Three Tips on How to Research Stem Cell Therapy
By: Edward G. Loniewski, DO, FACOS, FAOAO
You may be very interested in knowing more about these amazing cells within our own bodies which may help reduce harmful biochemical processes; restore cell to cell communication and regenerate normal homeostasis or the balance between damage and repair. Well, after doing this myself for the past 25 years, here are three simple tips to avoid bias and allow you to benefit from the vast vault of information at our fingertips.
Tip #1- Use PubMed.gov
Go to PubMed.gov and register for an account. This is where our tax dollars have helped the most in stem cell research as well as any other research such as cancer or chronic diseases. This is a free on-line searchable database of over 28 million citations through the National Library of Medicine. Almost any peer reviewed medical journal is referenced through this database. Register for free and start to make your own folders on different topics surrounding stem cells such as stem cells and osteoarthritis and stem cells and lumbar disc disease. Just type in some key words such as stem cell and osteoarthritis and this will generate a list of articles. Normally, you will just see the abstracts, but you can filter through the list using the filter mode so you don’t have to read through the 1300 citations given for that search.
Tip#2 Use Google Scholar
Type in Google Scholar and if you already have a Google e-mail account, you are already registered. You can save your searches in a bit more confusing, yet more useful format by clicking onto “my library.” The big difference between Google and PubMed is that Google draws from a larger array of scholarly works such as presentations, dissertations and some lesser known journals. So, you have to sort out some of what is known as “predatory journals” designed to influence you to purchase a product. You can check this out by looking for the PubMed reference number.
Tip #3 Use Stem Cell Research Facts.org
Although I would not recommend just one website, this may be an exception because they have nothing to sell. This is run by the Charlotte Lozier Institute which is a pro-life organization dedicated to preserving life. It is named after Charlotte Lozier (1844-1870) who dedicated her life to the feminist movement and was a contemporary of the famous Susan B. Anthony List. The reason for recommending this site is that they bring together physicians, researchers, sociologists and psychologists to paint an overall picture of how stem cell therapy can benefit mankind. They not only have well cited and vetted research, but they also have personal stories of how this technology has helped others in real life situations. They also have a nicely written blog and great basic tutorial in stem cell terms. This helps paint a broader picture of how stem cell research be translated in real practical applications to help, rather than hurt mankind.
One final quick tip is to avoid certain forms of research such as industry based research in what are called sponsored research. This is research geared to sell you something. White papers are one example. These are published only to show that their product or device is superior to another. Also avoid any web sites with the word “Miracle” within the title. I’m a Catholic and we know miracles and there has to be clear, delineated criteria to be called a miracle such as no known medical explanation. Stem cells are a known medical explanation and anyone using the word miracle has never really witnessed a miracle. The only miracle is how much money they will make by ripping people off with their own miracle cure. Also avoid any source which claims to have a hidden secret. There are no secrets, only facts.
So, research, research and research some more and have fun doing it. Because, remember, these are your cells for your healing!
If you would like a face to face consultation with Dr. Loniewski, call 810-299-8552 or click HERE.