Oakland University Stem Cell Conference Talks Cures

ROCHESTER -- At least 300 people attended the weekend's Second Midwest Conference On Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Friday through Sunday at Oakland University.

The event was held at Oakland's brand-new health sciences building, which has been certified LEED Platinum for its energy saving, Earth-friendly technology.

The event featured presentations on both regenerative uses of stem cells, and ways in which stem cells may be used to prevent the growth and spread of cancer.

Kicking off the event was Mick Perez-Cruet, M.D., of the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, who offered his research on successful stem-cell based treatment of spinal degenerative disorders -- so far, on laboratory rabbits.

Officials with the event say stem cell based cures for diseases ranging from incontinence to macular degeneration are in the laboratory stages, and that the science is moving quickly toward treatments.