While embryonic stem cell research efforts struggle both ethically and technically, successful adult stem cell research and applications are exploding. Consider the following recent reports:
Study: Adult stem cells promising - Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh researchers announced Thursday they have discovered a population of stem cells isolated from mouse muscle with the same ability to multiply as stem cells harvested from human embryos.Scientists derive stem cells from human skin - A group of US scientists reported on Wednesday that they have isolated stem cells from human skin, cultivated them in the laboratory, and differentiated them into fat, muscle and bone cells.
Scientists Succeed in Generating Bone Cells Using Adult Stem Cells - Korean scientists are making major strides in the field of stem cell research. This time, researchers have succeeded in growing bone tissues from adult stem cells, raising hopes for people suffering from bone injuries.
Japanese Scientists Cure Renal Failure With Adult Stem Cells - Scientists in Japan have been able to cure renal failure in rats with adult stem cells taken from kidneys of healthy rats. They say the same process should be able to work in humans..
There are also many companies that are successfully using adult stem cell therapy to help individuals who suffer from conditions that were previously thought to be untreatable.
In Thailand, for example, Chaophya Hospital is now treating no-option heart disease patients with adult stem cell therapy developed by TheraVitae. The proprietary technique is aimed at helping those with coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure utilizing adult stem cells harvested from the patient’s own blood.
Robert Clark, TheraVitae's Chairman, comments, "Our message is that, unlike the cell cloning technique announced in South Korea ..., which has serious moral and ethical implications, and will probably take years to develop into a viable therapy, our technique is helping patients today."
The media, politicians and society are beginning to recognize the great potential and (current) benefit of technologies based on adult stem cells. It is high time to reject the empty promises and destruction of human life involved in current embryonic stem cell research.
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