The nose always knows...

This is a blog about some of the research going on at my University - Griffith University in Queensland.

A few of my lecturers who work in the National Adult Stem Cell Research Centre AND Eskitis Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies - both at my campus...




My lecturer Alan Mackay-Sim, he of the human trials using olfactory (nasal) stem cells to regenerate spinal chord injuries (I think the trails started around 2003 - not sure where they are at, at this time). He and his team with funding of $200,000 YES $200,000 was able to turn these olfactory stem cells into heart cells, brain cells and nerve cells among others...

They were able to do this on such a little amount - but has the world taken notice NO, not really - everyone keeps funding embryonic stem cell research - don't get me wrong I believe we need to keep that option open - but when you have quite a high chance of the embryonic stem cells being rejected by the patient as well as forming tumours - isn't this worth investing in?

One of my friend's Milly is doing her Honours with them and I am sure she just told me that they have received recent funding from the Vatican for millions and millions - which worries me - I don't like the thought of religion have power in science, science should be run ethically and not emotionally or religiously...

I know they have received about $12 million from the Qld Government to help fund their research (they probably wished they had this about 5 years ago when they first found out about the olfactory stem cells and what they could do - but better late then never I guess..


They have found some new stuff that was recently published

Griffth News about the recently published science article

The full article for anyone with a few spare minutes

When stem cells from the nose of Parkinson's patients were cultured and injected into the damaged area, the rats re-acquired the ability to run in a straight line.

All animals transplanted with the human cells had a dramatic reduction in the rate of rotation within just 3 weeks," he said.

This provided evidence the cells had differentiated to give rise to dopamine-producing neurons influenced by being in the environment of the brain. In-vitro tests also revealed the presence of dopamine.

I do so like the way my University is going with their research - it's an exciting time at Griffith University - in fact in Queensland with all the amazing new research coming out of here (Gardisil anyone)..