Month: June 2023
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An article from WebMD discusses recent research that has found a link between exposure to certain chemicals, known as “forever chemicals”, and low birth weight and obesity. “Forever chemicals” is a term used to describe a group of about 15,000 chemicals known as PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances). These chemicals are used in a wide range of…
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A new study has been published about a technique called “umbilical cord milking”. This is a method where blood from the umbilical cord is moved into a newborn’s body. It’s particularly beneficial for babies who are “nonvigorous” – meaning they’re a bit weak, pale, and not breathing much. In the past, doctors found that this…
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The Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) has released the draft 8th edition of the NetCord-FACT International Standards for Cord Blood Collection, Banking, & Release for Administration for public comment. Comments can be made until 15th September 2023. More information can be found on their website – “These comprehensive Standards promote quality medical and…
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The Cord Blood Association are offering a $100 discount on bookings for their “Cord Blood Connect” conference in Miami in September 2023. On their website they say, “Cord Blood Connect is the single place where the worldwide cord blood and perinatal tissue community comes together to learn, teach, share, refresh, and reconnect! This conference will…
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The National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion in Vietnam has been conducting a training program to teach autologous stem cell transplantation techniques to several hospitals across the country. This initiative is part of a larger project by the Ministry of Health, Project 1816, which aims to improve the quality of medical examination and treatment…
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Scientists have developed models of human embryos using stem cells to study early human development, investigate medical issues that occur before birth, and understand why many pregnancies fail. These models are not created from egg and sperm, and therefore, cannot develop into babies. They provide a snapshot of what might be happening in the embryo…
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A review has looked at the special types of stem cells found in a tissue called Wharton’s jelly, which is part of the umbilical cord in human babies. These cells are called Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells, or WJ-MSCs for short. One of the key ways these cells can help us is through something called…
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A new study has been published, about trying to improve the process of repairing damaged cartilage in joints – the rubbery tissue that protects our bones from grinding against each other – particularly in a disease called osteoarthritis. This condition tends to occur as we age, and causes pain and stiffness in the joints as…
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At the recent Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards (ANSAs) 2023 two individuals were recognized for their exceptional contributions to lifesaving research in the field of blood cancer. The awards were presented at a ceremony held at the Tower of London on June 14th. This was the first in-person awards ceremony since the pandemic began. The Anthony…
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A new discovery has been made by a team of researchers led by Marlena Fejzo, an obstetrics researcher. They believe they’ve found the cause of morning sickness, a common symptom experienced by pregnant women, particularly in the first trimester. In some cases (about 2% or 1 in 50 pregnancies), morning sickness can become severe, a…