Option to Stem Cells Found

[blue neen]

"University of Pittsburgh researchers have discovered that one type of cell in the human placenta has characteristics that are strikingly similar to embryonic stem cells in their ability to regenerate a wide variety of tissues."

"The cells, called amniotic epithelial cells, potentially could be used to produce new liver cells to treat liver failure, or new pancreatic islet cells to cure diabetes or new neurons to treat Parkinson's disease."

"Unlike embryonic stem cells, which are obtained only by destroying human embryos, these cells can be extracted from the same placentas that now are routinely discarded after birth. They thus could be a non-controversial alternative to embryonic stem cells."
<snip>

"Not only do amniotic epithelial cells lack the controversy of embryonic stem cells, but they also do not generate the tumors associated with embryonic stem cells, he said. So it may be possible in some cases to simply transplant the amniotic cells to a patient, rather than to first grow the desired specialized cells in the laboratory."

http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.com/pg/05217/549236.stm

So research and science go on without George W. Bush's approval. It just shows you what a small-minded man he really is. F*ck you, George Bush and the evil magic carpet you rode in on.

[RageFist]

1. Research does go on...

because of the private sector...Bush is just slowing us down relative to the rest of the world by limiting govt funding

[blue neen]

4. My mom has Parkinson's and diabetes.

I keep hoping that something can be done because they are such devastating diseases. They affect so many people.

You're right. He has slowed us down, but I hope we can find a way around him.

[RageFist]

10. I have a couple of friends...

who are involved in research, one at UCLA, and one in San Francisco. My friend in SF said that for the time being we can use animal cells and learn plenty about stem cells. My friend at UCLA, who is liberal, said both sides play politics with this issue, and while SC research is very exciting, we are decades away from acheiving the promising advancements...and he is pissed that bush had limited funding.

[underpants]

6. Private sector research only kicks in when the govt (YOU and me)...

does the initial research. Private research only takes up what makes it through the first serieS of tests and that could be profitable. THere is no money in the early part of the research.

The same does not hold true for pharmaceuticals-NIH does 60% of the Rx comapny's R&D all the way through and then they claim part of it as an expense.

[Miss Chybil]

13. Isn't university research government funded?

How much do universities receive from the private sector for their research? I know it's really good for a university to come up with something great.

[underpants]

15. Yes that is one of the main research funding mechanisms

others are done in gobment labs and such.

[Im_Your_Huckleberry]

2. let the placentas be free.

[underpants]

3. Is this going to require a feeding tube?

PLEASE tell me it's not.

[blue neen]

7. Well, if it does we have Ricky Santorum here in PA to come and speak

on the placenta's behalf!

[VegasWolf]

5. If God wanted to use placentas to regenerate liver cells, he would have

said so in the bible.

[blue neen]

8. Yes, I was thinking "How will the ultra-right wingers find a way to

make this evil?" After all, it does still involve a woman's body. GASP! HORROR!

[underpants]

9. Moses was old, could only carry two tablets down from the mountain

Some Biblical scholars say that God did intend for placentas to regenerate liver cells, James Dobson will be up next on Inside Politics to talk about it.

[blue neen]

11. LOL! If only that scenario were not a distinct possibility!

[Career Prole]

12. The newspaper article doesn't mention as many ifs and maybes as

this article in Medical News Today.
Still quite encouraging, though.

[hedgehog]

14. Two phrases jumped out at me from the article.

The first was the reference to embryonic stem cells causing tumors. It's odd that we haven't heard much about that problem. Until now all I've ever heard are promises to cure all that ails us.

The second was that the University held up the announcement in order to patent the process. I've long been suspicious that the use of embryonic stem cells as opposed to those from other sources has more to do with money than with science. Maybe if the the cells come from other sources, the profit has to be split with the donor.

[EST]

16. 'da winnah!

[blue neen]

18. I also was curious about the mention of tumors. I had never heard

that before.

Your second statement is very interesting, and you may very well have a point. I guess they have to come up with a process that involves making the most money?! Figures.

[daleo]

17. This could be legit, but I am always suspicious of Bush bumph

I would have to know more about the source, I guess. I can see a lot being made of a little, if it would make Bush's anti stem cell policies look less obstructive to research.

[sam sarrha]

19. Will King George allow After-Birth By-Products to be Killed.. ????