Posted on 03/24/2006 1:56:33 PM PST by JTN
NEW YORK German scientists say cells from the testes of mice can behave like embryonic stem cells. If the same holds true in humans, it could provide a controversy-free source of versatile cells for use in treating disease.
Embryonic stem cells can give rise to virtually any tissue in the body and scientists believe they may offer treatments for diseases like Parkinson's and diabetes and spinal cord injuries.
But to harvest the cells, human embryos must be destroyed. Some religious groups and others oppose that.
The new research into testicular cells, published online Friday by the journal Nature, comes from Dr. Gerd Hasenfuss of the Georg-August-University of Goettingen in Germany and colleagues.
Lab tests found that the mouse cells closely mimicked the behavior of embryonic stem cells, Hasenfuss said Friday. He said he is optimistic about finding human testicular cells that will do the same. Work has already begun on that, he said.
If such cells are found in men, "then we have resolved the ethical problem with human embryonic stem cells," he said in a telephone interview.
That would also open the door to removing testicular cells from a male patient, growing some tissue the patient needs, and transplanting that tissue into the same man without fear of biological rejection, he noted.
The mouse cells were found to give rise to a variety of specialized cells in the lab, including heart cells that contracted and nerve cells that produced dopamine, the chemical messenger that Parkinson's patients lack, he said.
Cells typical of the liver, skin, pancreas and blood vessels were produced as well, he said.
The good news is, we can cure you.
The bad news is, we're taking your balls away.
:-)
Hillary will be in a complete quandary ... this is good news for her, but what to tell her constituency, which will be completely left out?
LOLLOFLHHO (Lil ole lady laying on the floor laughing her hiney off)
Thanks for the chuckle, Truth is, indeed, funnier that fiction.
What about Shweaty's?
There's a pubic hair joke in there somewhere, but I'll refrain.
Up here in my neck of the woods, restaurants feature "Moose Balls" - but these would be far easier to procure...
Oh really?
We will see the birth of the castration mills. :)
MEMO
Re: Replacement of Mouse Balls.
If a mouse fails to operate or should it perform erratically, it may need a ball replacement. Mouse balls are now available as FRU (Field Replacement Units). Because of the delicate nature of this procedure, replacement of mouse balls should only be attempted by properly trained personnel.
Before proceeding, determine the type of mouse balls by examining the underside of the mouse. Domestic balls will be larger and harder than foreign balls. Ball removal procedures differ depending upon the manufacturer of the mouse. Foreign balls can be replaced using the pop off method. Domestic balls are replaced by using the twist off method. Mouse balls are not usually static sensitive. However, excessive handling can result in sudden discharge. Upon completion of ball replacement, the mouse may be used immediately.
It is recommended that each person have a pair of spare balls for maintaining optimum customer satisfaction. Any customer missing his balls should contact the local personnel in charge of removing and replacing these necessary items.
Please keep in mind that a customer without properly working balls is an unhappy customer.
You beat me to it
Best good ole belly laugh I've had in a coon's age.........and I'll never look at my poor little mouse with the red ball the same again - just to look at it'll bring a chuckle.
Thanks!
I heard a rumor that there's another way to get it out of there ;)
If the headline is correct, Paul Begala had better be careful.
I don't think that's the way you get the "stem cells" out.
MAybe we can ask the guy who cut his penis off to throw at Cops in Chicago if he can pitch in?
That can't be a real story. And if it is, I don't want to know.
OH its real. The cops were pretty nice too, they sent "it" back with him to the hospital and the doctors were able to put it back on. The problem was with his girlfriend and the cops were called. I think he too the symbolism of having a girlfriend a little too far.
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