Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Research | Adult Cells http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com "Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Research" is a blog style website whose primary focus is to bring help readers better understand the pros and cons of stem cell research. Topics such as umbilical cord blood, political concerns, and media attention will also be discussed on this site. Fri, 02 May 2008 01:59:58 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.5 en Military Using Stem Cells to Heal Wounded Soldiers http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2008/05/01/military-using-stem-cells-to-heal-wounded-soldiers-2/ http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2008/05/01/military-using-stem-cells-to-heal-wounded-soldiers-2/#comments Fri, 02 May 2008 01:59:23 +0000 bradyq First Post http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2008/05/01/military-using-stem-cells-to-heal-wounded-soldiers-2/ This is some of the coolest and most ground-breaking research in stem cells.  I just read in an article that the military (among others) is funding research at Vanderbilt and Rutgers University.  Basically adult stem cells from placenta and amniotic fluid were used to regrow fake ears and other things for military personel injured in Iraq.  A “skeleton” is made and the adult stem cells are used to grow a replacement ear on the back of mice.  It’s really interesting and exciting.  Some civilians will even be used to test the procedure, but it seems very promising.  Not only will the adult stem cell procedure help the heal, but it will help them psychologically as they will appear more like they did before the attacks, etc.  This is definately a pro in the pros and cons of stem cell research.

 It should be noted that Embryonic Stem Cells were not used b/c the government is not allowed to fund research for them.  But that’s ok, becuase adult stem cells appear to have more promise anyway.

]]> http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2008/05/01/military-using-stem-cells-to-heal-wounded-soldiers-2/feed/ Non-Embryonic Stem Cells Strike again — Diabetics cured by stem-cell treatment http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/04/11/non-embryonic-stem-cells-strike-again-diabetics-cured-by-stem-cell-treatment/ http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/04/11/non-embryonic-stem-cells-strike-again-diabetics-cured-by-stem-cell-treatment/#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2007 05:12:42 +0000 bradyq First Post http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/04/11/non-embryonic-stem-cells-strike-again-diabetics-cured-by-stem-cell-treatment/ This is a great finding. 15 young peoples with type 1 diabetes were treated with their own stem cells (non-embryonic) and 3 years later 13 of them still don’t need shots. For those of you who don’t know Type 1 diabetes is the more intensive of the two diabetes types. This is the type where you generally have to take insulin shots a few times a day, whereas type 2 can often be fixed by diet changes or taking a pill. Just another success for Adult Embryonic Stem Cells.
Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Research — Come here for all the big stem cell research news.

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]]> http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/04/11/non-embryonic-stem-cells-strike-again-diabetics-cured-by-stem-cell-treatment/feed/ British researchers grow heart tissue from stem cells http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/04/05/british-researchers-grow-heart-tissue-from-stem-cells/ http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/04/05/british-researchers-grow-heart-tissue-from-stem-cells/#comments Fri, 06 Apr 2007 04:25:55 +0000 bradyq First Post http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/04/05/british-researchers-grow-heart-tissue-from-stem-cells/ Again, there are some more sides to the story than embryonic stem cells.
British medical researchers have grown human heart tissue from stem cells in a breakthrough reported Monday that offers a possible solution to a shortage of donors for heart transplants.
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]]> http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/04/05/british-researchers-grow-heart-tissue-from-stem-cells/feed/ Too Liberal with Stem Cell Research Money http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/02/28/too-liberal-with-stem-cell-research-money/ http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/02/28/too-liberal-with-stem-cell-research-money/#comments Thu, 01 Mar 2007 02:43:36 +0000 bradyq General Stem Cell Information Stem Cell Fraud Politics and Stem Cell Research http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/02/28/too-liberal-with-stem-cell-research-money/ Some of you might know that the State of California has a stem-cell institute (obviously for exploring the Pros of Stem Cell Research). But, as a state run institute, it is of course subject to the occasional audit from the state. It has come under criticism for being a little too liberal with it’s spending. The institute for stem cell research had very vague policies that led to abuse in travel and other expenses. These include chauffeured rental cars, lavish lunches, longer vacation and first-class airfare. They’re also under fire for not seeking competitive bids for services rendered to the research institute.

Honestly, I’m not sure how this affects the Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Research, but it could potentially affect the bureaucracy over policies for state run (or even federally managed) stem cell research institutes. It seems like theres always someone that does stupid stuff that makes everything more of a headache for everyone else.

I first read about the story here.

]]> http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/02/28/too-liberal-with-stem-cell-research-money/feed/ Why so mad about Embryonic Stem Cells? http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/02/01/why-so-mad-about-embryonic-stem-cells/ http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/02/01/why-so-mad-about-embryonic-stem-cells/#comments Fri, 02 Feb 2007 00:55:10 +0000 bradyq Politics and Stem Cell Research Adult Stem Cells Embryonic Stem Cells http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/02/01/why-so-mad-about-embryonic-stem-cells/ As I’ve been going around reading articles about stem cells I’m starting to get annoyed at all of the negative sentiments for politicians who don’t grant money for embryonic stem cell research. These sites pretend as if embryonic stem cells have a thousand times the promise as adult stem cells and that is just the governor, or the president who is opposed. What might surprise them is that all of their assumptions aren’t completely accurate. So, here are the two most common things that we hear about the Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Research, (In this case always on the Pros of Stem Cell Research) That aren’t true.

The first myth is that embryonic stem cell research carries significantly more promise than adult stem cells. That could not be more exaggerated. True, I will admit that it does have promise, but I wouldn’t say anymore that Adult Stem Cells. As I have said in countless other blogs, Adult Stem Cells are shocking scientists who are ecstatic about their new found abilities. These cites often disregard recent research about stem cells derived from amniotic fluid saying that it is “new and unproven.” Hello, we’re talking about research. If it’s not new and unproven then it’s not real research, it’s just a waste of money. Embryonic Stem Cells are also unproven, after-all, no successful treatments have been performed on humans with these cells, but there have been almost a hundred for adult stem cells. I agree that Embryonic Stem Cells likely have potential, but not a lot more.

And secondly, that Politicians who oppose Stem Cell Research are the only people who oppose it, and by maintaining their ridiculous stance they are killing people. Come on!!!! In most cases, these politicians were voted in by people who wouldn’t support embryonic stem cell research. If it was really that small of a minority don’t elect them. Simple as that. But in reality, while I won’t say an overwhelming majority of American’s agree with them, I do think it would be a mistake to refer to it as a big minority. Research, by nature is also a guess on what will work. A lot of great findings have been found from research that some didn’t think would go anywhere, and there have been a lot of studies that show a lot of potential that yielded no results. In fact, a lot of research really goes to those who show the best potential, that is really all we can analyze. I think that the Pros Side of the Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Research needs to settle down and stop reverting to name calling to try to make their point.

Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Research

]]> http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/02/01/why-so-mad-about-embryonic-stem-cells/feed/ Can Embryonic Stem Cells help repair damaged nerve cells? http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/01/24/can-embryonic-stem-cells-help-repair-damaged-nerve-cells/ http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/01/24/can-embryonic-stem-cells-help-repair-damaged-nerve-cells/#comments Wed, 24 Jan 2007 23:55:12 +0000 bradyq Stem Cell News Embryonic Stem Cells http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/01/24/can-embryonic-stem-cells-help-repair-damaged-nerve-cells/ Can Embryonic Stem Cells help repair damaged nerve cells? In an article that I read here I found that a company, Geron Corp. published that they have successfully made a big breakthrough in the Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Research. They say that they used Stem Cell Research to produce several “nerve growth factors.” These Nerve growth factors are proteins which stimulate the survival and regeneration of neurons. Obviously, by regenerating neurons you are repairing damaged nerve cells.

It is definitely and interesting update in the Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Research.
Now, the company’s researchers said, they had shown the cells produce multiple nerve growth factors, which are proteins that stimulate the survival and regeneration of neurons.

]]> http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/01/24/can-embryonic-stem-cells-help-repair-damaged-nerve-cells/feed/ Should women be paid for donating their eggs? http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/01/22/should-women-be-paid-for-donating-their-eggs/ http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/01/22/should-women-be-paid-for-donating-their-eggs/#comments Mon, 22 Jan 2007 17:49:07 +0000 bradyq First Post http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/01/22/should-women-be-paid-for-donating-their-eggs/ This is a pretty big deal. Should women who are seeking fertility but can’t pay for it, or women who just want money in general be paid for donating their eggs? What would the eggs be used for….stem cell research, or would they be implanted into women who want to be mothers? This is a pretty interesting development in the Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Research, no question.
I included the link to digg, because their was an interesting comment on the article.

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]]> http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/01/22/should-women-be-paid-for-donating-their-eggs/feed/ Democratic House Approves Stem Cell Research http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/01/15/democratic-house-approves-stem-cell-research/ http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/01/15/democratic-house-approves-stem-cell-research/#comments Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:48:57 +0000 bradyq First Post http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/01/15/democratic-house-approves-stem-cell-research/ A bill has been approved by the House which would loosen current restrictions on human embryonic stem cell research imposed by President Bush in 2001. The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, which would allow federal funding of research on stem cells from embryos slated for destruction, was passed by 37 Republicans and 216 Democrats. This has been a big debate over the Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Research, how do you think this will affect it?

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]]> http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/01/15/democratic-house-approves-stem-cell-research/feed/ US lawmakers approve expanded stem cell research http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/01/11/us-lawmakers-approve-expanded-stem-cell-research/ http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/01/11/us-lawmakers-approve-expanded-stem-cell-research/#comments Fri, 12 Jan 2007 03:53:45 +0000 bradyq First Post http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/01/11/us-lawmakers-approve-expanded-stem-cell-research/ As many of you know, several years ago President Bush banned the use of Federal Funds for embryonic stem cell research. He did so because he didn’t like the idea of all tax payers paying for research that a large percentage (note: I didn’t say majority, so don’t freak out) of the population don’t agree with. These people don’t believe that the Pros of of using Embryonic Stem Cells are worth the Con of the moral issues. But today law makers passed a bill to try to change that. My guess is that President Bush will be saving his ink and won’t sign this one. He’s made his stance.

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]]> http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/01/11/us-lawmakers-approve-expanded-stem-cell-research/feed/ Embryonic Stem Cells found in Amniotic Fluid? http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/01/08/embryonic-stem-cells-found-in-amniotic-fluid/ http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/01/08/embryonic-stem-cells-found-in-amniotic-fluid/#comments Tue, 09 Jan 2007 02:59:28 +0000 bradyq Stem Cell News General Stem Cell Information Umbilical Cord Blood Embryonic Stem Cells http://www.pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.com/2007/01/08/embryonic-stem-cells-found-in-amniotic-fluid/ I thought it was really cool when they could get stem cells from umbilical cord blood, but this is huge. Researchers from both Wake Forest University and Harvard University have discovered stem cells, more specifically embryonic stem cells, in amniotic fluid. As many of your might know, the debate over the pros and cons of stem cell research is less like a list, and really covers two issues.

1) Is the use of embryonic stem cells in research morally appropriate (many believe that destroying an embryo to obtain these stem cells is on par with abortion)

2) Do Adult Stem Cells really have the same potential for developments as Embryonic Stem Cells?

While you will talk with many people who disagree on both, could it be that this new find will completely get rid of the meat of the debate. Could it be that both Adult and Embryonic Stem Cells can be researched without these moral questions and we can really find out which hast the most potential?

Researchers are still not certain whether or not stem cells found in amniotic fluid have the same capabilities as the embryonic stem cells that we would normally think of. But, either way it is definitely an exciting idea.  This could affect heart disease, diabetes, (both types of diabetes) and other illnesses as well.

For more information read about it in the Washington Post.

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