British Scientist Create Nerve Stem Cells Worry Pro Lifers

[DanCa]

Subject: Pro-Lifers Worry as British Scientists Create Nerve Stem
Cells-CHRISTIAN TODAY

Pro-Lifers Worry as British Scientists Create Nerve Stem Cells

British scientists have created the world's first nerve stem cells
in Edinburgh, Scotland, in a development which has been met with
mixed reactions.

Posted: Tuesday, August 16 , 2005, 17:08 (UK)
CHRISTIAN TODAY


British scientists have created the world's first nerve stem cells
in Edinburgh, Scotland, in a development which has been met with
mixed reactions.Some have touted the announcement as a major breakthrough in the race to treat diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's. The cells were developed at the Edinburgh University Institute for Stem Cell Research, led by Professor Austin Smith.It is the first time ever that scientists have been able to grow and successfully sustain pure brain cells. Until now, scientists across the globe had been unsuccessful in sustaining the ability of neural stem cells to produce replicas of themselves when grown in a dish. However, in Edinburgh, by altering the growth conditions, pure stem cells divisions have taken place.

Steven Pollard, one of the researchers said: "The purity of the
cells, and the fact that they do not make tumours, means they should
be valuable for studying the potential of transplantation to repair
damage."Stem cell research has been a major area of controversy this year after the Stem Cell Sciences plc (SCS) were granted a licence to
experiment with the technology.In June a study was presented in Copenhagen by British scientists attempting to show the future that may be possible through stem-cell research. To the outrage of prolife groups and evangelical Christians, the study indicated how lab-created ova and sperm could be used to allow any couple, heterosexual or homosexual to produce children that contain the genetic identity of both partners.British scientists in May also celebrated an historical milestone in medical advancement as the team in Newcastle University successfully cloned the country's first human embryo. This ignited another stormy schism over the ethical issues on cloning among pro-lifers and conservative Christians.

The first cloned human embryo was "born" at the International Centre
for Life in Newcastle in the hands of the experts from the Institute
of Human Genetics at Newcastle University. The team had performed
therapeutic cloning using human embryos. The Newcastle University Team was granted a licence to perform therapeutic cloning by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) in Britain. It was the first time such a licence has been granted in Europe, and it sparked great concern regarding the moral pitfalls of reproductive cloning. In March, the UN voted in favour of a ban on all human cloning - both therapeutic and reproductive - but this was non-binding which means therapeutic cloning can still be accepted by individual nations.However, the latest development allowed Chief Executive Officer, Dr Peter Mountford to say, "Being able to grow pure brain cells is an exciting prospect for the company. SCS sees new business opportunities in both cell-based drug discovery and cell-based therapies for neurological disorders."

Stem cells are "master cells" that can be used by scientists to
create many different kinds of tissue, while nerve stem cells help
to build brain and central nervous system matter.A number of Christian groups have already expressed their concerns over cloning and stem cell research. Earlier this year, South Korean scientists shocked the world when they cloned 30 human embryos and developed them for a number of days last year.Campaigners and pro-life groups have consistently labelled the study as "profoundly unethical", and although the creation of cloned babies is still banned in the UK, therapeutic cloning has been legal since 2002, which many pro-life groups worry will leave the door open for extreme scientific research into the area.

[opihimoimoi]

1. People are PRO LIFE and yet ANTI RESEARCH to the point

of not wanting to relieve pain and suffering by stifling SCR?

They do NOT WANT CURES???

The ABILITY TO CURE/REPAIR SPINAL DAMAGE?

Them fuckers.....How can they call themselves HUMAN? fuck off assholes...

[GreenPartyVoter]

4. Pro-lifers are rarely pro-quality-lifers. you were born, it's your cross

to bear.

[DanCa]

5. These are the same people who once thought camera's

would steal thier soul. I have also always wondered if they dont believe in evolution how can they celebrate birthdays?

[opihimoimoi]

6. Ignorance is Americas #1 Public Enemy

[Burried News]

2. It should worry them. It is very hard to reject a therapy that may

reverse paralysis. I would predict that such a therapy will emerge in Korea, China and elsewhere and that Americans with the money will travel there for treatment.

I share the rights concern about cloning, stem cell research etc. Debate is needed and if confrontation is the way to do it I am OK with an honest effort on their part to do so. But the key word here is 'honest' and frankly I don't have any trust in them right now. Bush has divided us on every issue - let's hope that is not a permanent circumstance.

[papau]

3. Great news! :-)

:-)

[DS1]

7. Pro-Lifers have enough nerve already, they shouldn't worry about

needing any more.

[slackmaster]

8. Other countries are kicking our ass in science

I think it's wonderful when British or Korean or Japanese or French scientists make great breakthroughs, but it's so sad to think what our country could have been like today if not for the backwards thinking of the religious fundamentalists.

[crikkett]

9. kick & someone else please recommend this for greatest!

:kick:

[SalmonChantedEvening]

10. done and done!

:kick: