While the scientific community awaits a presidential order lifting the restrictions on funding for embryonic stem cell research, we get word that researchers have created neurons using adult stem cells. While further study is needed to determine whether these neurons can communicate with other types of cells (such as muscle cells), this could be the the first step towards eventual treatments for spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer’s, and other conditions that involve deteriorating neurons (including spinal muscular atrophy).
Those treatments are still years, if not decades, away. We are still playing in the shallow end of the pool when it comes to understanding the molecular blueprints of human biology. We have yet to discover which types of stem cells are best suited for therapeutic purposes. That’s why we need to adequately fund all avenues of stem cell research.
If there is any doubt whether these adult or “induced pluripotent stem cells” are less efficient than “the real thing” (embryonic stem cells), researchers shouldn’t doubt for a second and use the embryonic ones. Why throw them away after fertility treatments, if they can ease human suffering , prolong life and improve almost everybody’s quality of life?
Oh, it feels great to think we could all live for 150 years perhaps, or more, and get a new heart or a new liver or pancreas or new muscles … simply by receiving stem cell injections.
And without harmful side-effects of medicaments.
I wouldn’t talk about “decades”, Marc. I feel this utterly new kind of medicine is approaching more rapidly.
Obama will know, shall know (if he is as intelligent as I suppose he is), that every dollar invested in this field gives an incredible, a fantastic return! I wonder if scientific research investments could help solve the unemployment problem.