[neverdem]

Image: IMAGE COURTESY OF WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER
STEM CELLS WITHIN: Scientists have discovered that stem cells derived from amniotic fluid are pluripotent, able to divide into many of the types of cells that make up the human body's tissues.
Isolation of amniotic stem cell lines with potential for therapy (abstract)

Stem cells capable of differentiating to multiple lineages may be valuable for therapy. We report the isolation of human and rodent amniotic fluid–derived stem (AFS) cells that express embryonic and adult stem cell markers. Undifferentiated AFS cells expand extensively without feeders, double in 36 h and are not tumorigenic. Lines maintained for over 250 population doublings retained long telomeres and a normal karyotype. AFS cells are broadly multipotent. Clonal human lines verified by retroviral marking were induced to differentiate into cell types representing each embryonic germ layer, including cells of adipogenic, osteogenic, myogenic, endothelial, neuronal and hepatic lineages. Examples of differentiated cells derived from human AFS cells and displaying specialized functions include neuronal lineage cells secreting the neurotransmitter L-glutamate or expressing G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channels, hepatic lineage cells producing urea, and osteogenic lineage cells forming tissue-engineered bone.

Go to the link if you're interested in the references which are linked.

[neverdem]

SC Ping

[Arm_Bears]

NARAL is deeply saddened.

[Coleus]

Adult stem-cell breakthroughs

Amniotic fluid used successfully instead of stem cells

Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells Provide Another ESCR Alternative

Heart Valves Grown From Womb Fluid Cells

The Stem Cell Cover-Up By Michael Fumento

Report: Amniotic Fluid Yields Stem Cells
Researchers say amniotic fluid yields stem cells
Amniotic fluid a promising stem cell source

[right-wingin_It]

The miscarriage rate for amniocentesis is 0.25-0.5% (1 in 200), so it will be interesting to see what position Catholic clergy take. As a Catholic, in my understanding, I suspect they would NOT be in favor of cells derived from an amniocenteses. However, I don't see any problems if the AFS cells are derived from a placenta after-birth, which was the other method of obtaining these cells.

So that would be a positive. However, I don't think this new AFS cell research would satisfy the appetite out there for the use embryonic stem cells (just as adult stem cell research has not). Scientifically, there are difference between all three types of stem cells (adult, embryonic, and amniotic fluid). The AF have properties of both adult and embryonic stem cells, but are closer to embryonic.

So the main thing is not to let the media spin anything...closed down the debate...etc. So us pro-lifers still got to call our representatives and tell 'em to vote NO on HR 3!

[gridlock]

I'm of two minds about this. I will have to educate myself.

[neverdem]

Full fat milk makes you thinner - Swedish study

Who paid for that study? Source affects outcome

FReepmail me if you want on or off my health and science ping list.

[Salvation]

I heard this story today. Wow -- it will surely derail the stem cell votes in Congress. At least, postpone them.

[PGalt]

Great news! BTTT!

[cpforlife.org]

Pro-Life PING

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