Slashdot Mirror
Stem-Cell-Like Cells Produced From Skin
MikShapi writes "Skin cells can now be turned into something resembling stem cells. A genetic modification to four genes using a viral vector reverses differentiating, making the cells revert to a stem-cell state, capable for becoming any other cell in the body. The researchers are calling them 'iPS cells' or 'induced pluripotent stem cells.' In their experiments, iPS cells in the lab turned into nerve cells, heart muscle, and other tissues. The research was published in Cell and Nature by teams from the universities of Kyoto and Wisconsin. The article notes that if the new method proves successful, 'we can disconnect the whole stem cell debate from the culture war, from battles over embryo politics and abortion rights.' And, should this technique be adopted, stem cells will henceforth be abundant, easier and cheaper to come by for research and therapeutic purposes."
I for one welcome our new skin cell based stem-cell overlords.
Curiosity was framed, Ignorance killed the cat.
Before anyone tries to trot out the tired old claim of 'Godwin', just realize that the parent here is not comparing an unrelated action to the Nazis. Sometimes Nazis are an apt comparison.
While I doubt that the parent and I would agree where the line is, he is absolutely correct in pointing out that the question is not right or wrong, but where we draw the line.
We have known for some time that we didn't need embryonic stem cells, and that all the advances made so far didn't use embryonic stem cells. Bush was right; you were wrong. Admit it and move on.