News

Nov 2013     Any temperature extremes that would threaten the life of a child or a pet - being left in a parked car for more than a few minutes, traveling in the cargo hold of an airplane, etc. - also kills cord blood stem cells. The key to shipping fresh cord blood to the laboratory with maximum cell survival is to keep the temperature stable inside the shipping kit. But this simple requirement can be very challenging to implement.

Nov 2013   Figure 1: Collection kits for cord blood public donation   MD Anderson cord blood bank

Nov 2013   You might be asking "Just what is pelvic organ prolapse, or POP?" POP is when the bladder, and/or bowel, and/or uterus herniates into the vagina. Twenty five percent of all women have one or more symptoms of POP: urinary or bowel incontinence and sexual dysfunction - this is why it is a taboo subject - the symptoms are so embarrassing. POP mainly results from pregnancy and injury associated with vaginal birth, particularly after prolonged second stage labour or the use of forceps. Delivering a large baby and having an episiotomy can also cause POP. POP is exacerbated by obesity, ageing, chronic coughing, heavy lifting and straining associated with constipation. Women who deliver their first baby over the age of 30 tend to have more severe POP.

Oct 2013   Let's say that you are a medical consumer who lives in the United States. We are all medical consumers at some point in our lives. Financially, does it make more sense for you to save your own stem cells for later use, or to assume that you will buy an off-the-shelf stem cell therapy when the time comes that you need one?

Oct 2013    Ivan N. Rich, PhD, Founder & CEO HemoGenix, Inc.

Oct 2013   The Genetics Policy Institute (GPI) is a leading promoter and defender of stem cell research and other cutting-edge medical research targeting cures. We are the catalyst and provide leadership to the Pro-Cures Movement, an influential global network of stakeholders - from patient-advocacy to science and industry.

Sep 2013   Parents anxiously expecting the arrival of their baby have a multitude of decisions to make. From "What color do I paint the nursery?" to "Do I try natural childbirth?". While parents have been grappling with these questions for decades, a relatively new question has arisen: "Do I donate or save my baby's cord blood?"

Sep 2013   Sarah Shaffer, co-founder

Sep 2013   For families that have recently discovered they are expecting, they find themselves in a whole new world of terms, books, products and services. Perineal massage, Chimparoo, placenta encapsulation, cord blood banking, attachment parenting, pee-pee-teepee, oh my! It is like learning a new language. They know they need a health care provider, but do not know the differences among their options. They hear such terms as doula and wonder, "What is that anyway, and do I need one? Is a doula like my doctor or midwife? If I have a midwife, why do I need a doula?" Breathe, we will clarify everything.

Aug 2013   Since 2003, Washington DC-based Hope for Henry has made life better for more than 10,000 kids bravely fighting cancer and life-threatening blood diseases. While undergoing bone marrow transplants, chemotherapy, and other life-saving procedures, 368 kids have had incredible in-hospital birthday parties; 1,036 kids were entertained and uplifted by gifts of brand new iPads or portable DVD players and gaming systems; 1,675 princesses, superheroes, witches and goblins trick-or-treated in the hospital wearing brand new costumes; 286 girls and moms looked and felt beautiful during their fashion photography session after having their makeup and nails done; and 2,041 kids have met Batman. This is just a small sample of Hope for Henry's entertaining program that produces smile after smile while distracting kids from painful medical procedures and the tedium of long hospital stays that are a necessary part of their treatment.