Rutgers University Molecular Imaging Center Receives $75K Research Grant from Irving and Doris Gamow Stem Cell Research Foundation
Grant will Aid in the Advancement of Research for Patients with Corneal Damage
Rutgers University Molecular Imaging Center (RUMIC) director Edward Yurkow, PhD, received a $75,000 grant from the Irving and Doris Gamow Stem Cell Research Foundation (Gamow Foundation) to help unlock further understanding of the human eye and the effects adult stem cells may have in the treatment of specific conditions. Yurkow’s research is entitled Evaluating the Effects of Human Placental Extract on Corneal Damage in a Three-dimensional Human Corneal Culture System: Optimization of Tissue Damage Methods & Culture Conditions.
“I am honored to receive this funding to advance the understanding of the cornea and the potential benefits that may be unlocked using placental stem cells,” said Edward Yurkow. “Our team is grateful to the Gamow Foundation for its consideration and selection of our program over numerous applicants for this research funding. It has been a pleasure getting to know the principals at the Gamow Foundation who are truly dedicated to the advancement of stem cell research.”
The Gamow Foundation is an independent, non-profit charitable organization, operating under the belief that adult human stem cells have the power to cure a wide array of genetic and medical conditions for the benefit and welfare of mankind. The Foundation dedicates its efforts to furthering the scientific exploration and advancement of adult human stem cells for the potential treatment, management, and mitigation of various neurological, ophthalmological, endocrinological, cardiac, genetic, and acquired conditions, as well as other types of human disorders today.
“The Gamow Foundation is very proud to fund this important research led by Dr. Yurkow and his team at Rutgers University focused on cornea damage, a medical condition which affects millions of American citizens and even more globally,” said Arnold Rubin, a director of the Gamow Foundation. “We are hopeful the funding provided will give the scientific and medical community additional data and insight into the human eye and disorders of the cornea. We wish Dr. Yurkow and his team success with their important research.”
RUMIC offers non-invasive approaches to observe disease states, disease progression and therapeutic responses in living systems and ex vivo organs. It is one of three research cores within the Rutgers University Biomedical Research Innovation Cores (RUBRIC) that bridge the gap between basic and interdisciplinary pre-clinical research for faculty and researchers beyond the university.
Vince Smeraglia, executive director of RUBRIC, added, “The critically important stem cell translational research grant is a wonderful example of how a leading research foundation like GAMOW can partner and financially support Rutgers scientists to develop life-changing treatments by deploying the latest in stem cell research advancements.”
