FDA approves human embryonic stem cell study

[chaim]

I really don't understand the argument against this. No life is being created for the purpose of science. No life that isn't already going to be destroyed (if you think about it that way) is being destroyed. How is it possibly a bad thing to use these already created and nonviable embryos for good as opposed to pitching them in the trash?

 

[OphidiaPhile]

Is it really?

No

 

[max1120]

First of all adult stem cells are not as flexable and adaptable as their embryonic cousins. They MAY prove to have a useful role in some treatments but from what we currently know they will not be as useful as embryonic stem cells in treating diseases such as diabeties. We need to proceed with research on both so that we can see where each will prove to be the most useful. Research on both is going to be pursued, but I believe as do many in the research community that at the end of the day our biggest break throughs are going to come from work with embryonic stem cells and not adult stem cells.

Today President Obama gave reasurance to lawmakers that he indeed does intend to lift the band by executive order but is going to do so in a way that cannot be reversed. I believe he will lift the band and then have congress pass a bill also lifting the band, thus removing the ability of a future president ( one perhaps controled by religious right like George Bush was) from again placing a federal restriction on the research using only a presidential executive order. After congress acts it will require a 2/3 majority to reverse the congressional lifting of the band. Thus the science can move ahead without fear of a future return to the dark ages.

Max

 

[CCGirl]

What is the difference in use between Embryonic stem cells and umbilical cord stem cells?

 

[max1120]

CCGirl...Embryonic Stem Cells are master cells that can become any cell in the human body. They are taken from the embryo at about 7 days after conception. They hold great promiss in producing cures for a wide range of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzhimiers. They may even hold the keys to unlocking the mystery of how we age and allow us to stop aging, maybe reverse aging and perhaps live indefinately!

Umbilical Cord cells are useful cells that can maybe used to treat some conditiions but do not have the versitility of Embryonic Stem Cells.

Thus we need to do lots more research on Embryonic Stem cells. This is why president Obama will soon lift the ban on federal spending on this important research.

Max

 

[tanzanos]

CCGirl...Embryonic Stem Cells are master cells that can become any cell in the human body. They are taken from the embryo at about 7 days after conception. They hold great promiss in producing cures for a wide range of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzhimiers. They may even hold the keys to unlocking the mystery of how we age and allow us to stop aging, maybe reverse aging and perhaps live indefinately!

Umbilical Cord cells are useful cells that can maybe used to treat some conditiions but do not have the versitility of Embryonic Stem Cells.

Thus we need to do lots more research on Embryonic Stem cells. This is why president Obama will soon lift the ban on federal spending on this important research.

Max

Very well put. Also the human body is capable of rectifying itself so long as it has the prime materials (stem cells). In theory we can cure all illnesses and defects without the use of chemicals. An example is:

Sharks are incapable of contracting Cancer.
Some frogs are totally immune to infections.
Lobsters regenerate lost limbs.
etc.

These are some traits that we can inherit through genetic intervention. Since all lifeforms are based on DNA there is no reason why we cannot have and enjoy the advantages evolution has given to some lifeforms.

 

[Wiccan_Child]

IMO there should not be 'leftovers' of this nature.. I know that it would be more difficult and costly, but nonetheless, producing potential humans just to 'dispose' of them or use them for research is not right.

Why not?