The Network recommended that there be:
1. No change to the existing legislation regarding the use of human embryonic stem cells for medical research, including the creation of cell lines by somatic cell nuclear transfer (also called therapeutic cloning).
2. Improved communication between the NHMRC Licensing Committee and the Human Research Ethics Committees involved in applications from researchers seeking licences for creation of stem cell lines. This change in operative arrangements should ensure there is only one set of instructions given to researchers for their application to be considered.
3. No change to the existing legislation regarding the banning of reproductive cloning.
To read the complete submission click here 
Stem Cells Used to Treat Children With Life-Threatening, Blistering Skin Disease
Science Daily http://www.sciencedaily.com - 12/08/2010
Scientists from the University of Minnesota have been able to treat children with Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB) using bone marrow stem cells. Science Daily reports on the results which have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Stem-cell therapy to begin on humans
Sydney Morning Herald http://www.smh.com.au/ - 01/08/2010
US Company, Geron, has received approval by the FDA for human clinical trials of its new GRNOPC1 therapy. This embryonic stem cell therapy aims to treat spinal cord injuries.
Stem cell therapy 'first' in trial on arthritic knees
Bristish Broadcasting Corporation http://www.bbc.co.uk/ - 13/07/2010
A trial by Arthristis Research UK aims to use stem cells to repair damage in those suffering from osteoarthritis.
Patients Beware: Commercialized Stem Cell Treatments on the Web
Cell Stem Cell http://www.cell.com - 17/06/2010
Prompted by concerns of "miracle cures" and medical tourism, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has recently developed a task force to assist potential patients and their doctors in assessing merits of stem cell therapies offered by different organisations.
You can also connect directly to the ISSCR's task force by visiting their website: http://www.closerlookatstemcells.org
Stem-Cell Scientists Win Nobel Prize in Medicine
We salute two of our colleagues, Professors John Gurdon of the U.K. and Shinya Yamanaka of Japan, who share this year's Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work in so-called cellular reprogramming.
In the 1950’s Professor Gurdon cloned a frog by replacing the DNA from a frog egg with that from a tadpole. Half a century later, Professor Yamanaka showed it was possible to de-differentiate skin and other cells into pluripotent stem cells, by introducing a cocktail of pluripotent genes. These cells are called induced pluripotent stem cells, and have similar properties to those that are found in pluripotent stem cells derived from embryos.
The innovative studies of these two distinguished scientists highlight the wonderful world of stem cells, and the ever present need to think laterally, and to challenge existing paradigms.
ABC Report (from Leigh Dayton) regarding the recent Nobel Prize announcement (http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/rn/podcast
Eye Grown from Stem Cells
The Scientist http://www.the-scientist.com/ - 06/04/2011
With the proper culture conditions, mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells can spontaneously form the rudiments of a retina -- the neural tissue and most complex component of the eye
ISSCR announces task torce on unproven stem cell therapies
An invaluable resource for patients and clinicians. Read the report here to find out more about its purpose, or visit the website to use this service
Stem cells give insights into Huntington's
ABC Online http://www.abc.net.au - 22/09/2010
Researchers have begun examining hESCs taken from embroys known to have Huntington's Disease
Stem cells, obesity finding lead Nobel Predictions
Reuters http://www.reuters.com - 21/09/2010
Amongst those predicted to win Nobels this year are researchers from the Ontario Cancer Institute for the discovery of stem cells in bone marrow, and Shinya Yamanaka for the discovery of how to create iPSCs from skin cells.
US stem cell researchers get temporary stay on funding ban
Australian Life Scientist http://www.lifescientist.com.au - 13/09/2010
The injunction placed on federally funded ESC research by a District Court Judge has been suspended to give both sides time to prepare arguments for a September 20 deadline.
First child stem cell trachea transplant a success
Life Scientist http://www.lifescientist.com.au/ - 10/08/2010
Ciaran Finn-Lynch is the first child to have successfully undergone a trachea transplant using his own stem cells to reduce the risk of rejection.
Stem cell scientists unveil lab-grown lung
Australian Broadcasting Corporation http://www.abc.net.au/ - 13/07/2010
A group of scientists in the US have used stem cells to grow an artificial lung.
Mesoblast advancing towards Phase III trials hope
Life Scientist Australia http://www.lifescientist.com.au/ - 14/07/2010
Melbourne-based company, Mesoblast, is on its way to FDA approval for phase 3 clinical trials. Mesoblast works with adult stem cells, and this new therapy is targeted at improving the success of bone marrow transplants.
Stem Cell News
For a snapshot of the portrayal of stem cells in Australian and international media visit our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSWstemcellnetwork/
The NSW Stem Cell Network aims to provide information to both researchers and the general public. If you have stem cell news that you think is relevant, please email us at stemcellinfo@stemcellnetwork.org.au
