Winston warns of stem cell hype

BBC News Online science staff, Dublin ^ | 4 September 2005 | Jonathan Amos

[Right Wing Assault]

Fertility expert Lord Winston says the potential benefits of embryonic stem cell research have probably been oversold to the public.

He will warn in a speech on Monday that if science fails to deliver on some of the hype around the cells - as he fears will happen - there will be a backlash.

He says the notion that a host of cures for serious, degenerative disorders are just around the corner is fanciful.

Lord Winston believes some of the uncertainties need to be emphasised.

"Both in Britain and America, huge publicity has been given to stem cells, particularly embryonic stem cells, and the potential they offer," he will say in his presidential address at the British Association's Science Festival in Dublin.

"Of course, the study of stem cells is one of the most exciting areas in biology but I think it is unlikely that embryonic stem cells are likely to be useful in healthcare for a long time."

[Right Wing Assault]

How 'bout that? The BBC messes up and let's a bit too much truth through. They were doing much better blaming Bush for Katrina. May it's Bush's fault that stem cells are being hyped.

[Arkie2]

Embryonic stem cell research is hyped by the MSM for one reason only and that's to make abortion more palatable. Adult stem cell research and umbilical cord research have already delivered far more results but you never hear that from the MSM.

[denydenydeny]

This will hardly matter to the lefties for whom embryonic stem cell research is the Holy Grail.

1) The Left can never concede that pro-lifers were right on anything, ever, at any time. There can be no cracks in the almighty edifice of The Sacred Right To Choose.

2) Since when do results ever matter to lefties? Intentions are the only thing that matters, unless you're a Republican President during a natural disaster.

[satchmodog9]

I said it the day the hurricane hit. Watch how much the MSM and the government tries to slip by us while we are distracted. That's why FR is so damned important. There are some hawks here that won't let anything slip by.

[konaice]

Odd that so much of the British public embrace embryonic stem cell hysteria, while at the same time running from genetically modified foods like their hair was on fire.

[Canard]

Of course Robert Winston is a strong supporter of embryonic stem cell research and continues to be involved in work in this field.