Scientists are excited about the potential benefits stem cell research can
bring to victims of stroke, heart attack, and brain diseases like
Alzheimer's.
Early stem cell research centered upon aborted fetal tissue, causing a loud
cry from pro-life groups. More recently, scientist have found that umbilical
cords could be an excellent source of stem cells without the ethical headaches
posed by the use of fetal tissue. Dr. Paul R. Sanberg of the University of South
Florida has noted that 4 million babies are born in the United States each year,
and 99 percent of their cord blood is tossed away. He said one or
two cords could probably provide enough stem cells to treat one human stroke
victim, if his research proves to be correct.
Another more dubious research project has succeeded in introducing human stem
cells into the brains of mice. As the experimental mice matured, the
human stem cells became the “master cells” that can develop into any other type
of cell, which then grew into a full range of specialized cells throughout each
mouse brain. Theoretically, the next step would be to develop a mouse’s
brain that has all human cells. Researchers see such mice as perfect
specimens for use in laboratories to test treatments for human
patients. The bioethical implications of an experiment like
this promise to fuel a heated debate.
