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Date Posted: 20:58:02 03/09/09 Mon
Author: Jennn
Subject: Re: Let's get some discussion going
In reply to: klutz 's message, "Re: Let's get some discussion going" on 20:04:22 03/09/09 Mon

>Can someone help me confirm/deny that fact?

Here's a link & the pasted version in case link is broken:

http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/monday/health/ny-usqa096063154mar09,0,6093543.story

The facts on embryonic stem cellsBY JENNIFER BARRIOS | jennifer.barrios@newsday.com

March 9, 2009

Of all the stem cell types, the ones taken from embryos can potentially be grown into another type of cell with a specialized function, such as a muscle cell, red blood cell or brain cell. Other cell types generally have shown promising, though limited, adaptability.

What are embryonic stem cells?

Embryonic stem cells are derived from human embryos that are less than a week old. They have the potential to grow into muscle, nerve and other types of cells. The embryos used in research are taken from excess embryos produced during the in vitro fertilization process and are donated for research by infertile couples.

How are they different from adult stem cells?

Adult stem cells are taken from nonembryonic human tissue, such as the brain or bone marrow. They are only found in specific tissues inside the human body. Early research indicates that some may be able to form types of tissue other than their origin tissue, but their capacity to do so is expected to be more limited than that of embryonic stem cells.

Why are embryonic stem cells so highly valued in research?

Scientists hope research on both embryonic and adult stem cells will lead to therapies for degenerative conditions such as Lou Gehrig's disease, Parkinson's disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, diabetes and spinal-cord injuries. But because embryonic stem cells can grow into any type of cell, they are more useful. They also are more plentiful and easily obtained than adult stem cells, which are relatively rare in human tissue.

What has been the controversy over using embryonic stem cells in research?

Objections largely have been on religious grounds, because a human embryo is destroyed in the process of obtaining embryonic stem cells. Supporters of using embryonic stem cells argue that the embryo probably would have been destroyed anyway, and that it is a better use of the embryo to further therapies or cures for disease.

Embryonic stem cells

From embryo three to five days after fertilization when it's a hollow ball of cells called a blastocyst.

PROS: Can become any cell type in the body.

CONS: Embryo destruction causes ethical concerns; limits federal funding until now.

Amniotic stem cells

From fluid surrounding a developing embryo; researchers are working to determine the full range of cells they could become.

PROS: Easily obtained through amniocentesis.

CONS: Adaptations of the cells are not known.

Cord blood stem cells

Saved from umbilical cord at childbirth; similar to cells found in adult bone marrow.

PROS: Obtained without harm.

CONS: Are not adaptable for treating anything but blood diseases.

Adult stem cells

Obtained from bone marrow, other cell-producing tissues; research continuing to see if they can be as versatile as embryonic stem cells.

PROS: Federal research funding not restricted.

CONS: Can only produce the same type of cell from which they came.

SOURCE: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH; INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR STEM CELL RESEARCH; WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY

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