Special public event explores promise and potential of stem cells

What is a stem cell? What’s new in stem cell research? What kinds of treatments are using stem cells today? What is stem cell tourism? If you are interested in these questions, you can find the answers at a special event tomorrow (Tuesday, April 19) hosted by Western University and the Ontario Institute for Regenerative Medicine (OIRM).

Stem Cells: 101: The Promise and Potential is a free public event scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. at Western’s International Graduate Affairs Building in the atrium.

Speakers include Western faculty investigating stem cells and regenerative medicine:

Stem cells: Powerful tools for regenerative medicine
David Hess is a scientist in the Molecular Medicine Research Group and the Krembil Centre for Stem Cell Biology at Robarts Research Institute and an associate professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. The focus of his research is understanding the mechanisms by which transplanted stem cells act as “conductors of the orchestra” to enhance tissue repair and regeneration. Applications of his work include the development of novel cellular therapies to promote new blood vessel formation and to regenerate insulin-producing cells during diabetes.

Can I please have a stem cell injection doc?
Dr. Alan Getgood is an orthopedic surgeon at the Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic and an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. With clinical expertise in complex knee reconstruction and shoulder injuries, Dr. Getgood’s research interests include tissue-engineering approaches to articular cartilage and meniscus regeneration, as well as the design of preclinical models of joint injury and degeneration.

The ethics of stem cell research
Carolyn McLeod is a professor in the Western’s Departments of Philosophy and Women’s Studies and Feminist Research and a member of the Rotman Institute of Philosophy. Her research is mainly in bioethics, especially reproductive ethics and feminist bioethics.

Event parking: D.B. Weldon Parking Lot (accessible from Lambton Drive). Please arrive before 8 p.m. to obtain free parking at this lot.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jeff Renaud, Senior Media Relations Officer, 519-661-2111, ext. 85165, jrenaud9@uwo.ca, @jeffrenaud99

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