Dubai Stem Cell Conference Emphasises Need For Awareness On Cord Blood Storage

The Third Dubai Stem Cell Conference, hosted by the First Stem Cell and Genomics Laboratory, concluded with a focus on raising awareness about cord blood storage. This two-day event gathered 500 professionals, including 25 international experts, to discuss regenerative medicine and stem cell research. The conference aimed to highlight the potential of stem cells as future medicine.

Dr. Fatima Al Hashemi, President of the conference and Director of the First Stem Cell and Genomics Laboratory, emphasised that stem cells are currently the only effective treatment for 80 blood diseases like thalassemia and leukemia. However, conditions such as diabetes and autism are still in clinical trials. She encouraged families with a history of these illnesses to store umbilical cord blood, which can be preserved for up to 30 years after confirming its viability.

The conference spotlighted advanced research in stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Dr. Fatima highlighted how scientific research on stem cells is advancing treatment techniques for various diseases. She predicted that within a few years, stem cell therapy would become an effective treatment for many currently incurable diseases.

This year's event featured 25 speakers from countries including the United States, Japan, Sweden, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Qatar, and the UAE. This diverse group facilitated a rich exchange of ideas and innovations in the field of stem cells.

Four workshops were conducted during the conference to educate participants on recent developments in stem cell research. These sessions provided international experiences to enhance both scientific knowledge and practical skills. A special "Networking Session" was also held to inform attendees about stem cell science and explore recent research findings and successful clinical trials.

The conference also showcased 20 medical research studies on stem cells conducted by students in medical and science fields. The best research was honoured to underline the significance of stem cells and genomics as pivotal elements in modern medicine, offering hope for numerous patients.

Participants at the conference received 14 credit hours from the Dubai Health Authority. This recognition underscores the importance of continuous learning in this rapidly evolving field.

The event underscored the critical role of stem cells in future medical treatments while encouraging further exploration into their potential applications.

With inputs from WAM