Good News on the Stem Cell Front

[Griff]

As the sole cro-magnon here who considers clumps of cells to be human, I've been hoping that science would come through with the answer that would make fetal cell research irrelevent. That hope may eventually be realized.

Scientists said yesterday they had discovered a long-sought ''master gene'' in embryonic stem cells that is largely responsible for giving those cells their unique regenerative and therapeutic potential.

The discovery of the gene brings scientists closer to a holy grail of biology: the ability to turn ordinary cells into those that possess all the biomedical potency of human embryonic stem cells, eliminating the need to destroy embryos to get them.

Researchers cautioned that the new work, published in the latest issue of the journal Cell, won't bring a quick end to the political controversy over human embryo research. Some said research involving human embryos will be more important than ever for at least a while, as scientists turn their attention to the master gene and how it works in its natural, embryonic environment.

[elSicomoro]

Originally posted by Griff
As the sole cro-magnon here who considers clumps of cells to be human, I've been hoping that science would come through with the answer that would make fetal cell research irrelevent.

Damned Catholics.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Damned Catholics.

That's funny. The Catholics told me I was damned.