“Latest Stem Cells News”

It was formalized yesterday by Health Secretary Francesca Martini a working group aimed to deepen and to develop guidelines for the technological requirements – both structural and organizational – for health activities on the use of stem cells in veterinary medicine.

Guidelines – a ministerial note said – will be the tool to guide the operators in a complex matter in terms of protecting animal owners, animal welfare, health of veterinarians and the inevitable ethical implications.

‘I have formalized this working group – Martini said – to fill a gap about such a sensitive field as the use of stem cells. This is a first step to addressing activities ‘that are carried out within the free initiative of veterinary surgeons, lacking until now rules and instructions that define the procedures, and health standards about the use of stem cells’.

Colin McGuckin, professor of regenerative medicine at the University of Newcastle and adult stem cell expert has said that government funding goes mostly to embryonic stem cells despite the fact that his work gives immediate practical results.

He has also complained that the university is not able to provide him with adequate structures to carry out his research, adding, “There aren’t many people in the city that know that there is research on adult stem cells.”

The professor, who is a Catholic, is a pioneer in umbilical cord stem cells research, with a study that creates tissue for skin and liver injuries.