Hopeful News on Stem Cell Research with NO ETHICAL COMPLICATIONS!!

Great news from the New York Times today!

Science
Scientists Bypass Need for Embryo to Get Stem Cells
By GINA KOLATA
Published: November 21, 2007
Turning human skin cells into what appear to be embryonic stem cells without having to make or destroy an embryo could quell an ethical debate.

I am one of those who has ethical and religious objections to using human embryos for stem cell research. When you consider that I am also one of those people who will benefit so greatly by this kind of research, an article such as this one in the New York Times today gets me very excited.

And now today, another article from the New York Times:

Science
Man Who Helped Start Stem Cell War May End It
By GINA KOLATA
Published: November 22, 2007
James A. Thomson’s laboratory reported a way to turn human cells into what appear to be embryonic stem cells.

Amniotic Fluid - Source of Stem Cells?!?

The breaking news that scientists have been able to isolate stem cells in amniotic fluid and placental tissue is quite exciting! Not only have they recovered these cells, but they have already been successful in the lab in growing them into various tissues. The research will have to continue for some years, more than likely, so it's not as though PWP (people with Parkinson's) are going to be able to order up a cure any time soon.

This whole stem cell research area has been an issue I have always had very mixed feelings about. I've never been able to feel comfortable with the embryonic stem cell approach that many have endorsed, because in my estimation of it, this type of research would eventually lead to intentional creation of human embryos just for this purpose. I consider that immoral.

Amniotic fluid and placental tissue, on the other hand, have no such possible misuse concerns that I can imagine. I also understand from what I have read that the embryonic stem cells tend to cause tumors when implanted, whereas the amniotic and placental tissue cells so far have not been found to have that flaw.

Right now scientists are working with only 21 embryonic stem cell groups. With amniotic fluid as the source, scientists would have hundreds or even thousands of genetic strains of stem cells that could be matched, according to today's news, with 99% of the population of the US.

Just think of the implications for those with spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, and many other neurological disorders!!

Yes, I have Parkinson's Disease, but it looks like I may be one of the fortunate ones who will live to see the day that doctors can cure this terrible disease, instead of just trying to alleviate symptoms. Thanks be to God for this unspeakable gift!!