Juan Domínguez-Bendala, Ph.D., is Director of Stem Cell Development for Translational Research at the Diabetes Research Institute. Once again, thanks to Gina and Jon at Diabetes Talkfest - you'll have the opportunity to chat live with Dr. Domínguez-Bendala on August 23rd at 9pm Eastern Standard Time.

Dr. Domínguez-Bendala is currently involved in several projects that focus on the use of embryonic stem cells to obtain pancreatic islets, in the hopes that these newly developed cells could one day be transplanted into patients with type I diabetes.

Join Dr. Domínguez-Bendala to discuss his work and ask questions pertaining to embryonic stem cell research. I know I'll be there, in true form, asking questions that I've been archiving for an event like this one!

After the successful outcome of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007, the White House has announced that it will veto the bill. However, congressional leaders have said that if the bill is vetoed, they will consider this legislation again later in the year.

The Senate passed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 last Wednesday, April 11th. The bill would change existing federal policy to allow the use of stem cells that were derived from human embryos donated from in vitro fertilization clinics.

The Senate also considered another bill, S. 30, the Hope Offered through Principled and Ethical Stem Cell Research Act sponsored by Senators Norm Coleman (R-MN) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) that would allow for research on stem cells obtained through non-embryonic sources and "dead" embryos.

I apologize if I get out of line or offensive to anybody reading. But I am truly tired of being a pawn in this charade of politics being about what's best for the people. Initially I thought stem cell research reservations were based on the moral standing of embryos. But many of you insightful readers pointed out, it's all about the money. What would these businesses DO if they didn't have diabetes to fulfill a lifetime of drugs? I'd love to believe they could find another illness to cure - but diabetes is really a fruitful dia-business. Sad but true. So here goes - I apologize for anybody who is offended by my feelings. I'm just sounding off...

Listen Bush - if you keep vetoing these critically important bills - what are we going to do with you?? You've abused the prestigious position of President of the United States by acting like a reckless cowboy! You start unwarranted wars. Your vice president shot someone in the face. Start something good to makeup for the irreparable events your administration has inflicted. A good deed in the form of NOT VETOING this bill would be a convincing start.

I'm the lady and the Lobster is brought to us by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. On Friday, December 1, 2006 there will be a Lobster Bash held in Babylon, NY. The event will take place at the Venetian Yacht Club. I would like to find 9 guests to join me. The table costs $1,000, so it will cost $100 a person - the balance of $55 is fully tax deductible.

I'll pay for my ticket. I'm inviting anybody within a convenient distance to join me. Come to the event, meet me, and tell me what's on your mind. Oh, and if none of that wets your whistle, maybe this will excite you: open bar, silent auction, and dancing. I've been told I dance like Elane Benes from Seinfeld. It's not true. I don't think so, anyway.

Ladies and Gentleman please don't send me out to the wolves in the CraigsList platonic neighborhood. Yes, I've been known to dabble in the singles scene, shamelessly. This is a different call to action. This is for philanthropy, supporting the research efforts of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Lobster buffet, open bar, and good times. Need a girl ask for a more socially-rounded experience? You are all cordially invited to attend! Leave me feedback or email if you would like further details.

Rats with a disease comparable to macular degeneration have had their eyesight restored with injections involving human embryonic stem cells. Scientists hope this will bode well for treating people at risk of the disorder.

Scientists found that visual acuity was restored in the animals after their eyes were injected with stem cells. The cells spontaneously transformed into retinal pigment epithelial cells, the very components that had been destroyed by an eye disease similar to macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is a disorder that ideally lends itself to stem cell treatment. Human embryonic stem cells offer several important advantages. Among them is their capacity to develop into cellular components that closely resemble primary human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Anybody touched by macular degeneration will find this news to be, at the very least, promising. That is, of course, if you are not Richard Doerflinger of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. He has been a naysayer of embryonic stem cell research for many moons. In fact, his skepticism this time is because "Dr. Lanza has been involved in a number of claims in the past that turned out not to be very accurate." After all, Dr. Lanza has over 25 years of research and industrial experience in the area of stem cells and regenerative medicine. From 1990 to 1998, he was Director of Transplantation Biology at BioHybrid Technologies, Inc., and is currently an Adjunct Professor at the Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine. What does this guy know anyway? What's on your resume, Dick?