Is Stem Cell the key to cure diseases?

[janeeyre]

My brother is a diabetic who has lost several toes and has poor eye sight. As a result, I try to read as much as I can about the disease and it looks like stem cell research is making great strides to help diabetics as evidenced in the article below. Stem cell seems to show great promise as a potential cure for many diseases.

Has anyone ever participated in a clinical study? He has mentioned participating in one if the opportunity presents itself.


http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSN0735624120070507?feedType=RSS&rpc=22&pageNumber=2

 

[Sheryl]

I attended a conference last month on rare neuroimmunological disorders. There were several presenters there from Johns Hopkins who are doing amazing research with stem cells. They have been able to transplant stem cells into a paralyzed rat an it is able to walk again.

There is some information on it here: http://www.hopkinsneuro.org/tm/

I have not participated in a study yet, but I am planning to have my medical info put into a database called "the Accelerated Cure Project."

http://www.acceleratedcure.org/news/pr/20061025_repository.php

It is primarily researching MS, but my condition (transverse myelitis) is somewhat similar and is being included in the research.

http://www.myelitis.org/newsletters/journal-1-02.htm

I'm really excited about the research being done, and plan to be very politically active about getting the current ridiculous restrictions lifted as soon as the 2008 election is over.