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Researchers expand stem cell horizon
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
BY KITTA MacPHERSON
Star-Ledger Staff

Adult variety possesses different advantages. Recent breakthroughs in so-called adult stem cell technology will boost the overall effort to better understand these mysteriously flexible cells, including the controversial embryonic type, which are expected to someday repair bone, muscle and tissue, scientists said yesterday. Read the Full Story » 

NJ Governor Signs Stem Cell Bill
December 20, 2006
New Jersey Network (NJN)

Newscaster Kent Manahan presents story on the actual signing of the bill and speeches by some of the participants. View the Video » 

Lawmakers ante $270 million for stem-cell research
Friday, December 15, 2006
BY TOM HESTER
Star-Ledger Staff

After nearly two years of often heated debate and backroom negotiations, the Legislature approved a bill yesterday that will provide $270 million to build and equip five stem cell and biomedical research facilities in New Jersey. The legislation now goes to Gov. Jon Corzine, who said yesterday he is excited to receive the bill and plans to sign it. Read the Full Story » 

N.J. Lawmakers Approve Stem Cell Funding
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
December 14, 2006

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- Deciding that the time is right for New Jersey to invest financially in stem cell research, the state Legislature on Thursday agreed to borrow $270 million to build labs and pay for related programs. Gov. Jon S. Corzine said he looked forward to signing the bill, which allows the state to tap into its unused bonding capacity. He called the investment a ''tremendous opportunity'' for the state and its biomedical industry. Read the Full Story » 

Stem cell funding receives a boost
October 20, 2006
BY JOE DONOHUE
Star-Ledger Staff

A stalled effort to pump big money into stem cell and biomedical research in New Jersey got back on track yesterday when a key Assembly committee approved a bill that would earmark $270 million to build facilities across the state.

In a 9-4 party line vote, the Democratic majority on the Assembly Appropriations Committee brushed aside Republican objections and endorsed the measure (A-2828), which now goes to the Assembly floor.

Assemblyman Neil Cohen (D-Union), the bill's lead sponsor, said it would provide critical investment in a promising field of medical research at a time when federal funds are scarce. Read the Full Story » 

New Jersey Panel Approves $270M Stem Cell Research Package
October 20, 2006
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor

A New Jersey Assembly legislative panel has approved a bill that would have the state spend $270 million in taxpayer funds that would be used in part for embryonic stem cell research. The measure, if approved by the full Assembly, would head to the state Senate, which has approved its own version. Read the Full Story »

Stem-cell research plan gains Senate panel's OK
March 7, 2006
BY GREGORY J. VOLPE
GANNETT STATE BUREAU
Asbury Park Press
Trenton, NJ

The debate over New Jersey government's role in stem-cell research resumed Monday with a Senate panel approving a measure to borrow $200 million for two research facilities. Read the Full Story » 

BRYANT: CAMDEN PARTNERSHIP A KEY PART OF STEM CELL BILL
February 28, 2006
News From The Senate Democrats
Trenton, N.J.

Senator Wayne R. Bryant praised Governor Corzine and Senate President Richard J. Codey for advancing the $200 million stem-cell research measure which would provide $50 million for a joint biomedical research facility in Camden. Read the Full Story » 

CODEY RE-INTRODUCES BILL TO FUND WORLD-CLASS STEM CELL RESEARCH FACILITY; ADVANCES NEW JERSEY'S STEM CELL AGENDA
February 27, 2006
News From The Senate Democrats
Trenton, N.J.

Senate President Richard J. Codey, D-Essex, today continued his pledge to advance New Jersey's stem cell research agenda by introducing legislation allocating $150 million in unused bond capacity for construction of a world-class stem cell research facility. Read the Full Story » 

New Jersey First State to Publicly Fund Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research
January 13, 2006
NEWS RELEASE
Trenton, N.J.

The New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology (NJCST) has approved 17 applications for the state's $5 million Stem Cell Research Grant program, making New Jersey the first state in the nation to publicly fund human embryonic stem cell research. A full list of grant recipients is included below.

After receiving the applications in October, the NJCST turned the proposals over to a panel from the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) to conduct an independent, scientific review, as required by Codey. The (AIBS) is a nonprofit scientific association dedicated to "advancing biological research and education for the welfare of society." Read the Full Story » 

Codey stem cell plan off the table
As his term nears its end, $600M proposal won't be acted on this legislative session
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
BY TOM HESTER
Star-Ledger Staff

Acting Gov. Richard Codey's plan to pump nearly $600 million into stem cell research will not be approved during the lame duck legislative session that expires next week, dashing the Democrat's hope for the initiative to be part of his gubernatorial legacy.

Assembly Democrats yesterday confirmed two measures for stem cell research facilities. Grants will not be considered in committee tomorrow or positioned for a floor vote when the lower house meets Monday for the last time during its two-year session.

"A number of members expressed concerns about the bill and asked for more time to consider it," said Joe Donnelly, Assembly Democratic majority spokesman. "They felt the legislation should be dealt with in the new legislative session that begins Tuesday, rather than being pushed through in the closing days of this legislative calendar."

Supporters of stem cell research say it is a key to finding cures for diseases, and that it has wide public support. Codey's initiative was opposed by anti-abortion advocates concerned it would promote research on stem cells taken from human embryos, which they say is unethical.

Codey, whose term as acting governor ends Jan. 17, was disappointed by the Assembly leadership's decision, according to spokeswoman Kelley Heck.

"These bills have been around for well over a year and the Assembly has had ample time to review the issues," Heck said. "We should not waste any more time and should get to work finding cures for so many debilitating and life- threatening diseases."

Gov.-elect Jon Corzine during his campaign supported $400 million for a state stem cell institute and $230 million for research. In a statement yesterday, his transition office said it is studying ways to promote stem cell research and "make sure that New Jersey remains the medicine chest of the world."

Codey first proposed the stem cell plan in his State of the State address last January. When the Assembly didn't act on it before its summer recess, Codey made it one of his priorities for the lame duck session that followed Election Day.

The Senate has passed bills to place a $350 million stem cell research bond referendum before voters in November, and to use part of the cigarette tax to allot $150 million for stem cell research facilities and $60 million for biomedical facilities.

Last month, Assembly Speaker Albio Sires cautioned the bill remained in trouble in the lower house, calling it "one of the most difficult pieces of legislation we ever attempted."

Donnelly yesterday noted "the caution that some members of the nation's stem cell research community have raised about state investments in this new areas of scientific research. This issue needs to be reviewed thoughtfully and prudently."

Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Roberts (D-Camden), who will become speaker next week, did not return phone calls seeking comment yesterday. Codey will remain Senate President after Corzine becomes governor.

Sen. Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex), a co-sponsor of both bills, called the Assembly's decision "a real setbeck."

CODEY UNVEILS ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF STEM CELL RESEARCH
New Jersey's Proposal Will Generate More than a Billion Dollars in Economic Activity

NEWS RELEASE
Acting Governor Richard J. Codey
October 10, 2005

(SADDLE BROOK) - Acting Governor Richard J. Codey today announced the findings of a study prepared by Rutgers University that outlines the potential economic benefits from New Jersey's proposed stem cell research initiative. In doing so, Codey announced that New Jersey stands to benefit from an estimated $1.4 billion in new economic activity, approximately 20,000 new jobs and $71.9 million in new state revenue over the next 20 years. These benefits would be generated by Codey's proposed $380 million stem cell research initiative, which includes $150 million in unused bond capacity to construct a world-class Stem Cell Institute and a $230 million bond referendum to provide a long term and steady funding source for stem cell research grants. The study, which was prepared by Professor Joseph J. Seneca of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University, based its findings on Codey's proposal. Read the Full Story »

CODEY ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR STEM CELL RESEARCH GRANTS
Money Will Also Help Recruit Leading Scientists, Support Clinical Trials

NEWS RELEASE
Acting Governor Richard J. Codey
August 2, 2005
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kelley Heck - 609-777-2600

(WEST ORANGE) - Acting Governor Richard J. Codey today announced $10.5 million in state funding to support stem cell research grants, help recruit leading scientists and help set up clinical trials. "New Jersey has always been, and must remain, a leader in medical and stem cell research," Codey said. "Today, we take another step forward. These are real dollars for real projects." Of the $10.5 million for stem cell research in this year's budget, $5.5 million will go toward funding the Stem Cell Institute of New Jersey. The money will help recruit and support leading scientists. It will also help the Institute set up clinical trials so that patients receive the most cutting edge treatments and best possible care. Read the Full Story »

Not on Faith Alone
By MARIO M. CUOMO
NY Times, June 20, 2005
Op-Ed Contributor

THERE is a way to get beyond the religious morass created by President Bush's position on embryonic stem cells.

Most scientists agree that while adult stem cells offer hope of a cure for some of the cruelest diseases and injuries, embryonic stem cells hold even greater and surer promise. As a result, while most scientists welcomed Mr. Bush's August 2001 offer of government resources to advance adult stem cell research, they and millions of other Americans were sorely disappointed by his refusal to consider retrieving any stem cells from the many thousands of unused embryos awaiting destruction. To most scientists, his compromise restricting federal financing only to research that used the 20 or so embryonic stem cell lines that had already been developed was politically clever but insufficient, not least because most of those cell lines are of limited and uncertain potential. Read the Full Story »

CODEY BILL TO FUND CONSTRUCTION OF WORLD-CLASS STEM CELL RESEARCH FACILITY
Acting Governor Advances Stem Cell Agenda

NEWS RELEASE
Acting Governor Richard J. Codey
June 9, 2005
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kelley Heck - 609-777-2600

(TRENTON) - Acting Governor and Senate President Richard J. Codey today introduced legislation allocating $150 million in unused bond capacity for the construction of a world-class stem cell research facility. This funding will not impact the state's operating budget.  Read the Full Story »

Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research
Patients Win Big on Capitol Hill
Historic stem cell legislation passes the House of Representatives

Washington, DC-May 24, 2005

In a landmark vote today that gives hope to millions of patients throughout the nation, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to expand federal stem cell policy-a highly restrictive policy announced on August 9, 2001. H.R. 810, introduced by Representatives Michael Castle (R-DE) and Diana DeGette (D-CO), was passed 238 to 194. The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research representing over 90 patient groups, universities and scientific societies led the charge to support federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. Read the Full Story »

NIH DIRECTORS AGREE: CURRENT POLICY IS NOT SUFFICIENT FOR BASIC RESEARCH

"From a scientific standpoint, there is no doubt that many scientists will tell you that there are questions they would like to be able to address, that more lines, such as the lines for example, that harbor specific genetic defects, would be helpful to them. There are areas of research that you could pursue.' Dr. Elias Zerhouni, Director, National Institutes of Health (NIH). The New York Times, Changes are Weighed on Stem Cells, April 7, 2005

"...progress has been delayed by the limited number of cell lines...Yes, the NIH has ceded leadership in this field...Because U.S. researchers who depend on Federal funds lack access to newer [stem cell] lines, they are at a technological disadvantage relative to researchers funded by California, as well as investigators in Asia and EuropeŠthe restricted access will hamper NIH's ability to recruit and retain talented young scientists working in the field of [stem cell] research.' Dr. Elizabeth Nabel, Director, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Testimony submitted to Senator Arlen Specter, Chairman, U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, April 1, 2005.

"...it is clear that the state of the science is evolving very rapidly, and limitations of the President's policy become more apparent since I last testified in April 2004...the President's policy does not enable scientists to use federal funds to pursue any research on [stem cell] lines created since August 9, 2001. This includes the new [stem cell] lines derived from embryos that carry genetic diseases such as thalessemia, Fanconi's anemia, muscular dystrophy, Huntington's disease, Marfan syndrome, adrenoleukodystrophy, and neurofibromatosis. In addition, as new [stem cell] lines are derived under standardized culture conditions that do not require the need for animal feeder layers or animal products, scientists who rely solely on federal research support will not be able to study these new lines...The scientific community has expressed concern over the long-term stability of the [stem cell] lines eligible for federal funding. There is growing evidence that the [stem cell] lines available on the NIH [registry] are showing epigenetic and genetic changes in small regions of the chromosome. Although these lines are being used to study the basic biology of [stem cells], their use in clinical applications is questionable' Dr. James Battey, Director, National Institute on Deafness Disorders. Testimony submitted to Senator Arlen Specter, Chairman, U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, April 1, 2005

"NICHD scientists report some problems in obtaining the few [stem cell] lines that they have sought. Apart from the challenges inherent in working with any [stem cell] line, the researchers report incidents of inadequate quantity and quality (e.g., a small number of frozen cells that thaw poorly are provided)' Dr. Duane Alexander, Director, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Testimony submitted to Senator Arlen Specter, Chairman, U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, April 1, 2005.

Stem-Cell Therapy Succeeds in Trial
Method Aids Spinal Injuries In Rats, but Technique May Not Work in Humans

By DAVID P. HAMILTON
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
May 11, 2005; Page D4

California scientists said they were able to use human embryonic stem cells to repair a particular type of spinal damage in rats, a preliminary but potentially important finding that could help pave the way for clinical trials in people paralyzed by similar injuries. Read the Full Story »

Money for cures
May 3, 2005
The Star Ledger

Acting Gov. Richard Codey has proposed a $230 million bond initiative to fund stem cell research. If voters pass the question, the money would help fund research that has the potential to find cures for spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, ALS, sickle cell anemia, HIV-AIDS and diabetes. These diseases and injuries affect millions of people as well as their families and communities. Read the Full Story »

Doctors hail breakthrough vascular graft process
04/18/2005 from ABC News Online.

Doctors believe a new vascular graft procedure developed by Queensland stem cell researchers could prolong lives.

CODEY MAKES CASE FOR MAJOR STEM CELL RESEARCH INVESTMENT
NEWS RELEASE
Acting Governor Richard J. Codey
Date: April 15, 2005

Acting Governor Outlines Vision for Awarding, Funding Research Grants

(PRINCETON) - Acting Governor Richard J. Codey today outlined his vision for awarding and funding stem cell research grants and named national bioethics expert Harold T. Shapiro, Ph.D, as chairman of the newly established Ethics Advisory Panel.  The panel will ensure that state-funded research will comply with state guidelines. Read the Full Story »

Big Companies Quietly Pursue Research on Embryonic Stem Cells
By ANTONIO REGALADO
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
April 12, 2005; Page A1

Stepping gingerly into a politically charged arena for the first time, some large companies in the U.S. are pursuing plans to study stem cells drawn from early-stage human embryos. Read the Full Story »

Stem Cells Give Horses a Hoof Up 

There is no fixed limit on the research dollars that the National Institutes of Health is prepared to apply toward stem cell research, Dr. James F. Battey, chairman of the NIH Task Force on Stem Cell Research, said March 9. Read the Full Story »

Flies could lead to understanding non-embryonic stem cells
from University of Washington, February 28, 2005

It has long been thought that cells that regenerate tissue do so by regressing to a developmentally younger state. Now researchers studying fruit flies have demonstrated that cells can regenerate without becoming "younger."

Master cell' implants to aid plastic surgery
February 23, 2005

Natural implants created from a patient's own "building block" cells could radically improve operations for soft tissue reconstruction, breast and lip enlargement and wrinkle removal. Scientists said yesterday that they had developed a new technique using adult stem cells to grow correctly formed sections of natural tissue. Although still in its early stages, the breakthrough could avoid some of the dangers associated with artificial implants and shrinkage that often occurs when tissue taken from other parts of a patient's body is implanted.

Scientists Identify Stem Cell On/Off Switch
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 23 (HealthDayNews)
By Steven Reinberg
HealthDay Reporter

A gene that tells stem cells to change or stay put could prove to be a therapeutic breakthrough. -- The therapeutic promise of stem cells lies in the fact that they begin as undifferentiated cells, but can develop into any cell type in the body. Someday, doctors may be able to harness this process to grow replacement cells for patients who've lost tissues because of injury or disease. However, once a stem cell differentiates into a brain, heart, muscle or other body cell, there's no turning back.

Stem cell research aids cosmetic and reconstructive surgery
from American Association for the Advancement of Science, February 17, 2005. Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist. Read the Full Story »

Umbilical stem cells may treat blindness
Gwangju, South Korea, Feb. 12, 2005 (UPI)

A Chosun University professor said he will seek the South Korean's government's permission to use stem cells on retinal cells of five blind people. Professor Song Chang-hun said his team wants the government to permit stem cell trials on the five people who lost their sight due to retinitis pigmentosa, the Korea Times reported Saturday. "We plan to isolate stem cells from umbilical cord blood and inject them into retinal cells after getting approvals from the Korea Food and Drug Administration," Song said.

From Stem Cell Research Foundation all items below
February 2005

• Placenta Is A Rich Source Of Blood Stem Cells
• Diabetes Research Institute Demonstrates New Approach To Transform Stem Cells Into Insulin-Producing Cells
• New Research May Yield Natural Tooth Replacements
• Stem Cell Research Hints At Better Looking Cosmetic And Reconstructive Surgery
• Young Blood Revives Aging Muscles
• More Americans Support Stem Cell Research
• Embryonic Stem Cells Treated With Growth Factor Reverse Hemophilia In Mice
• Researchers Discover Specialized, Rare Heart Stem Cells In Newborns
• New Stem Cell Source Could Boost Bone Marrow Transplant Success

From Stem Cell Research Foundation all items below
January 2005

• Scientists Grow Critical Nerve Cells
• First Heart Failure Patients Ever To Receive Stem Cells In Minimally Invasive Procedure Have Improved Heart Function
• Emory Study Tests Bone Marrow Stem Cells To Improve Circulation In Legs
• Priming Embryonic Stem Cells To Fulfill Their Promise
• Current Human Embryonic Stem Cell Lines Contaminated With Potentially Dangerous Non-Human Molecule
• Spleen May Be Source Of Versatile Stem Cells
• Study Shows Cord Blood Cells Limit Heart Attack Damage In Animal Model

Scientists grow critical nerve cells
Jan 31, 2005
Paroma Basu

After years of trial and error, scientists have coaxed human embryonic stem cells to become spinal motor neurons, critical nervous system pathways that relay messages from the brain to the rest of the body. Read the full story »

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"The Miracle Hunters"
by Lori Chambers
Winter 2005
Rutgers Magazine

In “The Miracle Hunters,” Lori Chambers reports on the newly formed Stem Cell Institute of New Jersey. Chambers speaks with leading researchers Dr. Wise Young and Dr. Ira B. Black, and explores the stem cell research debate, as well as the future of stem cell research in New Jersey in this fascinating and revealing article which appeared in the Winter 2005 issue of Rutgers Magazine.

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"Stem Cell Pioneer"
by Robert Florida
Winter 2005
NJIT Magazine

Appearing in the Winter 2005 issue of NJIT Magazine, Robert Florida’s “Stem Cell Pioneer” looks into the work and life of award winning researcher Treena Livingston Arinzeh. Arinzeh has made groundbreaking discoveries in the use of stem cells in regenerating bone tissue, and the possibility of the donation of stem cells from one individual to another, bringing the reality of using stem cells to cure bone disease ever closer.

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Blood cells made from stem cells
July 17, 2002 Posted: 12:39 PM EDT (1639 GMT)

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin medical school have for the first time turned human embryonic stem cells into blood cells. It's the first published report that the cells can be turned into other human tissues.

From CNN.com In-Depth Specials: The Stem Cell Debate - Scientists Clone Embryos

A year after President Bush's decision on stem cell research, scientists say they are being hindered by federal rules governing the use of embryonic stem cells because access to stem cell lines approved for research is limited. But the director of the National Institutes of Health said the agency is "diligently working" to make more cell lines available.