Stem Cell Dialogues continue next week at the UC Davis Health System, with the public invited to hear three scientists discuss their latest research and the lifesaving attributes of umbilical cord blood, and tell about a future cord-blood collection effort.

The program, titled "The Promise of Cord Blood," is scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, on the Sacramento campus.

The health system announced this panel of scientists: Jan Nolta, director of the Institute for Regenerative Cures, and two cord-blood experts, Suzanne Pontow and Jon Walker, also with the institute. Claire Pomeroy, vice chancellor for Human Health Science and dean of the School of Medicine, will be the moderator, the organizers said.

With stem cell forums such as this one, the health system aims to keep the public informed on the promise of regenerative medicine in addressing a wide range of diseases, injuries and other health conditions. The cord-blood collection program, a public, statewide effort due for launch in the fall, is designed to increase therapeutic options in regenerative medicine.

UC Davis has nearly 150 scientists at work on stem cell-related research projects on the Davis and Sacramento campuses. With 19 grants totaling more than $61 million, from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, UC Davis physicians and scientists are focused on turning stem cells into cures.

The organizers said the forum will be in the Education Building, 4610 X St. Free admission. Seating is limited; people interested in attending are asked to make reservations with Heather Mora, (916) 734-9716 or heather.mora@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu. Doors are set to open at 5:30 p.m. Free parking in Lots 12 and 14, just south of the Education Building, near 45th Street and Second Avenue.