World stem cell event opens in West Palm Beach

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World Stem Cell Summit organizer Bernie Siegel has joined forces with scientists from the University of Miami to host the 1,000 attendees from 34 countries expected at the summit in West Palm Beach this week.

Each have made discoveries in stem-cell research that could make a difference for those suffering from diabetes and heart disease.

Dr. Joshua Hare, a cardiologist at UM's Miller School of Medicine, has been a pioneer the use of stem cell therapy to repair damaged hearts. Recently, he completed a clinical trial where scarring was reduced by 33 percent in patients who had previous heart attacks.

"The No. 1 reason for heart failure is because of cardiac scarring. If you can remove it and replace with new tissue, that's very exciting," he said.

Dr. Camillo Ricordi, director of UM's Diabetes Research Institute, developed an experimental procedure that has improved blood glucose control and the quality of life of some Type 1 diabetics. But the procedure involves organ donors.

Ultimately, he's seeking a cure that involves "replacing cells in Type 1 diabetics with insulin-producing cells that are in our own body."

"I definitely think the cure is within our reach. We've had so much progress within the last three years," said Ricordi, who posts updates on his research on facebook.com/DiabetesResearch.org.

Other top speakers at the summit include:

Dr. George Daley, director of the Stem Cell Transplantation Program, HHMI/Children's Hospital in Boston where he specializing in research and drug development for those with leukemia and genetic blood disorders.

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World stem cell event opens in West Palm Beach