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19/05/2004
World's first stem cell bank opens in London
A world's first bank for embryonic stem cells – research into which could lead to improved treatment for currently incurable diseases – has been opened by Health Minister Lord Warner in London today.
The UK's first two human embryonic stem cell lines, developed separately by researchers at King's College London and the Centre for Life in Newcastle, were deposited in the UK Stem Cell Bank today.
Scientists believe that stem cells could offer a potentially revolutionary way to repair diseased and damaged body tissues, replacing them with healthy new cells. Conditions such as diabetes, cancer, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's could all see advances in treatment from stem cell research.
Funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), and hosted by the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), the bank it is responsible for "storing, characterising and supplying ethically approved, quality controlled stem cell lines for research", and ultimately for treatment.
Lord Warner, Health Minister, said: "This Bank is the first of its kind in the world and confirms the UK's position as a leader in stem cell research. This potentially revolutionary research could benefit thousands of patients whose lives are blighted by devastating diseases such as Parkinson's, stroke and Alzheimer's. Today's launch is further evidence of the government's commitment to strengthen research and development so that NHS patients can reap the full benefits of the latest advances in science."
Professor Colin Blakemore, Chief Executive of the MRC, said that the bank would ensure that researchers could "explore the enormous potential of this exciting science for the future benefit of patients".
Applications to deposit stem cell lines in the Bank or to access banked stem cell lines must be reviewed and authorised by a high level Steering Committee chaired by Lord Naren Patel.
(gmcg)
The UK's first two human embryonic stem cell lines, developed separately by researchers at King's College London and the Centre for Life in Newcastle, were deposited in the UK Stem Cell Bank today.
Scientists believe that stem cells could offer a potentially revolutionary way to repair diseased and damaged body tissues, replacing them with healthy new cells. Conditions such as diabetes, cancer, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's could all see advances in treatment from stem cell research.
Funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), and hosted by the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), the bank it is responsible for "storing, characterising and supplying ethically approved, quality controlled stem cell lines for research", and ultimately for treatment.
Lord Warner, Health Minister, said: "This Bank is the first of its kind in the world and confirms the UK's position as a leader in stem cell research. This potentially revolutionary research could benefit thousands of patients whose lives are blighted by devastating diseases such as Parkinson's, stroke and Alzheimer's. Today's launch is further evidence of the government's commitment to strengthen research and development so that NHS patients can reap the full benefits of the latest advances in science."
Professor Colin Blakemore, Chief Executive of the MRC, said that the bank would ensure that researchers could "explore the enormous potential of this exciting science for the future benefit of patients".
Applications to deposit stem cell lines in the Bank or to access banked stem cell lines must be reviewed and authorised by a high level Steering Committee chaired by Lord Naren Patel.
(gmcg)
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Government pledges cash for stem cell research
The government has announced that an extra £50 million will be made available for UK stem cell research over the next two years. The announcement followed the publication of the UK Stem Cell Initiative report, which has recommended that that the government should invest at least £350 million in the research over the next decade.
19 May 2008
MP's To Vote On Human-Animal Embryo Research
The Commons is to vote on controversial plans for research to be carried out using human-animal embryos today which could mark a turning point in medicine. Prime Minister Gordon Brown is backing the measures saying it could save "millions of lives".
MP's To Vote On Human-Animal Embryo Research
The Commons is to vote on controversial plans for research to be carried out using human-animal embryos today which could mark a turning point in medicine. Prime Minister Gordon Brown is backing the measures saying it could save "millions of lives".
24 October 2003
Stem cell technology unearths cancer clue: charity
Scientists from Cancer Research UK say they are closer to understanding how cancer cells spread around the body, following the publication of a new study using "cutting edge" stem cell technology.
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13 August 2003
First UK human stem cell line generated
Researchers at King's College London have made a major breakthrough in the generation of new human embryonic stem (hES) cells. The potential therapeutic value of hES in the treatment of many chronic debilitating diseases has been widely discussed, but these cells are rare and traditionally difficult to grow.
First UK human stem cell line generated
Researchers at King's College London have made a major breakthrough in the generation of new human embryonic stem (hES) cells. The potential therapeutic value of hES in the treatment of many chronic debilitating diseases has been widely discussed, but these cells are rare and traditionally difficult to grow.
19 October 2011
Ruling Could Stop Euro Stem Cell Research – Scientists
Stem-cell scientists in Europe are reeling from a ruling on Wednesday banning patents on stem cells obtained through the destruction of human embryos. The decision by the European Court of Justice means that no European patents will be given for research based on stem cells extracted from anything capable of developing into a human being.
Ruling Could Stop Euro Stem Cell Research – Scientists
Stem-cell scientists in Europe are reeling from a ruling on Wednesday banning patents on stem cells obtained through the destruction of human embryos. The decision by the European Court of Justice means that no European patents will be given for research based on stem cells extracted from anything capable of developing into a human being.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
