Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Using Liquid Crystals to Guide Stem Cells

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the building-hearts-and-minds dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Liquid crystals, the same phase-shifting materials used to display information on cell phones, monitors and other electronic equipment, can also be used to control the differentiation of embryonic stem cells, Wisconsin researchers say. By using the crystals to mechanically strain the cells, they can prevent the indiscriminate (and unwanted) differentiation common in embryonic stem cell research and therapy. So when you want a bone cell, say, you don't end up with one from the kidney."

3 of 104 comments (clear)

  1. Building Hearts And Minds by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

    ..from the cells of new life. (Yes, I believe life begins at fertilization).

    Destroying life to build and enhance ours.

    Sorry, but I don't want to be part of that brave new world.

    1. Re:Building Hearts And Minds by GundamFan · · Score: 3, Insightful

      I do not deny that there are ethical issues here. I also think condeming others to death by supressing or crippling scientific advancment is wrong. As wrong as using this reaserch for anything other than life saving purposes. Long and short: your views are valid but you have no right to force them on others or make those who bleave diffrent things sound like monsters. If you don't want to be a part of the "brave new world" then don't.

      --
      I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
      Mark Twain
  2. Why we dislike Christianity by Harmonious+Botch · · Score: 3, Insightful

    We do not dislike it because it is stupid, anti-scientific, etc. We dislike it because many of the most vocal followers are stupid, anti-scientific, etc AND they interfere with our lives. It's not the holding of opinions that bugs us, it's the actions.
    I can get along fine with a Christian who minds his own business.