Hey Guys! I've been researching new forms of stem cell research methods because I want to believe there will be a way for my mom to gain sight in her right eye. Everything I've discovered and written down here gives me more hope. I just thought I'd share this with you.

There has been new findings (from last year) about alternative ways to do stem cell research without embryos. One of the discoveries involve antlers. Yes. Deer antlers. "Deer antlers are large structures made of bone that annually grow, die, are shed and then regenerate. The research suggests that unlike the regenerative process in the newt, antler growth does not involve reversal of the differentiated state but is stem cell based." For more details, go to: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=36174

Deer shed their antlers during the Spring. Picture taken from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4598896.stm

One of my friends asked me if they'd hurt the deer.

No. The deer are safe.

They shed their antlers during the spring.

In Singapore, a lot of research dedicated to the regeneration of eye sight through stem cell transplants has taken place. One article reports on the latest (in 2003): "Previously, treating these diseases with conventional corneal transplants had a very high failure rate, because we were not transplanting stem cells at the time of the transplant. Over the last few years, we, and others in the field have pioneered the surgical technique of transplanting both Limbal, and Conjunctival Stem Cells, and these stem cell transplants are now routine procedures within our corneal transplantation program. However, there are often problems in obtaining adequate stem cells, either from the opposite eye, or from corneal donors." Now they are using a new technique of "Growing Your Own Limbal Stem Cells For Transplantation" -- for more details: http://www.snec.com.sg/clinical/corneal_2_2.asp


Some of the Many Success Stories:

There has been at least one success story, which was covered by the BBC News, August 2003. "A blind man can see again after being given a stem cell transplant." Click here for details: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3171993.stm

In 2004, another article suggests that we may be able to take samples from our own eyes to regenerate eye sight. "Stem cells taken from the back of the eye could eventually be used to restore normal vision in people with sight problems, researchers have said." Again, the details: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3950827.stm

With more clicking, I discovered that in 2005, BBC published another news article about a hospital in West Sussex has been pioneering the use of stem cells to restore the eyesight of patients. "The trial, being carried out at the Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, has already helped 40 people see again." For more details, click here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/southern_counties/4495419.stm


Yours,
Kelley Glenn