UCSF Faculty Weigh In on New Stem Cell Strategy

A study published in the August 24 edition of the journal Nature describes a technique that could derive human embryonic stem cells without destroying the embryo. Media coverage of this announcement has relied upon the commentary of UCSF researchers. Arnold Kriegstein, MD, PhD, neural stem cell researcher and director of the UCSF Institute for Regeneration Medicine, was featured in a discussion Thursday on AirTalk from Los Angeles-area public radio station KPCC-FM. An August 23 segment of NPR's All Things Considered and an article in the San Jose Mercury News also included comments from Kriegstein. Renee Reijo Pera, PhD, co-director of the UCSF Human Embryonic Stem Cell Center, was quoted in the Los Angeles Times coverage of the study, and Elena Gates, MD, professor and vice chair of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at UCSF, commented to the San Francisco Chronicle. Links: "Stem Cells Created Without Destroying Human Embryos"
AirTalk, KPCC-FM (NPR), August 24, 2006 "Firm Creates Stem Cells Without Hurting Embryos"
All Things Considered, NPR, August 23, 2006 "A New Way to Create Stem Cells: 'Pretty Big Technical Leap' Avoids Destroying Embryos"
San Francisco Chronicle, August 24, 2006 "Stem Cell Advance Spares Embryos"
Los Angeles Times, August 24, 2006 "Stem-cell Advance Whets Debate: Hopes Raised for 'Ethical' Solution"
San Jose Mercury News, August 24, 2006 "Study Indicates Embryos Survive Cell Extraction" [note: requires registration]
Wall Street Journal, August 24, 2006 UCSF Institute for Regeneration Medicine