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Cells From Liposuction Function As Stem Cells?

texchanchan writes "Plastic surgeon Peter Fodor MD filtered stem cells out of fat sucked from people's oversized body parts, then cultured them into 'bone, cartilage, skeletal muscle and nerve cells.' At the rate of 10,000 stem cells per cm3 that's a lot of stem cells. Combine that with this and you might be on the road to regeneration. And, you can have your stem cells banked for later disasters after your liposuction."

4 of 323 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Fat as unwanted cells by Drachemorder · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Actually, you're wrong. I'm as conservative as they come, and I have no problem with using fat cells for research. Neither do most people I know. I think this sort of research is a good thing because if it works out, I think there would be less pressure to use embryonic stem cells.

  2. Re:It looks like someone may have found a way by jdavidb · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Yes. I don't believe in killing embryos and I'm thankful that we are still looking for alternatives. I only hope that these initial results pan out. (Those who are biased against the religious sometimes seem to take a particular glee when something like this doesn't pan out.)

    The religious accuse the embryonic stem cell people of murder. On the other hand, those who could help people with embryonic stem cell research lay a similar charge back at the religious. The real problem is the people who try to pretend this is a clear cut issue and call you stupid if you don't take their side.

  3. Re:Of course it's illegal by jdavidb · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Is this why everyone was so mad at the right? Because of a misunderstanding?

    We don't oppose stem cell research. We oppose the destruction of embryos. We believe, rightly or wrongly, that embryos are people and deserve protection. The other side should admit that that claim at least has merit, even if they don't agree. (Meaning it's a respectable, legitimate opinion; not just being hard to get along with or obstructionist.)

    I don't think you'll find anyone on the right (at least, anyone who fully understands the issues) who will oppose stem cell research that does not involve killing embryoes. Hopefully the distinction is very clear to everyone.

  4. Re:I wonder... by RailGunner · · Score: 5, Insightful
    I can't speak for all Religious people, but I can certainly speak for myself. (In case you want clarification, I am a Christian. Catholic, more specifically.)

    I'm against embryonic stem cell research, because the stem cells came from aborted human babies, and I personally believe abortion is murder.

    However, I can't see anyone having a problem with stem cell research where the stem cells come from human fat. Nor can I see any reason to oppose stem cell research when the stem cells come from the umbilical cord of a newborn baby.

    If you can, then you are probably also against blood transfusions, organ transplants, and other medical necessities because you mis-read your Bible.

    But please.. not all of us religious people are "nuts". If you are a liberal and think that all religious people are nuts, then maybe you should practice some of that "tolerance" you like to preach about.