Mark My Words - commentary on news, politics, religion, philosophy, science and social issues

When discussing stem cell research one must keep in mind that embryos are not the only source. The problem is that so much is made of the versatility of the stem cells from embryos, that despite lacking success with actual treatments, we are implored to continue and to just gloss over the moral issue of destroying human life for our own benefit.

Fortunately, there have been tantalizing advances that may provide various levels of that versatility, while avoiding the moral problems. I've covered a few before, but now there's another report of a non-controversial source that could result in embryonic like stem cells for research and medical treatments.

Stem cells from wisdom teeth Japanese scientists said Friday they had derived stem cells from wisdom teeth, opening another way to study deadly diseases without the ethical controversy of using embryos.

Researchers at the government-backed National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology said they created stem cells of the type found in human embryos using the removed wisdom teeth of a 10-year-old girl.
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(Thanks to Jill Stanek and be sure to check out the other links at her post as well)

There are far more successful treatments using "adult" stem cells, than for embryonic stem cells. In fact, the versatility of embryonic stem cells has been part of the problem. That hasn't stopped some from constantly pleading for more time and money, despite the vaporware results thus far.

It would be nice if such people would focus on where there has been actual successful use of stem cells, further develop these other sources and not act as if it's a horrible thing that the destruction of embryos is not required.

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Filed under: Culture -- News -- Abortion

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