Seventy-eight-year-old Dr. Boen, as he is familiarly known to family and friends, is an optimist. When he is asked the reason for his passion in stem-cells, he says he wants his life extended by five years and he is convinced stem-cell therapy can do it. He also believes stem cells will be the next cure-all, particularly on degenerative diseases. "Stem cells is a new science," said Dr. Boen, "it's time we try to learn more about this."

He is no strang