Potential Stem Cell Breakthrough

Scientists believe they have found a way of creating stem cells, without creating, then destroying life. They do this by fusing adult skin cells with embryonic stem cells. The process still involves use of an embryonic stem cell, but researcers hope that these experiments will show how to create stem cells without having to start with an embryonic cell in the first place.



This is big if they can figure out how to really get this to work. If we can use adult cells to create stem cells, then the deate on whether it is ethial should be over. We won't have to create and destroy life to obtain tem aymore.

[edit on 22-8-2005 by DarkHelmet]

[edit on 23-8-2005 by asala]

It just shows how stupid the debate is in the first place, its a non-issue, stem cells should be used to help cure diseases period.
What actually makes up an early human embryo that scientists want for their studies? A bunch of stem cells!
Now, What are these scientists doing to these skin cells? Making them into a bunch of stem cells!
Yet the dinosaurs who have a problem with using stem cells in the former instance here, have no problems in the latter even though their exactly the same? Un-f**king-believable, especially when we're talking about real peoples lives here on the line

At last..it was a matter of time a safer way of research was discovered

[edit on 22-8-2005 by Mayet]

This article is misleading.

Your pelvis is packed with stem cells, and they are, in fact, useful.

[edit on 22-8-2005 by jacquio999]

Are the stem cells in marrow the same as the ones from embryos, or is there additional benefit to using embryonic stem cells? I'm confused on this point.

I'm not too sure on it, I just know that if they can do what they think they'll be able to do... then the debate on whether we should use stem cells or not should be over.

Yes and no. If the cells from marrow are identical, and embryonic cells do not provide any significant additional value, then using marrow cells bypasses the entire ethical debate. Considering it is a debate that is based on emotion rather than reason, it's worth bypassing if there is an alternative.

Being only a layman on this subject, I get the impression that some are pushing for embryonic stem cells as part of an abortion hidden agenda. Since lives and well being are at stake, let's be honest in this discussion. If embryonic stem cells are unique and necessary, then let's have the debate/fight, otherwise, let's not.

Sorry there is already a topic in ATSnn on this www.abovetopsecret.com...