Feeding Stem Cells
Many of you know I believe our bodies are capable of healing themselves and have long been an advocate of research into using our own stem cells. So I was very excited to read in the Monday, April 1st Albany Times Union about an innovative new substance called “StemBeads” developed by the Neural Stem Cell Institute in Rensselaer, NY. It’s also exciting because my ophthalmologist, Jeffrey Stern, is on staff at the Institute.
Because stem cells are unstable they need a constant supply of food known as a growth factor, currently quite expensive and time sensitive. “StemBeads” will help lower costs by slowly releasing the growth factor over several days, reducing costs and administrative time considerably.
The Neural Stem Cell Institute researches stem cell-based treatments for many illnesses affecting the nervous system including spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer’s disease and Macular Degeneration.
I’ll write more about this new development as information becomes available but it’s reassuring to know that scientific development in my part of the country is taking a leading edge.
Special Note – for those wondering how my left eye vision is going, my appointment is April 8th. I am hopeful there’s good news. I’ll keep you posted.
I am so glad to see your post!!! I was so worried about you since I had not seen a new one since December.
Thanks Tracey – I’ll be posting again in a few days = an update on my surgery. I’m also working on a story about low vision and there’s been an ongoing family health caregiver situation. Thanks for caring.