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Even Dolly Cloner Moving Away From Embryonic Stem Cells

Hey folks.

A little while back, also in the Health and Science Segment, on June 10, 2007, More Evidence, The Need Of Embryonic Stem Cells NOT Needed. I posted this.

In a leap forward for stem cell research, three independent teams of scientists reported Wednesday that they have produced the equivalent of embryonic stem cells in mice using skin cells without the controversial destruction of embryos.

If the same could be done with human skin cells — a big if — the procedure could lead to breakthrough medical treatments without the contentious ethical and political debates surrounding the use of embryos.

Break,,,

The new work builds on a landmark paper Yamanaka published last August. He found that by slipping four genes into mouse skin cells called fibroblasts, he could make the altered cells behave much like embryonic stem cells in lab tests.

On July 20, 2007, in Stick Your Finger In The Air. I posted this.

"Stem cells taken from umbilical cords are already being used in research and are saving lives. Approximately 8,000 patients have received cord blood treatments for over 70 diseases, including Leukemia, Sickle Cell Anemia and Hurler disease in the last two years alone. With a proven track record such as this, it is imperative that the federal government continue to support this innovative, life-saving program.

The NCBI -- created in 2005 -- now gives us the opportunity to turn medical waste into medical miracles. Without passage of this amendment, the current grant recipients would need to dramatically scale back their cord blood banking initiatives just as they're ramping up to treat more patients. However, by appropriating the full $15 million, we can triple this year's collection number

Surely we can accommodate an $11 million shift -- the net effect of my amendment -- to a proven regenerative medical treatment that will mitigate -- even cure -- a myriad of diseases including leukemia and sickle cell anemia.”

I believe we can as well. This is GREAT news. Well, for sane people. Look folks, as I pointed out several times in the past, embryonic stem cell research has not produce any cures or treatments. Cord blood and other adult stem cell research already have resulted in clinical treatments without requiring the destruction of life.

Well, NOW we have another Breakthrough, According to the AFP- Dolly the Sheep pioneer drops cloning with embryos: Telegraph

A British scientist who led researchers who created Dolly the Sheep is to abandon cloning using embryos for a rival method which makes stem cells without them, the Daily Telegraph reported Saturday.

Professor Ian Wilmut, of Edinburgh University, gained celebrity but also attracted criticism from some religious groups and pro-life campaigners after being involved in the cloning of the first mammal from an adult cell in 1996.

But now he has decided against pursuing a licence to clone human embryos which he was awarded two years ago in favour of a method pioneered by Professor Shinya Yamanaka at Kyoto University, Japan, who has managed to create stem cells from fragments of skin in mice without using embryos.

Yamanaka is now believed to have done the same with human cells, the paper reported.

“I decided a few weeks ago not to pursue nuclear transfer (the method by which Dolly the Sheep was cloned,” Wilmut told the paper.

He added that the new concept was “easier to accept socially” as well as being “extremely exciting and astonishing”.

“Before too long, we will be able to use the Yamanaka approach to achieve the same, without making embryos,” he said.

Some scientists say that the overall success rate of the method used on Dolly the Sheep is too inefficient to be used in humans, particularly given the difficulties of obtaining eggs.

The United States has restrictions on federal funding for stem cell research, while President George W. Bush has vetoed a bill seeking to encourage it, saying it violated the sanctity of human life.

So WHY are there STILL some that WANT Embryonic Stem Cell Research? Simple, the Liberal Activists had linked this to Abortion. If we outlaw the failed and useless Embryonic Stem Cell research, they feel we in essence, are saying that the Embryos ARE living people, which they are, and they feel that this will lead to an outright Abortion ban. If we continue to look at Embryos as nothing more than something that we create and part of medical research and procedures that could possibly help someone “Walk” again, or cure major Diseases, then they are NOT people, and the Woman’s {Non-existent} right to do whatever she wants with it, is preserved.

Too bad that while we are seeing MAJOR breakthroughs in different areas of Stem Cell Research, those that claim to have nothing but the best intentions in humanity, are BLOCKING and HINDERING that progress, to further an agenda. They are clinging to a failed and incredibly FLAWED hypotheses, instead of doing the right thing. That would be, abandon Embryonic Stem Cell research, and divert the funds for that, to areas that DO and HAVE shown progress.
Peter

Sources:
OPNTalk - H.S. More Evidence, The Need Of Embryonic Stem Cells NOT Needed
OPNTalk - Stick Your Finger In The Air
AFP - Dolly the Sheep pioneer drops cloning with embryos: Telegraph