Director named for stem cell research center

The Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research (OCASCR) has named Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Lorin Olson, Ph.D., as its new scientific director.

OCASCR was founded in 2010 by the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) to increase adult stem cell research in Okla- homa. Since then, OCASCR has funded research projects on diabetes, blindness, cancer and other illnesses at OMRF, Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma and the OU Health Sciences Center.

Olson earned his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University and his doctorate in bio- medical science from the University of California, San Diego. Following postdoctoral training at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle and the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, Olson launched his lab at OMRF in 2010. His work in the Cardiovascular Biology Research Program focuses on the intricate process of wound repair and the genes that control connective tissue development and disease.

Olson succeeds OMRF’s recently appointed vice president of research, Courtney Griffin, Ph.D., as OCASCR’s scientific director. In that role, he will oversee a semiannual review of grant applications from Oklahoma scientists to fund studies and equipment needed for specific research.

Olson plans to continue OCASCR’s focus on adult stem cell research and regenerative medicine. “Regenerative medicine is looking at how to use adult stem cells or their by-products to repair and restore diseased or damaged organs. That’s especially important in diseases related to smoking and obesity, both of which are focuses of TSET,” he said.

TSET Executive Director Julie Bisbee said she is excited about the future of OCASCR and the role this research plays in TSET’s overall goal.

“TSET is proud to support OCASCR as their researchers develop new treatments for cancer and other tobacco-related diseases,” said Bisbee. “That work is key to TSET’s mission and helps support scientific research and discoveries in Oklahoma. The work of this unique collaboration between academic and research institutions will be felt for generations to come.”

Since OCASCR’s founding, TSET has invested $31 million in Oklahoma scientists focused on adult stem cell research, with a return on that investment of more than $280 million in grants resulting from projects launched through the initiative.

Penalty for prostitution would increase under bill

Rep. Eric Roberts, R-Oklahoma City, recently passed legislation in the Oklahoma House of Representatives that increases penalties for those who purchase prostitution services.

House Bill 2054 increases the penalty for someone who purchases prostitution services from a misdemeanor to a felony.

"This bill aims to curb sex trafficking by reducing the demand for prostitution services," Roberts said. "Many of those engaging in prostitution are victims of human trafficking."

The Oklahoma City Police Department Vice Unit requested that the penalty for purchasing prostitution be changed from a misdemeanor to a felony. Texas made a similar penalty change and found it successful in reducing trafficking.

Under HB2054, a person can be sentenced to up to three years in prison and is subject to a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offense, $2,500 for a second offense and up to $5,000 for a third or subsequent offense.

If the victim of the offense is a minor, the penalty is a maximum of ten years imprisonment and provides a fine of up to $5,000 for a first offense, $10,000 for a second offense and up to $15,000 for a third or consecutive offense.

The measure would also require the offender to register as a sex offender upon a third conviction. The bill does not increase penalties for people engaging in prostitution.

HB2054 passed the House 76-15 and now moves to the Senate.

Under HB2054, a person can be sentenced to up to three years in prison and is subject to a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offense.