What do all societies need - a LOGO!

To have a LOGO or symbol that best represents the Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research we are going to hold a competition. So, all you budding artists, designers or anyone who wants to see their unique design as a symbol for Australia and New Zealand's new scientific society for stem cells.

So, what should the LOGO depict?

Well, firstly stem cells. Stem cells are unique cells found in our body or that have been isolated from very early embryos that can duplicate as well as divide and form most types of adult cella. This property makes them useful to generate novel cell therapies to ameliorate a number of patient's diseases or injury. Some cancers also develop from stem cells. Understanding cancer stem cells will help in working out how cancers develop. It has also been suggested that attacking the cancer stem cells specifically may be a way of preventing some cancers from returning.

So, what do stem cells look like? Of course, it depends on what type of stem cells they are. You can't see them unless you look at them with a microscope. The photo on the right, is of a human embryonic stem cell colony (around 5,000 cells). In this photo they seem to shine. Often embryonic-like cells shimmer when light is passed through them.

Secondly, the LOGO could highlight the uniqueness of Australia and New Zealand.

Oh, and if the creativity or science don't compel you to scribble something on paper and enter our competition, we hope to offer a prize!

Watch this blog for more details of when the competition is being held and how to enter!