The feeding tube of brain-disabled Terri Schiavo may be removed on 22nd February, under the wishes of her husband, when the 2nd State District Court of Appeal issues its final order.
Professor Jay Wolfson from the University of South Florida, a physician and lawyer, believes Terri has no hope for recovery and will remain in her allegedly vegetative state until she dies. Terri's parent's Robert and Mary Schindler do not wish for their daughter's life to be terminated.
Their lawyer, Barbara Weller, maintains that Michael Schiavo stands to inherit the balance of the $1 million insurance settlement which was originally set out to pay for Terri's ongoing care if she dies.
[February 10, LifeSite.net ] Researchers from the University of California have discovered that cardiac progenitor cells, found primarily in the pumping chambers of the heart, can regenerate the heart after injury.
The progenitor cells taken from animals produced cardiac-muscle cells, and can potentially be used to repair heart damage in humans.
[February 9, Nature.com ] The California Research and Cures Coalition intends to fight a federal ban on human cloning by launching a $3 billion state fund for embryonic stem cell research, according to Medical News Today.
A senior Bush administration official affirmed last week that the president had no plans to change regulations regarding embryonic research, and in his State of the Union address pledged to support a "culture of life" on such issues.
[February 10, MedicalNewsToday.com ] Scientists from Toronto, Canada, have found a new source for stem cells in a part of the umbilical cord which was believed to have no value.
Professor John Davies of the University of Toronto claims that the stem cells could be used to transplant bone marrow, and help fight leukaemia. The cells potentially provide treatments for torn bones.
[February 10, LifeNews.com ] A device to save the lives of premature babies is being developed by a group of scientists from Edinburgh.
The device can identify major problems in 10 minutes, and can also predict organ failure in a premature baby so that treatment can be provided to best effect.
Professor Neil McIntosh, who is behind the project, says: "By identifying the earlier signs of distress and organ failure, the survival rate of premature babies will be increased, while the chance of disability will be reduced, giving them a better outcome." The device is currently under trial. [February 9, Scotsman.com ]