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Obama Lifting Stem Cell Restrictions in the U.S.
Submitted by joel on 9 March, 2009 - 15:26
Story Digest: 

As many news organizations have reported, U.S. President Obama is expected to end an eight and a half year ban on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. Embryonic stem cell research is not currently illegal. However, until now all funding has been restricted to private investors only. Furthermore, the ban on federal funding has prevented public universities, or any other research center that receives any federal funding or grants, from conducting research in this restricted and hotly-debated area. Obama will drastically change the landscape of medical science today with the sweep of a pen.

Avascular Necrosis / Osteonecrosis patients may eventuallly see benefits of stem cell research as studies are investigating the potential of utilizing stem cells to help replenish osteocytes in necrotic bone. Osteocytes, which are severely damaged by AVN, are a key cell type embedded in the “bone matrix” required for bone regeneration.
 
Other significant AVN-relevant areas of study include investigating the complex process of how stem cells which are present in children and young adults control bone formation and growth. Specifically, little is known about the multi-potential stem cell type, “mesenchymal" stem cells (which reside in bone marrow). Research into mesenchymal stem cells may yield new cell-based therapies that could be used to repair necrotic bone as well.
 
More information about these areas of research can be found here:
Original Story Link: 
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Politics/story?id=7023990&page=1
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