The next catalyst expected for stem cell and regenerative medicine companies is federal funding for stem cell research, which has been blocked by the previous administration for the past eight years. Look for an announcement and upside catalyst once the stimulus and bank rescue plans are finalized.

Today's feature stock from the index is Cord Blood America (OTC: CBAI), which preserves umbilical cord blood stem cells through a quick and non-invasive procedure at the time of birth. CBAI is focused on marketing initiatives to increase awareness of their services, which literally represent a once in a lifetime opportunity to collect and preserve cord blood stem cells which can be used in the future to treat dozens of conditions with the promise of even more medical breakthroughs with the FDA ruling to allow human stem cell testing and pending federal funding for stem cell research.

Other companies in the index which I have written about recently include Cytori Therapeutics (CYTX), ThermoGenesis (KOOL), and Bioheart (BHRT). Larger companies from the ETFI Cosmetic and Restorative Index I have covered include Osiris Therapeutics (OSIR), Geron (GERN), and Genzyme (GENZ).

Stay tuned for more details and web links for a new website for healthcare investors and traders, which is designed to provide users with more features beyond my current blog format. The new site will feature a discussion forum, news feeds, videos, stock commentaries (including multiple contributors), and other unique content – including my FDA and Clinical Trial Calendars.