Neccessity's the mother of invention

[Mannix]

Researchers have found a new line of stem cells derived from amniotic fluid (womb juice) that are as roughly as versatile as embryonic stem cells but don't require "killing babies." I guess this kind of changes the debate.

[Lady Cygnet]

This is the BEST news I have read all day! If these stem cells can be extracted without any harm to the fetus (high-risk pregnancies are probably out as potential amniotic fluid donors), this closes the door on a lot of ethical concerns that have made stem cell research a tough thing to support.

[Mannix]

Originally Posted by Lady Cygnet

This is the BEST news I have read all day! If these stem cells can be extracted without any harm to the fetus (high-risk pregnancies are probably out as potential amniotic fluid donors), this closes the door on a lot of ethical concerns that have made stem cell research a tough thing to support.

Right, it puts the fetus in no harm, so there shouldn't be any ethical concerns. Also, it's a highly viable/versatile line which puts to rest scientific concerns about limited capacity for productive research. Unless something horrible turns up, this sounds like a win-win.

[Junkyard God]

Originally Posted by Mannix

Right, it puts the fetus in no harm, so there shouldn't be any ethical concerns. Also, it's a highly viable/versatile line which puts to rest scientific concerns about limited capacity for productive research. Unless something horrible turns up, this sounds like a win-win.

Woo hoo! Now fetus-pee can fix my brain! (Please don't be offended, I'm all for stem cells in all their forms...)

[Buddha Fett]

I remember reading something like that today in my local paper; until some other news about it pops up, I've decided to remain optimistic about it. This could finally end the bloody stem-cell ethics debate, barring any problems within the next few years of research.

[Lady Cygnet]

I subscribe to the New Scientist feed on my livejournal, and this story popped up a couple of days ago:

Cancer warning over stem cell therapies

07 January 2007
From New Scientist Print Edition.

It is another obstacle for stem cell therapies to overcome. Two groups have independently shown that stem cells can trigger cancers, and offer an explanation as to why this is. They also suggest a way of screening cells to reduce the risk.

When the teams compared patterns of gene activity in stem cells from healthy and cancerous tissue they found that those from cancers were often locked in a state in which they carry on multiplying as primitive stem cells, instead of maturing into specific tissues such as the breast or ovary.

The change seems to be triggered by the deactivation of a group of genes known as polycomb genes, which in cancers were more likely than usual to be switched off by a chemical process called methylation. "When they're in this state they divide more, and in the process may accumulate additional mutations which ultimately turn them cancerous," says Ian Jacobs, director of the lab at University College London where one study was carried out.

He suggests screening cells for telltale methylation patterns to weed out dangerous ones. This could also be a way of diagnosing cancer early (Nature Genetics, DOI: 10.1038ng1941 and 1950).

It seems that for every bit of good news, there's some bad news. *sigh*

[42PETUNIAS]

It seems that for every bit of good news, there's some bad news. *sigh*

That doesn't seem too bad though. I mean, it did talk about screening the cells to stop it. At least this should help along stem cell research in America to join with other developed countries.

This seems wrong for the discussion forum though, it isn't so much a debate as much as good news.

[Mannix]

Originally Posted by Lady Cygnet

I subscribe to the New Scientist feed on my livejournal, and this story popped up a couple of days ago:



It seems that for every bit of good news, there's some bad news. *sigh*

Heh, that's actually kind of funny in one way: "I've got some good news and some bad news. The good news is we can cure your cancer. The bad news is that the cure will give you cancer."

[Demetrius]

The cure also seems to give a little insight into some early causes of cancer, also seems like good news to me. if they can create a cancerous tissue sample to do studies on this is a good thing.

[Lady Cygnet]

Originally Posted by Demetrius

The cure also seems to give a little insight into some early causes of cancer, also seems like good news to me. if they can create a cancerous tissue sample to do studies on this is a good thing.

It would be absolutely wonderful if the use of amniotic fluid stem cells could lead to a genuine, lasting cure for cancer that doesn't traumatize the human body as much as our current cancer treatments.