Whoa, that's really cool! A few kilos? How much does a heart weigh? Surely not that much . . . I don't know if I'll be kept up to date on this one, but the reason I'm interested in participating is that I've been using e-cigarettes and I really hope that they can help improve the lives of smokers. The thing is, they're so new that there has been no chance for long-term studies, something which big tobacco has latched on to and is using to whip the FDA and some sectors of the public into a fear frenzy. I hope that by participating, we'll all be able to get a clearer picture of e-cigs and how nicotine might be more safely consumed by those who are addicted to it. Anyway, as a person who has done more than one, would you encourage others to participate in medical studies too?
Definitely not. The funny part of this is that, if this study continues the way that it is now, there may actually at some point be more mass of my cardiac tissue (Genetically anyway) than there is mass of me as a person. RIght now they're not growing completely new hearts, as much as they are doing proof-of-technique for muscle/conductive tissue 'patches' for people with certain kinds of weak hearts. The e-cig thing interests me (I use one semi-regularly, 0 nicotine) and I hope that the FDA thing doesn't just drive the whole thing underground or into the realm of 'not for human consumption' pseudo-drugs like K2 and bath salts. I definitely encourage people to participate in research that interests them, however I think that a person should always have a clear picture of what's going to happen to them, potential long term effects, etc. How much does a heart weigh? Surely not that much . . .
Yeah, I guess I was getting around to asking about "potential long term effects". I read in The Emperor of All Maladies about one particular cancer patient whose cell sample continues to divide, even though she is long dead. Part of you could live forever! As for e-cigs, I don't know what kind of juice you like, but I accidentally ordered a 0 mg version of this juice which is fantastic. Only tried one other flavor from that company, but it's also incredible. And pretty cheap!I definitely encourage people to participate in research that interests them, however I think that a person should always have a clear picture of what's going to happen to them, potential long term effects, etc.
You're thinking of Henrietta Lacks progenitor of the HeLa cell line, one of a few different kinds of immortal cell cultures. And yeah, there's a certain parallel there, and in agreeing to participate in the study I did sign away all potential financial compensation from the production and sale of any medical products or pharmaceuticals thereof. But in this instance, I care more about the research than my wallet. That looks like a tasty vape, I'm rocking Hawk Sauce currently from Mt. Baker.