion on a national scale and the condition is one of the common causes of disability. The risk of getting knee osteoarthritis is more than 60 percent in obese individuals. The report also suggested that even an 11-pound reduction in weight can reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis by 50 percent and mortality rate also by half.
Tips to Prevent Obesity
Obesity and arthritis can come hand in hand. This suggests that one of the best ways to prevent the development of obesity is by properly managing weight. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone: you are avoiding obesity and at the same time reducing the risk of developing arthritis.
It needs to be understood that obesity is caused by the over-consumption of calories while getting less than recommended physical activities. The best approach is by being aware of your calorie intake while increasing physical activity at the same time in order to burn any stored fat. Identifying any early indications of obesity is also key to preventing the condition from becoming a serious problem.
Remember to:
- Maintain an active lifestyle. Though going to the gym or jogging around the park may be more recommendable, having an active lifestyle can be achieved in the comforts of your own home like doing open backyard activities.
- Monitor weight regularly. It’s difficult to always count the calories. Though you may always need to think about the food you eat, counting calories down to the last piece of candy may become too obsessive and stressful. The better way of doing it is by monitoring your weight on a regular basis. This will tell you if you have been eating well and if you are getting enough physical activities to burn the extra pounds.
- Eat right. There’s no better way of managing your weight but by eating the right kind of foods. Fresh fruits, vegetables and foods rich in fiber, like whole grains, are best in flushing out saturated fats from the other foods you eat. Eating regularly and slowly will also help in the better digestion of food.
Tips to Prevent Arthritis
Food rich in bad cholesterol, saturated fats, sodium, and uric acid leads and worsens arthritis. The recommended diet to prevent and alleviate arthritic conditions consists of consuming healthy foods such as:
- Parsley
- Watercress
- Celery
- Carrots
- wheat grass products
- barley
- pecans
- avocados
- soy products
- whole grain products like oats, millet, barley, wheat
- cold water fishes like sardines, salmon and herring.
Foods rich in antioxidants like omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, bioflavonoids, carotenes and vitamin C has also been found to reduce the inflammation of the joints caused by free radicals.
Meanwhile, foods containing high amounts of calcium inhibitors have been found to increase the risk of arthritis. So try to avoid the following:
- red meat
- chicken
- eggs
- dairy products
- coffee
- alcohol
Foods with high contents of oxalic acid like plums, cranberries, rhubarb, spinach and chard can also cause and worsen arthritis.
Chinese mushroom found to have powerful anti-aging benefits
The cordyceps mushroom is back in the spotlight again, except this time for its anti-aging properties. Researchers from Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc., and LifeGen Technologies have found that Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4), a traditional Chinese mushroom, is a powerful anti-aging food with the ability to improve energy metabolism, decrease fatigue, bolster endurance levels and lengthen lifespan.
Back in March, we covered breakthrough research on the power of cordyceps to treat cancer (http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=22848,http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=22276), but the new research has found even more beneficial uses for this emerging superfood. By encouraging human genes to express in ways that promote longevity, cordyceps has incredible potential in helping to reverse the negative effects of aging.
"We're making great breakthroughs in gene expression science that have application in the fields of health and longevity," explained Joe Chang, Ph.D., chief scientific officer and executive vice president of development at Nu Skin. "These studies ... help validate the critical role gene expression modulation plays in the aging process. We believe that the future of anti-aging is in developing consumer solutions that support youthful gene expression." Read more...
Youtharia for Anti-Aging & Longevity
Western medicine teams up..
This LA Times article will let you see where Integrative Medicine may be taken over by major medical centers. There are some important observations made by this Times Staff Writer that can help you differentiate for your clients what you offer them from what these centers are doing.
The concerns voiced about appearing unscientific etc. by a cancer patient here is important to appreciate. Please understand that in my view, no one is fully offering adequate Vitamin C based programs to their patients. The books written can provide your patient with scientific information that will help most begin to deal with their problem of ill health, which virtually always needs to be a multifactorial approach. They can start with Irwin Stone's Vitamin C The Healing Factor, which anyone can obtain free of charge from following the links on Wikipedia after you search on Vitamin C, to newer books like Dr Levy and Dr Hickey have written or the audiotape by Dr Riordan. Read more...
More information's about detox diets
Experimental Treatment Could Fight Muscular Dystrophy
(HealthDay News) -- Injecting a therapeutic molecule into muscle appears to jump-start the production of a crucial protein that's missing in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, British researchers report.
The treatment so far is only applicable to about 13 percent of people with the debilitating and ultimately fatal disease, but scientists are hopeful that similar molecules might expand the treatment to a wider range of patients.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy affects about one in 3,500 males, and involves a progressive wasting of muscle due to a genetic inability to produce the protein dystrophin, a key component of muscle structure. No treatments are available for the illness, and most of those affected die by age 30.
Recently, molecules called antisense oligonucleotides have shown some promise. These molecules work by "skipping over" portions of the defective gene that would otherwise block dystrophin production. Read more...
Notes from The Chairman Concerning ISCO Price Fluctuations
As a matter of policy, we at ISCO refrain from commenting on movements in the price of our stock. However, events yesterday were so unusual and have resulted in so many questions, that I think it is our duty to our shareholders to tell you what we know.
As best we can determine, Patrick Cox, who has been and continues to be a strong supporter of our company, was required yesterday by his publisher to cease coverage of our stock and issue a sell recommendation because he has an equity interest in a company with which we do business that could have been perceived as a conflict of interest. That has resulted in numerous negative comments on investor message boards that referred to the sell recommendation without giving the background or a full explanation. As a result, I felt it was important that we put the day's events into proper context. The following are what I believe to be the relevant excerpts from Patrick's article:
As you know, I've been a huge promoter of International Stem Cell Corp.'s (OTCBB: ISCO) parthenogenic stem cell technology. I've not only told you about the company, but I appeared on John Mauldin's podcast show with ISCO board chairman Ken Aldrich about six months ago. Aldrich and Mauldin subsequently became friends and found that their organizations were a perfect fit for marketing ISCO's cosmeceutical skin care product.
John Mauldin asked me to be a part of that organization. We looked hard at Agora Financial's policies as well as applicable SEC regulations and concluded that there would be no conflict of interest because the position gave me no direct interest in ISCO or its stock price....
My publisher, however, has grown increasingly uncomfortable with this arrangement. The reason is not that Agora Financial believes that there would be an actual conflict of interest. Rather, it is that it might be perceived as one by some, in particular SEC lawyers....
My publisher's trading policy's aim, however, is to keep me purely objective and disinterested. This policy is debatable, but I respect it. My only option, therefore, is to issue a sell order or face the wrath of a disappointed spouse.
You can probably guess what that means. I'm going to have to issue a sell order.
Patrick followed that with a supplement, in which he said, in part,
Just to re-iterate, now that I've seen the price action from this afternoon's sell alert, I'm not parting with the shares of International Stem Cell Corp. (OTCBB: ISCO) because I believe they are a bad investment (my feelings, as you probably know, are quite the opposite)...ISCO still has the transformational potential that I've told you about. The only real change is that I won't be able to update you from here on out -- due to an over abundance of caution from my publisher.
Obviously, we can't know for certain if these articles caused the price movement yesterday, but we believe they were a major factor. Moreover, the comments and the response of investors to them are beyond our control, but we do want to reassure all interested parties that there is no information of which we are aware to justify the price fluctuation that occurred yesterday.
I hope this will prove helpful.
Sincerely,
Ken Aldrich
Chairman
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:
Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, the potential benefits of collaborations, affiliations, and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates,") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products and the management of collaborations, regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, application of capital resources among competing uses, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements.
International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Completion of Its First Manufacturing Run of Lifeline Skin Care's Stem Cell-Based Skin Rejuvenation…
International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Completion of Its First Manufacturing Run of Lifeline Skin Care's Stem Cell-Based Skin Rejuvenation Products
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), http://www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care, Inc., in partnership with an experienced OTC drug licensed manufacturer of cosmetic products, successfully manufactured its first scaled-up lots of stem cell-based skin creams, confirming that these unique products can be made in larger batch quantities and continue to meet Lifeline's high quality standards. This marks an important milestone in proving that two new technologies, the derivation of human parthenogenetic stem cells, and the packaging and delivery of critical anti-aging ingredients, including those derived from stem cells, can be scaled-up into a level of production suitable to meet commercial levels of demand.
Lifeline Skin Care's product development scientists have combined human parthenogenetic stem cell technology with the latest discoveries in skin rejuvenation to create its unique day and night skin care creams. ISCO's scientists were the first to intentionally create human parthenogenetic stem cells from unfertilized human eggs, thus avoiding the ethical concerns of harming a viable human embryo. ISCO's therapeutic research team discovered that such cells had qualities that made them suitable for skin care products, thus leading to the formation of ISCO's wholly-owned subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care. Valuable assistance from ISCO's other wholly-owned subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology, allowed the rapid transition and scale-up of a research-based discovery into a quality-controlled commercial product. Lifeline Cell Technology is staffed with experts in the manufacture and quality control of cell based products.
According to Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, CEO of Lifeline Skin Care, "Although it will be necessary to continue to develop new technologies to further scale-up the production of our new skin care products, this first successful manufacturing run proves that the team of ISCO's therapeutic research scientists, in combination with Lifeline Skin Care's product development expertise and Lifeline Cell Technology's manufacturing and quality control expertise, has the ability to quickly develop and commercialize new products using stem cell technologies."
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB)
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company focused on therapeutic and research products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). These proprietary cells avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryos and, unlike most other major stem cell types, can be immune matched and be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing racial groups. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology, and is developing a line of cosmeceutical products via its subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care. ISCO is advancing novel human stem cell-based therapies where cells have been proven to be efficacious but traditional small molecule and protein therapeutics have not. More information is available on ISCO's website, http://www.internationalstemcell.com.
To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications please click on the following link: http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, the potential benefits of collaborations, affiliations, and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates,") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products and the management of collaborations, regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, application of capital resources among competing uses, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements.
Key Words: Stem cells, parthenogenesis, biotechnology, skin care
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
1-760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
Lifeline Skin Care, Inc.
Ruslan Semechkin, Ph.D., President & CEO
Vice President, International Stem Cell Corporation
ras@intlstemcell.com
International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Completion of Its First Manufacturing Run of Lifeline Skin Care’s Stem Cell-Based Skin Rejuvenation…
International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Completion of Its First Manufacturing Run of Lifeline Skin Care's Stem Cell-Based Skin Rejuvenation Products
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), http://www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care, Inc., in partnership with an experienced OTC drug licensed manufacturer of cosmetic products, successfully manufactured its first scaled-up lots of stem cell-based skin creams, confirming that these unique products can be made in larger batch quantities and continue to meet Lifeline's high quality standards. This marks an important milestone in proving that two new technologies, the derivation of human parthenogenetic stem cells, and the packaging and delivery of critical anti-aging ingredients, including those derived from stem cells, can be scaled-up into a level of production suitable to meet commercial levels of demand.
Lifeline Skin Care's product development scientists have combined human parthenogenetic stem cell technology with the latest discoveries in skin rejuvenation to create its unique day and night skin care creams. ISCO's scientists were the first to intentionally create human parthenogenetic stem cells from unfertilized human eggs, thus avoiding the ethical concerns of harming a viable human embryo. ISCO's therapeutic research team discovered that such cells had qualities that made them suitable for skin care products, thus leading to the formation of ISCO's wholly-owned subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care. Valuable assistance from ISCO's other wholly-owned subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology, allowed the rapid transition and scale-up of a research-based discovery into a quality-controlled commercial product. Lifeline Cell Technology is staffed with experts in the manufacture and quality control of cell based products.
According to Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, CEO of Lifeline Skin Care, "Although it will be necessary to continue to develop new technologies to further scale-up the production of our new skin care products, this first successful manufacturing run proves that the team of ISCO's therapeutic research scientists, in combination with Lifeline Skin Care's product development expertise and Lifeline Cell Technology's manufacturing and quality control expertise, has the ability to quickly develop and commercialize new products using stem cell technologies."
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB)
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company focused on therapeutic and research products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). These proprietary cells avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryos and, unlike most other major stem cell types, can be immune matched and be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing racial groups. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology, and is developing a line of cosmeceutical products via its subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care. ISCO is advancing novel human stem cell-based therapies where cells have been proven to be efficacious but traditional small molecule and protein therapeutics have not. More information is available on ISCO's website, http://www.internationalstemcell.com.
To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications please click on the following link: http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, the potential benefits of collaborations, affiliations, and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates,") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products and the management of collaborations, regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, application of capital resources among competing uses, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements.
Key Words: Stem cells, parthenogenesis, biotechnology, skin care
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
1-760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
Lifeline Skin Care, Inc.
Ruslan Semechkin, Ph.D., President & CEO
Vice President, International Stem Cell Corporation
ras@intlstemcell.com
The Harmful Effects of Chemotherapy to the Body
Severe Low Blood Sugar Won't Harm Brain
(HealthDay News) -- People with type 1 diabetes don't need to worry that they may have brain function problems in the future if they've had a bout or two of severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), a new study suggests.
Researchers found that while serious hypoglycemic episodes did sometimes occur as a result of aggressive diabetes control, those low blood sugar events didn't have any effect on cognitive function.
"Hypoglycemia did not seem to predict the advent of worsening cognitive function," said the study's lead author, Dr. Alan Jacobson, director of the behavioral and mental health research program at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston.
"Of course, it goes without saying that hypoglycemia can be a serious problem," he added. "But, if you've had a more severe hypoglycemia event, at least it appears that you don't have to worry that 10 years later you may have trouble doing your job or thinking," he said.
Results of the study were published in the May 3 New England Journal of Medicine. Read more...
Severe Low Blood Sugar Won’t Harm Brain
(HealthDay News) -- People with type 1 diabetes don't need to worry that they may have brain function problems in the future if they've had a bout or two of severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), a new study suggests.
Researchers found that while serious hypoglycemic episodes did sometimes occur as a result of aggressive diabetes control, those low blood sugar events didn't have any effect on cognitive function.
"Hypoglycemia did not seem to predict the advent of worsening cognitive function," said the study's lead author, Dr. Alan Jacobson, director of the behavioral and mental health research program at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston.
"Of course, it goes without saying that hypoglycemia can be a serious problem," he added. "But, if you've had a more severe hypoglycemia event, at least it appears that you don't have to worry that 10 years later you may have trouble doing your job or thinking," he said.
Results of the study were published in the May 3 New England Journal of Medicine. Read more...
Desperation Drives Parents to Dubious Autism Treatments (preview)
When Jim Laidler’s oldest son, Benjamin, was diagnosed with autism, he and his wife started looking for help. “The neurologists were saying, ‘We don’t know what causes autism, and we don’t know what the outcome for your son will be,’” Laidler relates. “No one was saying, ‘Here’s what causes it; here’s what treats it.’”
But when the Laidlers, who live in Portland, Ore., searched the Web, they found dozens of “biomedical” treatments that promised to improve or even cure Benjamin’s inability to talk, interact socially or control his movements. So the parents tried them on their son. They began with vitamin B6 and magnesium, the nutritional supplements dimethylglycine and trimethylglycine, vitamin A, gluten- and casein-free diets, the digestive hormone secretin, and chelation, a drug therapy designed to purge the body of lead and mercury. They applied the purported treatments to Benjamin’s little brother, David, who also was diagnosed with autism. Chelation did not seem to help much. Any effect from secretin was hard to tell. The diets showed promise; the Laidlers hauled special food with them everywhere. And Mom and Dad continued to feed the boys dozens of supplements, calibrating doses up and down with every change in behavior.
International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Launch Plans for New Skin Care Products
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), http://www.internationalstemcell.com, and a new firm to be formed by John Mauldin announced today the formation of a new joint marketing venture to launch a line of skin care products developed by ISCO's wholly owned subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care, Inc. ('LSC'). Mauldin, a significant marketing talent, is president of Millennium Wave Investments and author of an economic letter that goes to over 1.5 million readers.
Lifeline Skin Care's products have been in active development for well over a year and involve a unique high-technology, patent pending formulation for skin rejuvenation crèmes, developed using ISCO's proprietary 'parthenogenetic' stem cells that do not require the use of fertilized embryos. The product was discovered during ISCO's therapeutic stem cell research that revealed the stem cell's potential applications in skin cell rejuvenation. Part of the discovery included developing a way to surround the proteins from the stem cells with a nanovesicle allowing for extended shelf life and enhanced delivery of the product to the skin. Independent third party testing indicates that the crèmes (one for day and one for nighttime application) have significant positive effects on the look and feel of the skin.
'This represents an amazing leap forward in the combination of a variety of cutting edge technologies to yield products that have the potential to find significant consumer acceptance. The anti-aging market is extremely large, and Lifeline Skin Care is offering something completely new and different. We are excited about the prospects,' said Kenneth Aldrich, Chairman of ISCO.
Because the LSC products involve a unique extract from living parthenogenetic stem cells, rather than 'off the shelf' ingredients used by most skin care products, it takes additional time to manufacture the products. Building inventory in advance of demand is critical to avoid disappointing customers.
ISCO and LSC believe the collaboration with Mauldin will provide a much broader potential customer base and a much lower market cost per customer than the alternative marketing programs previously considered. As a result, LSC has revised its previously announced marketing launch plans to be certain that it will have adequate product on hand to meet initial demand.
The initial product offering will be to ISCO's own database of investors and followers, originally set to launch October and now scheduled for November to coordinate with Mauldin's timetable. That will be followed with an offering to Mauldin's extensive subscription base and to a select market of other potential purchasers.
Only after these initial offerings have been completed, involving a total of over 1.5 million potential customers, will more broad scale product offerings be made. 'This will enable us to measure probable future demand, assure our loyal investors and Mauldin's subscribers and affiliates that they will be able to purchase all the products they require while allowing LSC to build an inventory of the unique stem cell extract that is at the heart of this new product,' said Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, CEO of Lifeline Skin Care.
'We are extraordinarily excited to be able to offer LSC's products to our loyal client base in a way that assures they will be able to obtain the product they want, plus monthly refills as required, in spite of the fact that LSC's products are unique and require time and care by many people to bring to market,' said John Mauldin, founder and Chairman of Millennium. 'This is a truly revolutionary approach to skin care. Early test results are very promising and I am excited to be associated with a company of the scientific reputation of International Stem Cell Corporation and their world-renowned staff.'
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB)
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company focused on therapeutic and research products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). These proprietary cells avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryos and, unlike most other major stem cell types, can be immune matched and be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing racial groups. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology, and is developing a line of cosmeceutical products via its subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care. ISCO is advancing novel human stem cell-based therapies where cells have been proven to be efficacious but traditional small molecule and protein therapeutics have not. More information is available on ISCO's website, http://www.internationalstemcell.com.
To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications please click on the following link: http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements pertaining to anticipated developments and therapeutic applications, the potential benefits of collaborations, affiliations, and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates,") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products and the management of collaborations, regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, application of capital resources among competing uses, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's
business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements.
Key Words: Stem cells, parthenogenesis, biotechnology, skin care
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
1-760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
Lifeine Skin Care, Inc.
Ruslan Semechkin, Ph.D., President & CEO
Vice President, ISCO
ras@intlstemcell.com
COSMODERM XIV – The International Aesthetic Dermatology Congress of the European Society for Cosmetic & Aesthetic Dermatology (ESCAD) (Dec 09-12, 2010, Dresden, Germany, Europe)
As a part of an international congress series, COSMODERMoutlines a forum where clinical dermatologists, academicdermatologists, and scientists have an opportunity todiscuss both background and practical impact of ageing,aesthetics and related conditions and diseases, and toexperience the latest developments and achievements intechnology, technical equipment, and drug development.