Stem cell study goes global

            NEW YORK - Newswise noted Cedars-Sinai Medical Center launched an International Stem Cell Research Institute that will do adult and embryonic

stem cell study. The academic medical center announced the arrival of renowned Israeli developmental geneticist Dr. Nissim Benvenisty as co-director with Dr. David I. Meyer, vice president/research and scientific affairs at Cedars-Sinai. “This is the time, this is the place, and Cedars-Sinai is ready to fulfill our vision for stem cell research,” said Dr. Benvenisty, the first scientist in the world to grow human embryonic stem cells into embryoid bodies and the first to manipulate them genetically. “Cedars-Sinai has a tradition of conducting research and clinical studies where the emphasis stays on trying to translate research findings from the bench to the bedside to benefit patients quickly,” said Dr. Benvenisty. “The institute will perform research on all types of stem cells, emphasizing integrity, innovation, and collaboration in our approach,” he added. “It is hoped that this streamlined ‘bench to bedside’ approach to research will lead to more effective treatments in cardiovascular medicine, neuroscience, oncology, surgery, and transplantation, among other areas,” said Dr. Meyer, who conceived the idea of the International Stem Cell Research Institute and actively recruited Dr. Benvenisty, who will maintain his position as professor of genetics at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, where he and his family live. Two more investigators will join the institute: Prof. Michal Schwartz, from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel , and Prof. Dan Gazit, also from Hebrew University . Cedars-Sinai scientists have been conducting more than a dozen research studies involving adult stem cells in areas such as neurology and neurosurgery, cardiology, and connective tissues. Adult stem cells are rare, however, and are difficult to grow and study in the lab. They are used primarily to treat blood and skin diseases, or injuries such as tissue burns.