education

What are Progenitor Cells

April 18, 2012

A progenitor cell is similar to a stem cell in that it has the ability to differentiate into a specific type of cell.   The progenitor cell is already more specific than a stem cell and is pushed to differentiate into its “target” cell. The most important difference between stem cells and progenitor cells is that stem cells [...]

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Increased Likelihood Predicted of Stem Cell Treatments in Ones Lifetime

April 3, 2012

While earlier studies demonstrated that the likelihood of using stem cells for treatment are 1 in 217 during a patient’s lifetime, more recent studies are predicting that as many as 1 in 100 Americans will be treated with stem cells before the age of 70 reports Dr Rhonda Verzai in the Daytona Beach News-Journal. Dr. [...]

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Oprah and Dr Oz Discuss Regenerative Medicine

March 20, 2012

Dr Oz visits a regenerative medicine laboratory of Dr Anthony Atala, director of the Wake Forest’s Regenerative Medicine program and discusses the possibilities with Oprah Winfrey.

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What is Cryopreservation?

March 13, 2012

Cryopreservation refers to the storage of a living organism at ultra- low-temperature such that it can be revived and restored to the same living state as before it was stored. Indefinitely long storage times require that the organism be maintained below the glass transformation temperature of aqueous solutions, approximately -130 degC, the temperature at which [...]

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Cord Blood and Tissue Banking From Kit to Lab by FamilyCord

February 20, 2012

Have you ever wondered about the entire process of cord blood collection, from enrollment, to kit to lab? Check out this fun animated video for a great take on how cord blood and tissue banking works.

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What is Wharton’s Jelly?

February 6, 2012

Wharton’s Jelly is a gelatinous substance within the umbilical cord. First named by Thomas Wharton in 1656 this gelatinous substance’s function is to provide support for the vein and arteries of the umbilical cord. During early development of the embryo, perhaps as early as day 3.5 – 7.5E, primitive multipotent stem cells also known as [...]

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Why consider Family Cord Blood Banking?

January 31, 2012

Families ask us why use family cord blood banking (also known as private cord blood banking)? Those who store their stem cells at a family cord blood bank realize the advantage of having stem cells saved for their child (autologous transplants) as well as having a much higher chance of having a stem cell match [...]

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What is HLA matching?

December 14, 2011

Human Leukocyte Antigens or HLA are six proteins that appear on the surface of white blood cells and other tissues in the body. These six HLA points determine tissue compatibility between a patient and a donor. The higher the tissue compatibility, the higher are the chances of a transplant to be successful. Although a perfect [...]

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September is National Baby Safety Month

September 6, 2011

There is a new baby on the way, now is the best time to think about safety! Things to do before baby arrives – Make sure your car seat, stroller and baby carrying apparatus are appropriate for the baby’s age: babies don’t have neck control until about six months so you need to protect them. [...]

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What are Adult Stem Cells?

August 6, 2011

An adult stem cell is an undifferentiated cell, found among differentiated cells in a tissue or organ that can renew itself and can differentiate to yield some or all of the major specialized cell types of the particular tissue or organ. The primary roles of adult stem cells are to maintain and repair the tissue [...]

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