Because it is such a new industry and cord blood storage is such a long-term investment, many expectant parents wonder, “What will happen to my baby’s cord blood if the cord blood bank closes?”  This is an extremely good question, especially if you are choosing a program with a 20-year banking period.  This is where a NYS license can set minds at ease.  A cord blood bank with a NYS license is required to demonstrate proper planning.  The samples will be send to another laboratory handling the same type of product.  For example, here at M.A.Z.E. Cord Blood Laboratories we were recently approached to take over storage of specimens from another lab.  We ended up declining since their standards were not up to ours, but they were able to place them in a large commercial lab.  All patients should be notified that their specimens will be transferred and be offered the opportunity to transfer them to another bank if they prefer. 

There is a surprising amount of confusion regarding stem cells and where they originate.  The ethical controversy the news often discusses revolves around embryonic stem cells.  These are cells taken from embryos and used for research or treatment.  The controversy develops based upon the question of when life begins. Some religious groups believe that life begins at conception, in which case, embryonic stem cells would be ending human life.  On the other hand, umbilical cord stem cells are collected after the successful birth of a baby.  These cells have finished nourishing the baby and have no further use.  Thus, there is no controversy surrounding the use of umbilical cord stem cells for research or treatment.

The University of South Florida has posted a press release about an article that appears in BMC Neuroscience about brain development and human umbilical cord stem cells.  According to the study, “When human umbilical cord blood cells (UCBC) were injected into aged laboratory animals, researchers at the University of South Florida (USF) found improvements in the microenvironment of the hippocampus region of the animal’s brain and a subsequent rejuvenation of neural stem/progenitor cells.”

 This development could help slow or even end some of the memory and other mental problems that occur as we age.