When the embryonic stem cell issue came up, I was here on FR posting that I thought embryonic cells would be very likely to cause tumors. Embryo cells are primed to grow, and they are only kept in check by the barrage of control signals all over the embryo's body. As soon as the embryo's body is destroyed to get those cells, the controls are gone. Furthermore, cancer and embryonic cells are very similar. I'm not surprised that trials with embryonic stem cells have caused tumors and other dangerous outcomes.
Though it may strike some as controversial, we must ask ourselves if it were not for the dispute over embryonic stem cell research, would we already have adult stem cell cures for countless diseases and medical conditions?
Without the distraction of embryonic stem cells, all that money that was poured into them could have gone to regular stem cell research. So we would be further advanced in that area. Although our advances so far have been pretty good.
It was always clear that the embryonic stem cell issue was devised as a means to try to legitimize abortion, and not because of promises of medical break-throughs. There was a similar attempt made in the 80s to push fetal tissue transplants, which also didn't work. The hope is that if miracle cures could be derived from murdered babies, people would be more receptive to the idea of killing innocents (and maybe even conceiving babies for the purpose of cannibalizing them for their parts).
I saw an article yesterday about stem cells. The first comment after the article was a rant about how conservatives hold up medical advances because of their radical opposition to abortion. That comment provides a teachable moment, or would if I could find it again (I was at work where I can't comment on public forums). None of the stem cell therapies discussed in the article involved embryos, but the ranter apparently is very uninformed on the issue.
Your post is one of the reasons I love Free Republic. Great info well presented.
As we lick our political wounds, here's some good news about adult stem cells.
Two Years On, Stem Cells Still Healing Damaged Hearts
Stem cells from strangers can repair hearts
Stem Cells Help Md. Boy With Cerebral Palsy To Walk
Stem cells and nanofibers stimulating nerve research
FReepmail me if you want on or off my stem cell/regenerative medicine ping list.
A lot of 2nd terms have been bad news going back to LBJ. I don't think Obama and the rats will avoid that trend since they're either clueless or have evil intentions about the economy and foreign affairs.
Otto von Bismarck is reported to have said, "A special Providence protects fools, drunkards, small children and the United States of America." Say your prayers.
As we lick our political wounds, here's some good news about adult stem cells.
Two Years On, Stem Cells Still Healing Damaged Hearts
Stem cells from strangers can repair hearts
Stem Cells Help Md. Boy With Cerebral Palsy To Walk
Stem cells and nanofibers stimulating nerve research
FReepmail me if you want on or off my stem cell/regenerative medicine ping list.
A lot of 2nd terms have been bad news going back to LBJ. I don't think Obama and the rats will avoid that trend since they're either clueless or have evil intentions about the economy and foreign affairs.
Otto von Bismarck is reported to have said, "A special Providence protects fools, drunkards, small children and the United States of America." Say your prayers.
As we lick our political wounds, here's some good news about adult stem cells.
Two Years On, Stem Cells Still Healing Damaged Hearts
Stem cells from strangers can repair hearts
Stem Cells Help Md. Boy With Cerebral Palsy To Walk
Stem cells and nanofibers stimulating nerve research
FReepmail me if you want on or off my stem cell/regenerative medicine ping list.
A lot of 2nd terms have been bad news going back to LBJ. I don't think Obama and the rats will avoid that trend since they're either clueless or have evil intentions about the economy and foreign affairs.
Otto von Bismarck is reported to have said, "A special Providence protects fools, drunkards, small children and the United States of America." Say your prayers.
As much as leftist like to dis people of faith and portray themselves as champions of science and rational thought, they sure let their ideology get in the way when it suits them.
Maybe next time you find something at work you want to comment on, you can send yourself a link to your private email to do it later.
Yep, your line of reasoning should have been obvious to real scientists, but there are extremists on both sides, but only one has government lucre to pass out.
Good post.