I see that it is now possible to create stem cells from ordinary skin cells, by injecting specific genes into them. No longer is it necessary to use cells from embryos. This is a significant advance and should spur the advance of the science.
Has the ethical opposition to stem cell research been overcome?
I doubt that I will live to see the practical application of any research, but, I think it will be a boon for many of you.

I don't see what's so controversial about stem cell research. Anyone who has ever had a baby knows that part is tossed away. If it can used for good and maybe play a role in curing diseases once thought incurable,why wouldn't you want to do that?

I hope this new advance proves as good as the stem cell itself

Looking at the huge potential of stem cell research I have never understood the problem with it. It's not like they chop up babies or anything.

no they don't,the baby isn't hurt at all. Like I said,it's a part that is tossed anyways after the baby is born.
I think mainly it's a money issue too. It's expensive to preserve the umbilical cord and extract the cells and then store them for a "maybe I'll need this down the road"

no they don't,the baby isn't hurt at all. Like I said,it's a part that is tossed anyways after the baby is born.
I think mainly it's a money issue too. It's expensive to preserve the umbilical cord and extract the cells and then store them for a "maybe I'll need this down the road"

My point was that they also use (used) embryos, which the religious people made a big deal about. But I guess that relates back to their anti-abortion line of arguments.

My point was that they also use (used) embryos, which the religious people made a big deal about. But I guess that relates back to their anti-abortion line of arguments.


really? wow,I didn't know they actually used the embryo. That would be a non selling point for me too

Do you know why stem-cell based meds are considered 'miracle drugs' by the people who are lucky enough to receive them? Speaking from personal experience, the most important thing is... they work for a large percentage of people with chronic health issues. But the second best thing is... they have NO side effects. Biogenetic drugs (made from living cells) must be taken intravenously. If taken in pill form, the stomach would digest them. Unlike chemical drugs, which may work on one's condition, but come with a high risk of liver or kidney damage, biogen drugs have NO affect on the body... except to target the T-cell responsible for the condition. That's not to say they work on everybody and I understand there have been cases of side effects. But occurences are very rare.

In lieu of the stem-cell controversy, the 'miracle drug' from this technology that I am fortunate enough to take, is made from MOUSE cells. (I know, I know... I've heard all the jokes!) The downside of all this great news is the price. One infusion costs $6,000 (plus incidentals like needles and nurses and doctors and gauze, for pete's sake, which can add another $500). It is expected that once human cells are readily available, the price will go down. One can only hope! Infusions are given every 8 weeks and take about 3 hours. They are not a cure.... but while taken, can totally eliminate the symptoms, like they do for me.

Biogenetic meds are the hope of the future for millions of people who suffer from chronic disorders. I'm not sure how far research has come toward finding actual CURES for life-threatening conditions like cancer, but like OT said, somewhere down the line, surely that will happen.

This new skin-cell breakthrough is exciting news indeed! Thanks for bringing it up, sweetie.

:)
SMW

Aside from the "debate" over the initial methods for stem cell gathering. This new method should be drastically cheaper and easier to do at more laboratories... I think I read that 800-900 labs currently have the equipment to do this new procedure. Good news indeed!

Oh... not to thread jack, but another bit of good research out of Wake Forest:

http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/antenna/cancerkillers/

thanks for that link OP,I jsut sent it to my friend who is in her first week of chemo treatments for kidney and pancreatic cancer. I am sure any little bit of info is helpful to her:)

thanks for that link OP,I jsut sent it to my friend who is in her first week of chemo treatments for kidney and pancreatic cancer. I am sure any little bit of info is helpful to her:)
Very exciting news, even if the tests are only in the initial stages.

Pancreatic cancer can be a brutal form of the disease. I hope your friend has a complete recovery (and will keep him/her in my prayers.... just don't telll FT... he doesn't think it helps).

she's already had a complete hystorectomy(sp?) because of cancerous tumors and her doctor found it had spread further. That's kind of you to add someone you don't know to your prayers. You're a good person OP.


:bighug:

she's already had a complete hystorectomy(sp?) because of cancerous tumors and her doctor found it had spread further. That's kind of you to add someone you don't know to your prayers. You're a good person OP.


:bighug:

My heart goes out to your friend, Michelle. I feel very guility for bragging about the 'miracle' drug that controls my non life-threatening condition and will pray for a miracle for her. You're a good friend to be there for her... I'm sure that helps more than you know.

:(
SMW

really? wow,I didn't know they actually used the embryo. That would be a non selling point for me too

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embryonic_stem_cell

Still don't see the problem as they are using embryos who would never become anything in the first place. I do agree this needs to be treated with respect tho, but millions of embryos die every day from natural causes.

But yeah, they have new methods now that makes this easier. The medical potential of this research is huge, and one day we might not have to experience things like your friend Michelle :(

My heart goes out to your friend, Michelle. I feel very guility for bragging about the 'miracle' drug that controls my non life-threatening condition and will pray for a miracle for her. You're a good friend to be there for her... I'm sure that helps more than you know.

:(
SMW


aaww,I didn't think you were bragging. It's helping you so that's good for you.
It's just how life goes. She's taking this alot better than everyone else is so some of her optimism is rubbing off