On the front pages of today's edition of The Oregonian, the newspaper for the Portland, Ore., metro area, an article explains how, so far, an experiment in stem cell transplantation has been successful.

While the article is small, relaying the nitty gritty and basics of the study and experiment, done by a California company, Stem Cells Inc., the impact of what the article is talking about is huge. The company "figured out how to harvest from dead human fetuses the stem cells that may make the missing enzyme...that clears a toxin from the brain" in patients, usually children, with Batten disease.

While our last blog talked about the wrong way to conduct a study -- mainly via fraud and discreditation -- this new article replaces hope that the medical health system, despite the current flare up of negative media attention, is indeed on the right track. Using solid research, patience (yes patience and not patients), science and evidence-base medicine, researchers, doctors and payers alike can establish best practices that really are what the American people need.

To read the full article, click here: http://www.oregonlive.com/health/index.ssf/2009/06/ohsu_stem_cell_test_results_ok.html