A few months ago, funding restrictions on embryonic stem cell research were loosened.  Earlier this month, the National Institute of Health announced new guidelines for federal funding.  The creation of new cell lines may not be federally funded, but the restrictions have been loosened with regard to what constitutes an existing cell line.  New cell lines may be created, just not with federal funds.  Once a line is created, federal funds may be used for further research.

The Minnesota Daily, the newspaper from the Twin Cities campus of the University of Minnesota, recently ran an article discussing how these federal changes will affect research conducted at the university.  It also discusses different stem cell developments that have taken place at the university.

Learn more about the different types of stem cell research.

We’re sure you’ve heard of it or seen it in your doctor’s office. The digest-sized magazine has lots of cute ads to look at while you’re waiting to be seen by your OB (and we know how long that can take…).

But the best part is the website. You can go to your region – or other regions – and find out about products and services available for future parents.

I know someone who lives, to quote her, “not near anything” in Minnesota. She surfs around The Bump website looking in major urban areas for services and ideas that aren’t necessarily local (what with the internet and all). Makes her feel like she isn’t “not near anything” and plugged into the new news mainframe for parents-to-be.

You may recognize The Bump because it’s the sister site to The Knot (weddings) and The Nest (newlyweds setting up house). No they’re not paying us to talk about them, but they should don’t you think?

Take a look.

The Chicago Tribune published a short and helpful summary of the dos and don’ts of banking and donating cord blood, including some cautious advice on donating to public banks.  The article references three private cord blood banks – because they’re big, no other reason – which reveals the limited scope of the press when considering options for their readers.  Still, it’s a good summary in case you’re introducing the idea to your doctor, spouse or mother-in-law.

Peter Smith, the Archbishop of Cardiff, Wales, is encouraging people to donate their cord blood to cord blood banks.

According to the press release, “cord blood is rich in stem cells and is already being used to treat many different diseases including leukemia, sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.”  It further explains that “Researchers are now finding more uses for blood donations taken from the umbilical cord at birth.”

The Archbishop recognizes that, “Valuable cord blood can be extracted in a simple, safe procedure from the umbilical cord after birth, but currently, most of that resource is discarded.”

Scientists in Britain are exploring the use of stem cells to treat Crohn’s Disease.

Crohn’s Disease is a debilitating disorder that causes ulceration and inflammation of the digestive tract. There is no cure, so treatment involves medication to control symptoms.

Doctors are attempting to restart the immune system by destroying the cells that cause the Crohn’s and replacing them with new stem cells.

The stem cell treatment takes 2 years and is extremely painful, but if it is able to help relieve the symptoms of Crohn’s, it will be beneficial for those who suffer from it.

Learn about the diseases treated by cord blood stem cells.

July has been declared Cord Blood Awareness Month by the American Hospital Association’s Society for Healthcare Strategy & Market Development.

The American Hospital Association encourages all expectant parents to educate themselves about the benefits of cord blood banking.  This will allow them to make an informed decision about whether to bank their baby’s cord blood, donate it to a public bank or discard it as medical waste.

If you are interested in learning more about cord blood banking, you can contact M.A.Z.E. Cord Blood Laboratories at (914) 683-0000.

We recently discovered a new foundation dedicated to educating parents about cord blood banking.  The Save the Cord Foundation was formed by 2 bio-tech and pharmaceutical executives who recognized the value of cord blood.  They are working to ensure that every baby’s cord blood is collected.

The Save the Cord Foundation encourages parents to bank their baby’s cord blood, whether they use a public or private cord blood bank.  The founders recognize that cord blood is a valuable resource and should be saved for every baby.

Check out the Save the Cord Foundation.  It is another unbiased source to help you decide if you want to bank your baby’s cord blood.  Remember, educated parents are in the best position to make their own decisions.  Good luck!