Today in the Washington Post’s Business Section, there is a very interesting article about the potential therapeutic and curative uses of adult stem cells. This is related to the whole hoo-ha about how us backward conservatives object to the use of embryonic stem cells for research, whereas the pragmatic and beneficent libs think there’s nothing wrong with it & this administration is robbing millions of the cures and a better life from disease, accident injuries, etc.
For the record, I see fertilization as the line not to be crossed in the whole “life begins” debate. So I’m against embryonic stem cell research because I see embryos as helpless humans that deserve protection. They are the ultimate underdog. Now, I have no problem with research & experimentation done on stem cells derived from umbilical cords for instance. I have no problem with adult stem cell research.
Therein lies the big fight. Embryonic stem cells are so highly desired because they can develop into any type of cell (bone, liver, etc) whereas adult stem cells are generally thought to only be able to develop into & reproduce cells of the type of tissue from which they are derived. One side makes it seem that there are existing cures or that cures & treatments are imminent. They are not; it might be ten years and a lot more research before any are realized. On the other hand, says this article, they are companies who are finding that adult stem cells may be able to produce different types of cells. And, on a limited basis, there are current clinical trials for various treatments.
One of the big issues for companies who are doing adult stem cell research, however, is funding. The Feds give some grants. Few of these companies are publicly traded and those that are not doing that great.
So, my perspective is that we need to support adult stem cell research, so that beneficial AND ethical research can progress. Sometimes the best path is the road less traveled.
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