MCSCRC Newsletter 4th Quarter

Michigan Citizens for Stem Cell Research & Cures (MCSCRC) is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition formed to educate Michigan citizens about the science, the medical potential and the policies affecting stem cell research in Michigan.

In this issue:

• Patients and researchers challenge restrictive research bills
• NIH announces approval of 13 new embryonic stem cell lines under 2009 guidelines
• Human embryonic stem cells could be one step closer to the clinic
• Michigan State University takes charge in fight against Parkinson’s disease
• MCSCRC taps into social networking
• Federal grant for Detroit stem cell center helps draw international summit to city
• U of Nebraska rejects tighter restrictions on stem cell research

MICHIGAN NEWS

• Senator Tom George (R – Kalamazoo) introduced legislation that would put more restrictions on embryonic stem cell research in Michigan. The Associated Press reported on Oct. 28, quoting scientists and patients, that “the proposals go too far and would violate a portion of Proposal 2 that says state law cannot prevent, restrict, obstruct or discourage stem cell research that otherwise would be permitted.” Among patients who testified before the Senate Health Policy Committee was Laura Jackson of Livonia. The Senate Health Policy Committee has not voted on this issue. Click here to read: AP, Oct. 28.
  
  
• In a recent editorial, the Grand Rapids Press took a stance against unnecessary restrictions against stem cell research and criticized Michigan lawmakers for introducing bills that would “thwart the will of Michigan voters and undermine confidence in government.” Click here to read: Grand Rapids Press, Nov. 17.
  
  
• TechTown's stem cell commercialization center, in Detroit, was recently awarded a $4.1-million grant by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for a 15,000-square-foot collection of labs. Crain’s Detroit Business reported on Nov. 15 (click here to read: Crain’s Detroit Business, Nov. 15) that the grant is a major reason why Detroit was chosen for the 2010 World Stem Cell Summit, which will be held in downtown Detroit Oct. 4-6, 2010. The summit is expected to draw 1,200 scientists, government officials and business leaders from at least 30 nations. For more information on TechTown, visit http://techtownwsu.org.
  
  
• Dr. Eva Feldman, director of the A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute, is the keynote speaker at the Detroit Economic Club’s Dec. 8 meeting. Feldman will discuss the advancements of stem cell research at U-M and across the state in the search for treatments and cures to debilitating diseases and illnesses and how this research will help boost Michigan’s economy. Tickets start at $45. Click here for more information: http://www.econclub.org/Meetings/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=eba337b2-f8ba-4581-8a15-f0d67c838e47
  
  
• Rev. Harry Cook will also give a presentation on the benefits of embryonic stem cell research to Michigan patients at the Birmingham Temple on Dec. 10 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The open discussion is part of the temple’s Thursday Forum series. For more information, visit the Birmingham Temple site: http://www.birminghamtemple.com/index2.html
  
  
• Michigan State University and the University of Cincinnati will share a grant from the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke at the National Institute of Health to examine the causes of Parkinson’s disease and how undifferentiated (embryonic) stem cells can be used to combat the debilitating disease. For more information, visit the MSU College of Human Medicine at: http://humanmedicine.msu.edu

MCSCRC FORUM

• Michigan Citizens for Stem Cell Research and Cures is pleased to announce the launch of our new “Cause” page on Facebook. Visiting the Cause page will allow you to show your Facebook friends that you support stem cell research and cures. Not only that, the new Facebook Cause page also allows visitors to make secure, tax-deductible donations to MCSCRC so we can continue our efforts to educate Michigan citizens about stem cell research and its potential for life-saving cures and treatments. Please visit MCSCRC’s Facebook Cause page at http://apps.facebook.com/causes/403019 and sign up today. Also, please consider helping us recruit other supporters and help grow our network of Michiganders in support of stem cell research.

• Chase Community Giving is giving away $5 million to charities around the country, and Facebook members get to choose the receiving charities. Voting is free and ends Tuesday, Dec. 15. How to vote:
  • Click on the following link: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/ChaseCommunityGiving?v=wall&ref=ts
  • You will be asked to “become a fan.”
  • Once becoming a fan, vote by typing in the charity of your choice.
  • Make sure you post it on your Facebook page and encourage your friends to vote.


• Keeping its promise to educate Michigan policymakers and citizens about the importance of embryonic stem cell research, the MCSCRC volunteer speakers bureau will host an educational forum just for our legislators in Lansing on Jan. 21 and March 25, 2010.

NATIONAL NEWS

• The Obama administration approved the first human embryonic stem cells for experiments by federally funded scientists under a new policy designed to significantly expand government support for one of the most promising fields of biomedical research. The new lines are the first to be approved under the NIH Guidelines for Human Stem Cell Research adopted in July 2009. Eleven of those lines were developed by Children’s Hospital Boston and Rockefeller University in New York City developed the other two. Altogether, an additional 96 lines have been submitted to the NIH for approval. The new NIH guidelines come after President Obama issued an executive order on March 9, 2009, that reformed stem cell research while instituting high safety and ethical standards. Click here to read, Washington Post, Dec. 2.
  
  
• Advanced Cell Technology researchers are hoping to find a cure to juvenile macular degeneration through embryonic stem cells. Once approved, the California-based company will test recreated retinal cells on 12 patients who suffer from vision loss. Click here to read: Nature, Nov. 19.
  
  
• A member of the University of Nebraska’s Board of Regents surprised many on Nov. 20 when he cast the deciding vote against placing tighter restrictions on embryonic stem cell research. The eight-member board, which is elected by Nebraska voters, appeared to have the votes to limit the university’s stem cell research to the types allowed under the Bush Administration, the Washington Post reported on Nov. 20. But board member Jim McClurg, who was endorsed by Nebraska Right to Life — which opposes embryonic stem cell research — voted “no” on the resolution. The resolution failed, 4-4. Click here to read: Washington Post, Nov. 20.
  

GET INVOLVED

To learn more about stem cell research, or share information about stem cell research and what is being done in Michigan, you can:

• Schedule a presentation. MCSCRC has developed a clear, easy-to-understand PowerPoint Presentation. Trained speakers are available throughout the state to present it to interested groups. We are happy to visit Rotaries, Kiwanis clubs, medical organizations, faith-based groups, political clubs and even community and neighborhood meetings. We welcome invitations from any organization, so pass the word around and schedule your free presentation today! Contact us at 248-948-5555.
• Become a volunteer. MCSCRC is looking for volunteers to help with everything from making presentations to attending local stem cell events to helping out in the office. If you are interested in being trained as a speaker or would like to volunteer with MCSCRC in another way, please click here.
• Tell a friend. Think you know someone who would like to learn more about stem cell research and MCSCRC? Forward this newsletter or simply tell them to visit our Web site at www.StemCellResearchForMichigan.com.
• Donate. If you would like to support MCSCRC's efforts to educate Michigan residents about stem cell research, please click here to donate.
  

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This message is from Michigan Citizens for Stem Cell Research & Cures, its affiliates and agents (MCSCRC), 27177 Lahser Rd, Suite 102, Southfield, MI 48034. If you'd prefer not to receive e-mail like this from MCSCRC in the future, please click here to unsubscribe.

© Copyright 2009 Michigan Citizens for Stem Cell Research & Cures. All rights reserved.