Date:15/07/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/07/15/stories/2004071510990500.htm

Karnataka

Symposium on stem cells on July 17

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE, JULY 14. Manipal Hospital Transfusion Services along with Cryostem Cell Karnataka have embarked on a novel venture: Stem Cell Banking and Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation (bone marrow transplantation).

This will be formally announced at a symposium to be held on July 17 at Manipal Hospital. More than 150 doctors and medical researchers from across the country are expected to attend it.

What antibiotics and vaccines were for infections, stem cells hold the same promise for cancers, diabetes, heart diseases, and neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, doctors say. Stem cells can be obtained from the bone marrow, the umbilical cord, and embryos. The umbilical cord, which is mostly thrown away after a baby is born, is now known to be a rich source for stem cells, which are useful in treating several cancers and genetic disorders such as Thalassemia.

Aw Ta Choon, physician from Malaysia, who has been active in promoting umbilical cord blood banking, will share his experiences with the participants at the seminar.

The symposium will also be addressed by leading medical experts in India such as C.M. Habibullah, Director, Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, and S. Shastry from Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai.

The objective of the symposium is to engage doctors from all branches of medicine on a dialogue over the applications of stem cells for the betterment of human health.

Invitees include all major hospitals in Bangalore and across the country that are actively involved in stem cell research and its applications.