Julia K Cole

Advances in technology and the understanding of HIV/AIDS have come a long way. The fact of the matter is that blood donations are safest and most effective when using rational, scientifically-based deferral periods that are applied fairly and consistently among blood donors who engage in similar risk activities.  These screening strategies provide an inclusive, internationally recognized means for keeping blood supplies safe. In fact, the American Medical Association and the American Red Cross are both in support of a reevaluation of the lifetime ban of gay men from donating blood.  And most recently, over eighty-two Democratic and Republican lawmakers in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate have asked for the reevaluation. We are behind in our policies in comparison with other countries.  Both Canada and the UK in recent years have lifted their lifetime ban restrictions. Regardless, blood donations save lives, and although I take issue with the FDA's policy, the com...

Stem cell research continues to excite the field of MS research as a new Phase I trial involving the use of stems cells as an Investigational New Drug (IND) in MS patients has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  The small Phase I clinical trial will investigate the safety and efficacy of autologous, mesenchymal stems cell-derived neural progenitor cells (MSC-NPs) in the treatment of progressive MS. Neural progenitor cells are cells that can develop into neurons and other nervous system cells, such as oligodendrocytes, encouraging neural repair and regeneration as evidenced in studies with mice (Harris, 2012).  Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells derived from bone marrow which can differentiate into other types of cells such as neural progenitor cells (NPCs).  Autologous mesenchymal stem cells are obtained from a person’s (or animal’s) own bone marrow. Led by Saud Sadiq, MD and Violaine Harris, PhD, researchers at the Tisch MS...