The Endicott Enquirer News from the Southern Tier

Finally, Stem Cells for the Masses

Scientists have found a way to make an almost limitless supply of stem cells that could safely be used in patients while avoiding the ethical dilemma of destroying embryos.

In a breakthrough that could have huge implications, British and Canadian scientists have found a way of reprogramming skin cells taken from adults, effectively winding the clock back on the cells until they were in an embryonic form.

The work has been hailed as a major step forward by scientists and welcomed by pro-life organisations, who called on researchers to halt other experiments which use stem cells collected from embryos made at IVF clinics.

Source: The Guardian

It's finally come where we can all get behind stem cell research. While I have been for this research before now (I really don't think storing embryonic cells in a big freezer that will never be used is an issue) but this at least allows the folks who couldn't stand the thought of the massive numbers of unused embryos being used for this finally get behind the process as well.

Imagine one day being able to cure diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis. How many people do you know that have these diseases or know someone that is affected by them. The hope that future treatments offer these people is well worth the expenditure of time and money on this research. The fact that we can now get the cells from skin only makes this process easier. Let's hope we see more innovation in this area come forward soon.