ChemQuest Official Newsletter: Week of 02/03/2025
Hello everyone! I hope you’re having a wonderful Sunday! This week ChemQuest has exciting news to share about one of our newest endeavors ⭐. Today we will dive into the latest of STEM innovation and news in the health industry ⚕️. Once we expand our knowledge in that sector, we will jump to various kits and resources to help you and your children get started with fascinating projects of your own! Keep innovating scientists! 🔬
"Every great advance in science has issued from a new audacity of imagination." – John Dewey
STEM News 📰
STEM-PD, A Cell-replacement Trial for Parkinson’s, Releases Latest Update
Background
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STEM-PD is a first-in-human trial testing stem cell-based therapy for Parkinson’s disease.
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The goal: replace dopamine-producing cells lost to the disease.
Trial Progress
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Initial Phase:
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First patient transplanted in February 2023a at Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
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Four patients received a lower dose (3.5 million cells per putamen, 7 million total).
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Higher Dose Phase:
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Dosing initiated after positive safety evaluation of lower dose.
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First patient of higher dose cohort (7 million cells per putamen, 14 million total) transplanted.
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Remaining three patients to be grafted in 2024.
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Objectives & Early Findings
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Primary Goal: Assess safety and tolerability over one year post-grafting.
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No adverse side effects reported; patients are doing well.
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Secondary Goals:
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Monitor cell survival via dopamine PET imaging.
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Evaluate clinical efficacy three years post-transplantation.
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Early PET scans (6-12 months) indicate dopamine cell survival.
DIY STEM Kits & Resources 🔍
Arduino Starter Kits for Beginners 🔧
Introduce your child to the world of electronics and programming!
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What it Offers: Hands-on experience building circuits and coding simple projects.
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Why We Recommend It: Boosts problem-solving skills and teaches real-world technology concepts.
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Pro Tip: Start with simple projects like blinking LEDs before progressing to more complex builds like motion sensors.
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Price Range: $30 to $90
DNA Experiment Kits 🧬
Let your budding scientist explore the building blocks of life!
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What it Offers: Learn how to extract DNA from everyday items like strawberries.
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Why We Recommend It: Encourages curiosity about biology and genetics through exciting experiments.
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Parent Tip: Supervise and discuss real-life applications, like how DNA is used in research and crime-solving.
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Price Range: $20 to $50
Monthly STEM Subscription Boxes 📦
Keep curiosity alive with a new STEM project every month!
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What it Offers: Themed kits ranging from engineering challenges to coding puzzles.
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Why We Recommend It: Hands-on learning without the hassle of planning experiments.
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Recommended Boxes: KiwiCo Tinker Crates, MEL Science, or Bitsbox.
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Price Range: $25 to $50 per month
