2010 WORLD STEM CELL SUMMIT REVIEW
The 2010 World Stem Cell Summit, devoted broadly to the advances and present status of stem cell technology at large, showed a greater focus than ever before on ALS.
A free public education event was held on Sunday, October 3, at the Detroit Science Museum, where Indestructible had another successful showing in the remarkable Toyota Theatre. The Executive Directors of both the UK National Stem Cell Network and the Australian Stem Cell Centre were in attendance and are now planning to sponsor showings of Indestructible in those countries.
On Day One, Governor Jennifer Granholm (D-MI), gave a rousing speech, reconfirming Michigan's commitment to stem cell research, having recently amended their constitution through Proposition 2 that assures continuing stem cell research and even greater development in the state.
A. Alfred Taubman, the notable financier, philanthropist and founder of the Taubman Research Institute, received the National Advocacy Award and encouraged the Awards Dinner audience with his comments. ALS WORLDWIDE received the Grassroots Advocacy Award that was both gratifying and motivating to its founders to more diligently advocate for stem cell research.
David Gelber of CBS 60 Minutes and Stephen Byer presented and discussed the background of "21st Century Snake Oil Salesman" along with Heather Rooke from International Society for Stem Cell Research and Megan Munsie of the Australian Stem Cell Centre. The program succeeded in creating awareness and providing evaluation methods to distinguish legitimate and valid research from that which is fraudulent.
Later that day, Tecnologico de Monterrey provided an interim report on their Phase II Stem Cell Clinical Teststudy that was very informative and well received. Attendees are awaiting both the Phase II published study and the start of Phase III which is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2011.
We are pleased to announce our most recent publication, A Patient's Guide through the Maze of Stem Cell Transplantation which can be viewed here. More than 1000 copies were distributed by Genetics Policy Institute at the Summit to all registered attendees. If you would like a hard copy sent to you without charge, please email PUBLICATIONS with your name and address. This 24-page booklet provides a closer look at the science of stem cells, available procedures and clinical studies, a rating of worldwide facilities and the emergence of ALS WORLDWIDE, all of which we hope you will find informative.
The 2010 World Stem Cell Summit went far above and beyond our best expectations. Many brilliant scientists, educators, physicians and researchers presented current efforts in breakthrough research or state of the art updates. Drs. Eva Feldman, Jonathan Glass and Nicholas Boulis gave an in-depth report on the Neuralstem trial. Here is the CNN program hosted by Sanjay Gupta of CNN.
Louis M. Guenin, J.D., a lecturer on ethics in science at Harvard Medical School, gave an eloquent speech on the legality of embryonic stem cell research. His recent publication, The Morality of Embryo Use and a draft of a bill to legalize all stem cell research can be read on his website.
William Haseltine, PhD, professor at Harvard Medical School from 1976-1993, well known for his pioneering work on cancer, HIV/AIDS and genomics, Founder of Human Genome Sciences, president of ACCESS Health International and prolific author, brilliantly presented on the future of stem cells and regenerative medicine. A coalition of scientists, physicians and insurance executives led by Taburit of Israel, has started the implementation of a full-scale stem cell storage and protocol insurance program to be available worldwide.
Dedicated stem cell advocates Danny Heumann, Sabrina Cohen, Grant Albrecht, Chris Hempel, Sheri Mark and Laura Jackson shared their proven methods for raising awareness, fund raising and furtherance of research efforts. Dr. Wise Young of Rutgers and others identified the burgeoning uses of cord blood, once derided as an obsolete method of delivering stem cells. Many others contributed great insights, new information and guidance in the quest for more immediate and fullest use of stem cell technology to benefit humankind.
For those who were unable to attend, please visit World Stem Cell Report for a review of this important event. The next World Stem Cell Summit will be held October 3-5, 2011 in Pasadena, California.
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