AdultStemCell.com

by elycefeliz

Embryonic Stem Cells Research Debate

Suddenly, stem cells are everywhere. Once referred mostly in health journals, these microscopic clusters have made their way into news, research reports, business reports etc. The complexity surrounding these relatively simple cells has increased every second.

Recent studies suggest these cells may hold the secret to treatment, even cures for some of our most inexplicable diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Embryonic stem cells are controversial. They come from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst (term for a fertilized egg). At the heart of the stem cell debate is a battle – over abortion as, these are cells from embryos. According to the religious orthodoxy, an embryo is life. But these cells also hold great promise for millions of ailing patients and their families. Moreover, many of the embryos would otherwise be unceremoniously discarded.

Until very recently, the vast majority of stem cells used in research came from discarded (or excess) embryos stored at in-vitro fertilization clinics. If potential parents decide against having more children, scientists working with stem cells might ask them to consider donating the unneeded embryos to research.

Adult stem cells taken from the blood or organs of healthy adults have recently demonstrated an unexpected adaptability in lab experiments. But these cells are marginally helpful to scientists, and do not show the same promise as those culled from embryos. Adult cells are fairly set in their ways, and don’t seem to grow or replicate themselves as quickly as their younger counterparts.

New techniques for gathering the cells are in quiet development; scientists are generally wary of disclosure, because public reaction is difficult to predict. Revelations that scientists at a privately-funded fertility clinic are growing human embryos with the intent of harvesting stem cells have provoked widespread hand-wringing, among both advocates and opponents of stem cell research. Advocates worry that publicizing such a blatant and systematic cell harvesting procedure can only harden hearts against the science; in the crude terms of public relations, using stem cells from discarded embryos is one thing, but purposefully creating an embryo only to dismantle it is something else altogether. Opponents of the research see the clinic’s methodology as the best indication yet that we are carelessly sliding down the slippery slope of destroying human life in order to advance our scientific curiosity.

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Embryonic Stem Cells Research.

A US district judge had issued a ban on some federally-funded embryonic stem cell research. The White House says it’ll quickly appeal the decision. In the meantime, scientists are left in limbo wondering if or when their work can continue. (Aug. 24)
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More Stem Cell Research News Articles

by Renegade98

Stem Cell Research Landmark:vTeeth Extract a Good Source for Stem Cell

The wisdom teeth that you get removed might just prove to be a treasure trove for stem cell researchers-as extracted teeth could provide a non-controversial source of stem cells, according to a new Japanese study.

Yet another breakthorugh research on stem cell is in news these days. A research condusted in Japan has suggested that dental pulp from extracted teeth may be an easy source of Induced Pluripotent Stem (IPS) cells, which like embryonic stem cells, have the potential to form several different cell types.

Unlike embryonic cells, which are extracted from days-old human embryos, generating stem cells from dental pulp is a relatively non-invasive and non-controversial process.

“One of the exciting things about dental pulp stem cells is how accessible they are, especially when you think about primary teeth. We and others have been able to extract stem cells from teeth that would have fallen out anyway,” added Jacques Nör, a professor and researcher at University of Michigan’s School of Dentistry.

The aim of stem cell research is to create techniques to replace diseased cells and regenerate the body.

Nor also Said.. ”One thing we don’t want to do is create false expectations, we know this isn’t going to be a cure for everything. As long as people keep this in mind, it may be useful in 5, 10, 15 years from now as a treatment for significant diseases.”

This study is an important first step, showing the potential of opening stem cell banks. You wouldn’t have to give up your own teeth to take advantage of this,” said Giannobile. ”The emphasis will now be on the safety aspects to make sure the cells that have been derived don’t have tumorigenic potential.”

(for more updates refer http://healthveda.com)