Embyonic stem cells transformed into eye's light-sensors (moral, America, bless)

[Bright-ness' Shadow]

RETINAL cells that could save people's sight have been generated for the first time from human embryonic stem cells. Transplanted into eyes, the cells could be used to treat the commonest cause of blindness, age-related macular degeneration.

Researchers at the biotech firm Advanced Cell Technology, based in Worcester, Massachusetts, managed to produce retinal pigment epithelial cells. These nourish nearby photoreceptor cells - the rods and cones in the retina that respond to light. When epithelial cells start to wear out, in conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, the photoreceptors deteriorate too.

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ACT points out that to make the retinal cells it had to use cell lines that are banned for use in federally funded research in the US. Three years ago President Bush restricted federal researchers to using the 70 human embryonic stem cell lines that existed at the time. Only 11 of these are now viable.

When ACT researchers tried to produce the retinal cells using three of the "official" lines they all failed. "We would not have made this discovery if we had stuck to the lines approved by Bush," says Bob Lanza, head of medical and scientific development at ACT.

The embryonic stem cells were taken from miscarried fetuses

Article here - may require subscription

Does anybody have objection to helping a whole lot of us? No "life" was lost - the fetus was miscarried.

-pah-

[painted wolf]

in the case of miscarrage, if the fetus was treated with dignaty, ie what was not needed was given a proper sending off if you will. Than no, I have no problem with this use. People donate thier bodies to 'science' and end up getting used for far worse things (like testing military boots against land-mines). At least what was used of this child went toword genuinely helping others.

wa:do

[linwood]

Stem cell research seems to be making rapid headway even in this opposing environment.

Wonder how the research would go if it was supported by our government?

[Bright-ness' Shadow]

Originally Posted by linwood

Stem cell research seems to be making rapid headway even in this opposing environment.

Wonder how the research would go if it was supported by our government?

Like a rocket shot to the moon!!! and with only half the committment

-pah-

[Faust]

Pah,
Bless your heart.
I read a previous post of yours where you confided that stem cell research could be a direct benefit to you. I too have a condition that could very well be helped by this research and I must confess that it influences my opinion of those who would sacrifice so many so that stem cells from fertility clinics could be discarded instead of being used for scientific research.
I believe if restraints were taken off of the scientific community great things could be accomplished.
Unfortunately, those who would drag us all back to the dark ages kicking and screaming to satisfy their superstious fears have currently won the day. Please forgive my passion but this strikes home with me also.

[The Voice of Reason]

Pah and Faust -
Take heart my friends. There will come a day (hopefully soon) when the government will be headed by someone that does not a pander to the religious right, and that will have the courage to make decisions based on what is best for mankind. At the very least, we will have four more years of the status quo - by then, the majority of Americans will determine that the influence of these people is beyond explanation. With any luck, it will happen in about 4 months' time.

Ceridwen - I know we are on opposite sides of the political aisle, and I really hate it. But this is one time that we must agree to disagree.

TVOR

[linwood]

If you look at this issue closely the opposition to stem cells isn`t based on ethics.

The opponents point is that the embryo is life and should not be exploited then discarded.

The proponents point is that these embryos are being discarded anyway so it is wastfeful and immoral not to use them to help people.

If the opponents were really acting on a moral basis they wouldn`t be attempting to halt stem cell use of these embryos, they would be acting to halt in-vitro clinics .

In-vitro clinics are where the embryos are made to be discarded so ultimately it is the in-vitro process that is responsible for the destruction of what the opponents believe is human life.

I see them as misguided and a bit hypocritical.

Misguided by the politics of the current administration.