tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20394557.post114186431296446641..comments2023-11-03T00:28:32.376-07:00Comments on Introspection of a Struggling Mad Science Writer: IVF Stem Cells: Why do some people oppose research?Spoony Quinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10730057249256927206noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20394557.post-1142898018627215542006-03-20T15:40:00.000-08:002006-03-20T15:40:00.000-08:00` I admit I'm out of the loop as far as stem cell ...` I admit I'm out of the loop as far as stem cell news goes. I must remember to <A HREF="http://www.news.wisc.edu/packages/stemcells/" REL="nofollow">check in on stem cell news</A> from time to time!<BR/><BR/>` I was under the impression that the blastocysts used (so far) were merely discarded embryos that were originally intended for reproductive purposes, though I could be wrong.<BR/>` However, you are correct in that embryonic stem cells have not been 'proven' yet. The reason for this is that research has only begun in 2001, whereas adult stem cell treatment has been going on since the 1960's.<BR/>` At the same time, embryonic stem cells may have much more potential than adult ones, as they are known to have the ability to turn into any cell type (they are 'pluripotent') whereas adult and umbilical cord stem cells are apparently not.<BR/><BR/>` There are also not nearly as many embryonic stem cell lineages as have been reported by detractors of the research - and these are not enough to continue most medical studies.Spoony Quinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10730057249256927206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20394557.post-1142608257869874062006-03-17T07:10:00.000-08:002006-03-17T07:10:00.000-08:00I believe I understand the argument against embryo...I believe I understand the argument against embryonic stem cell research.<BR/><BR/>The main problem people have with it is that these blastocysts are created for the express purpose of research. Religious people believe that scientists are conceiving people just to murder them for research. Technically, it's true.<BR/><BR/>It is sort of a morbid procedure. These cellular bodies most definitely have the potential to be human beings.<BR/><BR/>I have heard that nothing has ever come from embryonic stem cell research, but much has been gained from adult stem cell research. I have also heard that we have a virtually unlimited supply of stem cells procured from discarded umbilical cords, and that's there's no reason for producing more embryonic lines - being that there are already dozens in use today.<BR/><BR/>I'm not a god person, and I don't believe that every human cell is sacred, but I have to respect the opinion of the majority of people in this country.<BR/><BR/>If something were to actually come from embryonic stem cell research, I would definitely change my opinion.Aaronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10262020627799815750noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20394557.post-1142565044846555682006-03-16T19:10:00.000-08:002006-03-16T19:10:00.000-08:00` I'd be willing to bet your typical answer would ...` I'd be willing to bet your typical answer would be a 'God works in mysterious ways' type of one.Spoony Quinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10730057249256927206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20394557.post-1142550981799672672006-03-16T15:16:00.000-08:002006-03-16T15:16:00.000-08:00I wonder how many souls the funda-mental-ists thin...I wonder how many souls the funda-mental-ists think each embryo has if it can split into more than one fetus?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com