Embryonic Stem Cell research is a big issue with Christians because it requires the use of aborted fetal tissue, something that the majority of Christians see as immoral. Many in the health community see the research as a way to find treatments to many horrible diseases from M.S. to various cancers.
Apparently there is a breakthrough in ADULT Stem Cell research that does NOT require the use of aborted fetal tissue. Did I miss this or was it simply not well reported? You'd think that this would have been heralded by both the Health Community and Christians.
If this is a breakthrough, and if it will please the harshest critics of stem cell research, then why isn't the mainstream media shouting this from the rooftops? Is there some logic to not plastering this news everywhere?
Here is part of a story from the Catholic News Agency:Seriously, did I just have my head in the sand and completely miss the story on the news or was this not well reported?
Personally, this totally removes possible objections to stem cell research that I had previously harbored. Thoughts?
Apparently there is a breakthrough in ADULT Stem Cell research that does NOT require the use of aborted fetal tissue. Did I miss this or was it simply not well reported? You'd think that this would have been heralded by both the Health Community and Christians.
If this is a breakthrough, and if it will please the harshest critics of stem cell research, then why isn't the mainstream media shouting this from the rooftops? Is there some logic to not plastering this news everywhere?
Here is part of a story from the Catholic News Agency:
Moral Stem Cell Research
Scientific breakthrough expected to advance ethical stem cell research
But here is another version & link, this time from CNN. I have edited out some stock specific information from the story.Scientific breakthrough expected to advance ethical stem cell research
Washington DC, Jun 8, 2007 / 10:33 am (CNA).- Pro-life and church groups are optimistic about a new scientific breakthrough that provides yet another ethical alternative to embryonic stem cell research, reports Time Magazine.Nature and Cell Stem Cell, researchers have succeeded in reprogramming ordinary cells from the tips of mouse tails so they are virtually indistinguishable from embryonic stem cells.
Three research groups said they accomplished their feat in mature cells by turning on four genes that are always active in days-old embryos. Some of the rejuvenated cells were able to mature into new mice, demonstrating the cells' ability to create every type of tissue in the body.
Researchers are optimistic that the discovery can be applied to human cells, which would offer an ethical way to create a limitless supply of cell lines tailor-made for patients.
"This would be a win for science, ethics and society," said Richard Doerflinger of the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities. "It may offer a way for people of all faiths and all ethical backgrounds to study, use, subsidize and enjoy any therapeutic benefits of … stem cell research."
Three research groups said they accomplished their feat in mature cells by turning on four genes that are always active in days-old embryos. Some of the rejuvenated cells were able to mature into new mice, demonstrating the cells' ability to create every type of tissue in the body.
Researchers are optimistic that the discovery can be applied to human cells, which would offer an ethical way to create a limitless supply of cell lines tailor-made for patients.
"This would be a win for science, ethics and society," said Richard Doerflinger of the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities. "It may offer a way for people of all faiths and all ethical backgrounds to study, use, subsidize and enjoy any therapeutic benefits of … stem cell research."
Stem cell breakthrough a bust on Wall Street
Biotechs mixed after reports of major development in stem cell research; potential treatments far, far away.
By Aaron Smith, CNNMoney.com staff writer
June 7 2007: 4:31 PM EDT
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- A breakthrough in stem cell research involving mice has stirred up excitement in the scientific community but not on Wall Street, where some stocks in the sector slumped Thursday.
Investors seem to realize that the study results, while promising, are still years away from potential treatments.
"This is all necessary to move the stem cell space forward, but this is still extremely early in development," said Ren Benjamin, analyst for Rodman & Renshaw. "The results that were published yesterday may take years to adequately develop so that one day the technology could be used to develop a therapeutic."
Here is a press release:Biotechs mixed after reports of major development in stem cell research; potential treatments far, far away.
By Aaron Smith, CNNMoney.com staff writer
June 7 2007: 4:31 PM EDT
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- A breakthrough in stem cell research involving mice has stirred up excitement in the scientific community but not on Wall Street, where some stocks in the sector slumped Thursday.
Investors seem to realize that the study results, while promising, are still years away from potential treatments.
"This is all necessary to move the stem cell space forward, but this is still extremely early in development," said Ren Benjamin, analyst for Rodman & Renshaw. "The results that were published yesterday may take years to adequately develop so that one day the technology could be used to develop a therapeutic."
Press ReleaseSource: The Institute for Cellular MedicineStem Cell Clinic Applauds Breakthrough
Friday June 8, 8:34 pm ET
"Possibility of augmenting efficacy of existing adult stem cell therapies"
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Institute for Cellular Medicine (www.cellmedicine.com), an international organization offering adult stem cell therapy for degenerative conditions, applauds the recent publications in Nature and Cell Stem Cell describing the identification of molecular switches for inducing "dedifferentiation" of adult cells into pluripotent stem cells.The DNA blueprint is the same in all tissues in the adult body; however, specific parts are silenced in specific tissues. For example, in the skin, the DNA encoding liver enzymes is silenced. Originally, it was thought that silencing of DNA is permanent and that a skin cell can only generate a skin cell.
This concept was shattered by experiments in the 1990s demonstrating DNA from an adult cell can be "desilenced" and induced to become any cell in the body by introduction of the adult DNA into an oocyte. The recently published experiments have now identified distinct molecular mechanisms by which this process can be reproduced without the need for an oocyte.
"The Institute for Cellular Medicine treats patients with adult stem cells that have already been published by numerous groups to be useful with minimal side effects. Adult stem cells are a clinical reality. However, in order to take this discipline to the next level, it is critical to understand what molecules are involved in allowing a stem cell to perform its regenerative functions, as well as taking a non-stem cell and converting it into a stem cell," said Dr. Eduardo Glenn, Laboratory Director of the Institute for Cellular Medicine.
Friday June 8, 8:34 pm ET
"Possibility of augmenting efficacy of existing adult stem cell therapies"
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Institute for Cellular Medicine (www.cellmedicine.com), an international organization offering adult stem cell therapy for degenerative conditions, applauds the recent publications in Nature and Cell Stem Cell describing the identification of molecular switches for inducing "dedifferentiation" of adult cells into pluripotent stem cells.The DNA blueprint is the same in all tissues in the adult body; however, specific parts are silenced in specific tissues. For example, in the skin, the DNA encoding liver enzymes is silenced. Originally, it was thought that silencing of DNA is permanent and that a skin cell can only generate a skin cell.
This concept was shattered by experiments in the 1990s demonstrating DNA from an adult cell can be "desilenced" and induced to become any cell in the body by introduction of the adult DNA into an oocyte. The recently published experiments have now identified distinct molecular mechanisms by which this process can be reproduced without the need for an oocyte.
"The Institute for Cellular Medicine treats patients with adult stem cells that have already been published by numerous groups to be useful with minimal side effects. Adult stem cells are a clinical reality. However, in order to take this discipline to the next level, it is critical to understand what molecules are involved in allowing a stem cell to perform its regenerative functions, as well as taking a non-stem cell and converting it into a stem cell," said Dr. Eduardo Glenn, Laboratory Director of the Institute for Cellular Medicine.
Personally, this totally removes possible objections to stem cell research that I had previously harbored. Thoughts?