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Tumor-suppressing Gene Contributes to Aging
Van Cutter Romney writes "Scientists have discovered a tumor suppressing gene which also leads to aging in stem cells. The gene also known as p16INK4a when removed from 'knockout' mice resulted in older mice having organs as healthy as younger ones. However they didn't live any longer than normal mice. The new study was confirmed by three independent researchers from Harvard, UNC Chapel Hill and University of Michigan."
Go GNAA!!!
"No beer until you finish your tequila!" -Leela's Dad
You are correct. These sort of discoveries do tend to suggest that embryonic stem cell research is an avenue that will offer nearly unlimited potential.
It's unfortunate for the economy of the United States that Republicans will likely do their best to block such research. What's even more disappointing, however, is that many of these Republicans have barely a high school education. And even then, they may not have taken even the most basic high school-level introductory classes to biology. So in effect, we have people who know absolutely nothing about biology making decisions that affect scientists who may very well be able to find a cure for those Republicans' cancerous tumors.
Science as a whole, however, has little to fear. This research will no doubt take place. But it will happen in places like India and China. America will have a limited ability to take advantage of the upcoming developments and discoveries. The main problem will be that American academic institutions and laboratories have been unable to perform such research, and as such the American researchers and academics will not have significant background in these fields deemed "unsuitable" by Republicans. The best situation Americans can hope for under such a scenario is that the Chinese and Indian scientists are willing to share their knowledge. Of course, that would seem unlikely at this point.