Stem Cells: A Different Looks

Fire of Liberty

Well look here, it seems that some scientists at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a way to get the much needed stem cells that they would generally derive from embryos can be procured from the placentas that are thrown away after a child is born. So instead of having to deal with the ethical quandary about the sanctity of life via the research on embryos they can proceed with their life saving therapies. Though most conservatives and I expect most opponents of embryonic stem cell research would prefer such research to be funded via the private sector (Merk, Pfizer or Smith-Klein), there might be a little more wiggle room in the receiving federal funding on stem cell research. I can assure you that Senators like Tom Coburn, Sam Brownback, Rick Santorum, George Allen, President Bush, as well as the many publications and groups who are currently opposed to the federal government funding the destruction of embryos would be much more accomodative to this research. It means a whole world of a difference when such a groundbreaking discovery like this shows up. Just look at what Byron Spice noted about this find in his article in today's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

Alan Russell, director of Pitt's McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, said finding new sources of stem cells will be vital to accelerating the pace of stem cell research.

"The placenta and umbilical cord appear to be rich sources for stem cells that have real potential to treat disease," said Russell, who also is an adviser to Stemnion. "Strom's discovery adds another piece to the puzzle that will help patients in the future."

Amniotic epithelial cells make up the thin membrane known as the amnion, or birth sac, which contains the fetus and amniotic fluid. Among other functions, the amnion keeps the developing baby from becoming permanently affixed through wound healing to the mother's organs.

Doctors have recognized that the membrane was rich in stem cells and have long used it as a sort of human bandage to aid in healing, notably in eye surgery.

That's why Miki and Strom first studied amniotic epithelial cells four years ago. Strom is interested in developing sources of liver cells, called hepatocytes, that could be used as an alternative to liver organ transplantation for treating cirrhosis and liver failure.

Once Miki found that the amniotic cells indeed could be used to produce hepatocyte-like cells, he began exploring their other capabilities. That's when he found that they were similar in almost every way to embryonic stem cells.

So as with most conservatives, I find it best that it's far better to approach things at a more sloth like approach and not jump for quick solutions. As you can see since the DNC convention last year when Ron Reagan Junior appeared before the adoring crowd and announced the magical power that doctors would possess with just a little federal funding and the usage of those "unused embryos that are just lying around" we have had such a monumental discovery thus demonstrating that fads aren't necessarily the best paths to follow. As with a large percentage of America, I have a big fear of change and know what I don't like when I see it. Though this might seem to be a stubborn or archaic way of looking at things, it seem to be the best approach to things like this.

If you want to find out more on how embryonic stem cell research is rife with problems compared to adult stem cell research or even stem cell research derived from placentas and umbilical cords then you should check out the work of Michael Fumento, especially this excellent piece over at Tech Central Station. Above all, there is a different and better approach towards the whole stem cell argument that the ESR crowd and the MSM fail to realize. Luckily, we have blogs and other reliable sources to get this info out.