On February 17th, I left Narita for San Diego via San Francisco. I was to give a keynote lecture at the Cell Society Clinical Annual Meeting. I checked in at the Estancia Hotel at La Jolla where the meeting was to take place. It actually was quite a comfortable Hotel.
The weather, however, was not at all like South California; cold, dim, and we even had a rainfall. This is a rare situation, but it’s no use complaining. The weather recovered, however, during the afternoon of the second day.
The objective of this gathering was quite clear; to discuss exclusively on the current status of adult Stem Cell usage in clinical settings. We didn’t focus much on basic research; rather, on what was happening in each field ? including correspondences with the investigation authorities. I enjoyed the presentations: many of the presenters are people with whom I rarely have opportunites to see in my regular academic activities. I felt as if I was being introduced to a new frontier
As we learned about various knowledge gained in various fields, we gradually came to see all kinds of possibilities that adult ‘Stem Cells’ have for clinical fields. I think there is a great potential especially in the field related to orthopedics or cosmetic surgery. Considering that we are in the aging society, there would be need other than authentic healthcare.
From such broader perspectives, I felt that my keynote lecture was adequate for the occasion. I said a few words on Watson (Ref.1, 2), too. (I noticed that Dr. Yoko Ishikura also commented on Watson in her blog). Many of the participants congratulated me for the speech. I was very happy to know that they liked it.
Moreover, I strongly felt that in the context of the progress of 20th Century medicine, this meeting, by itself, established a very unique standpoint. It suggested us the possibility of a totally different perspective and framework of science. I would like to talk more on this issue at some other occasion.
From 9:30pm. I had some wine with a few Japanese students studying at UCSD and other universities, and also people from CONNECT, at the hotel until very late at night. Photos are here. I always enjoy exchanging views with young people from Japan. They are always full of energy. I want them to become globally active, and am looking forward to seeing that happen.
So, again, I was exposed to more things to think about.