There is a breakthrough in "Making" stem cells!

@estherlou (5015)
United States
October 13, 2008 10:09am CST
After all of the controversy about whether or not it is morally ethical to use or not to use embryonic stem cells, and finding that adult stem cells were more viable, now...there is a breakthrough...scientists have been working on ways to transform or change ordinary skin cells into stem cells. Some have side effects, but the newest breakthrough seems to work without the side effects. Are they playing God? Interesting... http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE49B2M320081012?feedType=nl&feedName=ushealth1100
2 people like this
6 responses
@alamode (3071)
• United States
16 Oct 08
'Playing God...'... that phrase gives me hives! We are given ability in one field or another... I don't know where it comes from or why, but it often includes the intelligence to improve the world and save lives. My b-i-l has had 2 years he wouldn't have had if not for stem cell research (they harvested and used his own), and his treatment contributed to even more breakthroughs... I call that a fine use of scientific research, as well as a near-miracle, and I'm all for it!
• United States
17 Apr 09
Personally I am just glad they don't never used embryonic stem cells on these poor unsuspecting people. I was against embryonic stem cells research from the second I heard about it.
@peavey (16936)
• United States
13 Oct 08
Are they playing God? Yes, I think so. Scientists tend to do that anyway. The problem is that they don't know what can happen (besides tumors) and usually they don't do enough testing and waiting before unleashing their discoveries on the public. We shall see.
@deebomb (15304)
• United States
13 Oct 08
The thing that I don't like about it is the introduction of retroviruses to carry the two genes and chemicals, to loosen the chromatin structure. I don't know but this could be a good or bad break through.
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
13 Oct 08
I would say it is much better than using embroyonic stem cells. Adult stem cells are much better and as for being ethical, well what is ethical about not allowing a baby to develop because you are a rich man and you want to cure your Parkinson;s Disease? I do not think they are playing God more so than some who decide that embryo is not going to grow in a womb even an artificial one. I mean even if the embyro was created in the lab, it would eventually grow and be born, would it not?
• United States
14 Apr 09
I think they are playing God. Just trying to find more ethical ways around the whole Stem Cell issue. God gave them the talents they have as researchers and HE probably has his hand in most of the experimants that go on. This research can be such a great benefit.