Thread: Stem Cell Ban "stayed"

Originally Posted by hawgballs

I propose we use both. Why limit our possibilities?

From a pure science/health standpoint. I see nothing wrong with it. However, the fact is that embryonic stem cell research/use/therapy makes a large number of people across many spectrum uncomfortable, sometimes even when they themselves might benefit from it. Without getting into whether that is right or wrong, if there is a technology that promises (and looks promising) the same potential treatments and therapies and benefits (and risks) but has no (or at least a lot less) negative societal connotations to hamper it, wouldn't that be a sensible choice? Take away the "sticking point" that the masses have against stem cell research and have at it.

At least that is kind of how I see it.

Originally Posted by Alundil

From a pure science/health standpoint. I see nothing wrong with it. However, the fact is that embryonic stem cell research/use/therapy makes a large number of people across many spectrum uncomfortable, sometimes even when they themselves might benefit from it. Without getting into whether that is right or wrong, if there is a technology that promises (and looks promising) the same potential treatments and therapies and benefits (and risks) but has no (or at least a lot less) negative societal connotations to hamper it, wouldn't that be a sensible choice? Take away the "sticking point" that the masses have against stem cell research and have at it.

At least that is kind of how I see it.

On the same note, it might make an equal amount of people "uncomfortable" that we have access to exploring a source with unlimited potential in saving many actual breathing lives, for the reservations of the religious.

I don't see it as an equal n# of people opposed as there are for it..... They are just very vocal about it.

Originally Posted by hawgballs

On the same note, it might make an equal amount of people "uncomfortable" that we have access to exploring a source with unlimited potential in saving many actual breathing lives, for the reservations of the religious.

True - however since there are no active "on-going" clinical therapies for either at the moment, this is somewhat of a moot point since there is no "access to a source of unlimited potential in saving many lives." Just research into the potential of "access to a source of unlimited potential in saving many lives."

The other concerns about stem cell research (of all flavors) is the potential impact on global population and all that that entails.

Stem cells are the way to go, whether embryonic or adult. Embryonic, imo, are more useful, but as Alundil's post says, embryonic stem cells can be derived from adult stem cells. One part that caught my eye was when they said they didn't have to use a virus to make the change from adult to embryonic. It reminded me of an article I read about 3 months ago in a medical journal (ive been trying to find it, but cant) that stated that viruses with stem cells could possibly be used to cure cancer. I know i know, all you doomsayers are gonna scream "I Am Legend" lol. However, in the journal they stated that by using an adult or embryonic stem cell that has been programmed to say, be a pancreatic cell for a patient with pancreatic cancer. They would isolate a piece of the cancer and find a specific receptor on its cell membrane and then program the virus to attack that receptor (as it would do to a regular human cell). The virus will latch onto the cancer cell, inject the pancreatic cell make up and then go through its normal cycle. The cell would be converted back to a normal pancreatic cell and the virus would release itself out of the cell by going through a permeable membrane instead of cell lysis. And the cycle would continue. Pretty bad ass stuff, but the possible mutation of the virus's RNA is their biggest concern.

Stem cell research is too important! Cures for many things are hidden there.......

It hurts people feelings to use one verses the other. Fuck pc if it can help use both.