Stem Cell Therapy for Pets

Grover, a 4-year-old German Shepard, may have a new lease on life thank to an injection of stem cells that is hoped to bring range of motion back to a bum knee. Treatments to the leg have helped the dog move around, and seem to have helped some of the pain, but the dog still suffers.

The owners hope this expensive new therapy will help, but admit that they are unsure of the process. This will be the first time that doctors have used stem cells from a subject to try and repair damaged cells, but there are growing numbers of pet owners willing to try experimental therapies like this one to help their furry friends.

Researchers currently rely on animal models to try and predict the behavior of stem cells in humans. Mice and other animals with similar genetic profiles have been used to test the applications of stem cells. While there is a gap between these animals and human patients, science have a growing body of evidence suggesting that this testing will lead to real results soon.

For those considering the therapy for their own pets, it’s important to manage your own expectations. Stem cells are extremely potent, but their use is still very much experimental. The price can be high, and the turnaround time can be slower than anticipated. Some treatments can be conducted same day, others require repeat visits and off-site lab work.

The most important take away is that pet owners increasingly have more options to deal with pet illness.

Bio: Sasha Bakhru is a bio-medical researcher with experience in stem cells and pharmaceuticals. Sasha Bakhru is the co-founder of NeuroBank. 

Sasha Bakhru Explains the Amazing Power of the Ganges

The River Ganges stretches along 4 miles of Indian coast, and it’s the bathing grounds for thousands of visitors from around the world. It’s also one of the most polluted rivers in the world, yet time after time people are drawn to its waters to bathe and swim. Perhaps the most remarkable part, they walk away disease free. What is it about this river that explains its pure properties?

E. Coli

In separate tests of water samples that were 15 days old, 8-years-old and 16-years-old, E. Coli survival rates were at near zero. In fact, the survival rate of E. Coli was greater in boiled water than it was in the contents of the river Ganges. The river actually contains microbes that consume bacteria that scientists call bacteriophages.

Biological Oxygen Demand

The Ganges has an above average ability to absorb oxygen, up to 15-25 the times the power of other rivers. Because of this, the river is able to handle higher amounts of pollution by processing bio waste. Scientists have tested the waters and found that as much as 60% of bio waste was removed within an hour.

Standing Water

Jarred water from the river Ganges doesn’t seem to go bad, no matter how long it stands. It is said that the British East Indian Company used water from the river Ganges because it was able to stay sweet and fresh for longer than other sources.  The true reason for the Ganges’ ability to retain oxygen and kill bacteria is hard to pinpoint, but this amazing river has had these properties all throughout recorded history.

Bio: Sasha Bakhru is a biomedical engineering graduate with an emphasis on stem cell research. You can find the research of Sasha Bakhru online.