Stem Cell Research

It is sad to see today how so many Americans are misled by the media, politicians, and interest groups. There is a common misconception that by using embryonic stem cells, scientists can cure diseases such as Parkinson's, cancer, AIDS, diabetes and paralysis. My opinion is that it is a device used to decieve others, mainly pro-life groups and just the general population.

Putting the pro-life argument aside, embryonic and adult stem cells have been researched for approximately the same amount of time and it is adult stem cells that have a great track record. In practically every case that embryonic stem cells were applied in a study, the stem cells had very negative effects on the patients or lab animals. Adult stem cells on the other hand have been found to reverse the effects of many diseases such as Parkinson's and diabetes and even spinal chord injuries. In one spinal chord injury case in Portugal, a nineteen year old girl from Texas had adult stem cells inserted into her body and now her paralysis is reversing. Here's the article: http://www.leaderu.com/science/stemcelltestimony_dominguez.html. The best part about adult stem cells is that they can be taken from virtually anywhere in the adult body and require no cell specialization (unlike embryonic stem cells). On a similar note dealing with paralysis, before Christopher Reeve died, he participated in a conference promoting stem cell research. At the conference a debate was held between a pro-embryo researcher and a pro-adult researcher. In the debate, the pro-adult researcher was getting ready to declare to Reeve the success from the previously stated case in this post. The pro-embryo researcher instead covered up his opponent's mouth so Reeve could not hear about the success from adult stem cells. Reeve died three monthes later from an infected pressure ulcer, which is a common ailment of paralysis. The pressure ulcer caused him to go into cardiac arrest.

One thing the media commonly does to trick the public is, NOT specify which type of stem cell is being used in a clinical trial. For example, one night a few weeks ago on the CBS Evening News, it was reported that Stanford University reportedly made a breakthrough in stem cell research for curing Parkinson's disease. In the WHOLE interview, the journalist never specified what type of stem cells were being used in the research. I would bet that the stem cells they are using is adult stem cells.

It's time Americans know the truth about stem cell research. If you want the real score in the battle of stem cell research, here is a good article to read: http://www.cbhd.org/resources/stemcells/mcconchie_2004-06-16.htm#note1.