SOURCES:
Stem Cell Transplantation Shows Benefit in MS http://www.modernmedicine.com/modernmedicine/Pathology/Stem-Cell-Transplantation-Shows-Benefit-in-MS/ArticleNewsFeed/Article/detail/578836?contextCategoryId=40127
Stem Cells Could Be Used to Treat MS, Study Says http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/health/2009/feb/Stem-Cells-Could-Be-Used-to-Treat-MS--Study-Says.html
RELATED:
Stem Cell Basics http://stemcells.nih.gov/ ; http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/
PBS Nova Science Now: Stem Cells http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/3209/04.html
28 comments:
I have always been fascinated by the stem cell research debate. I wish I understood more about what they are talking about. The political controversy baffles me. Why cant scientists take tissue that would otherwise be discarded and use it for reseach? Why do they have to use inferior materials for their studies?
Looking at this from a political point of view, I think both sides of the abortion controversy overstate their positions. Each seems to argue a "slippery slide" point of view. If they allow use of stem cells harvested from aborted fetuses, this somehow condones abortions, and means taht babies may aborted for their stem cells. On the other side, if the procedure known as partial birth abortion is banned, this starts to effort to ban all abortions. I think we can avoid these extremes. I hope that the election of Obama puts that controversy to rest.
It is heartening to see progress in the scientic part of this debate. Of course this is at an early stage, but there are many more aspects of disease and disability where stem cell research can have a significant impact.
I hope that our government now does what it can to encourage further stem cell research, keeping strict ethical guidelines in place
DavidW Medical Aspects
When we hear about stem cell research, it sounds so wonderful. Could you imagine all that potential?
I didn’t know anything about stem cells, so I researched a little bit.
There are two concepts that keep blinking in my head:
In the national Institute of Health said:
1) “Pluripotent stem cells (cells that can develop into many different cell types of the body) are isolated from human embryos that are a few days old. Pluripotent stem cell lines have also been developed from fetal tissue (older than 8 weeks of development).”
Few days old, some places mention 3-5. Does it matter how many days?
It is already an embryo “life,” with the potential to develop, grow and be born.
It leaves me wondering: “What if my parents had the brilliant idea of donating my embryo?”
2) On August 9th, 2001, President George W. Bush announced that federal funds may be awarded for research using human embryonic stem cells if the following criteria are met:
This is one of the three: ”The stem cells must have been derived from an embryo that was created for reproductive purposes and was no longer needed”.
We are part of a culture that throws many things away, we dispose of them; containers, boxes, paper, cans, etc.
An embryo that is no longer need…
Are embryos disposables?
Soucers:
Research Ethics and Stem Cells
http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/ethics.aspFew
National Institute of Health-Federal policy
http://stemcells.nih.gov/policy/
L. M. de Lastra
It was very interesting reading about new advancements in medical treatments. I enjoyed learning more about Multiple Sclerosis. I had heard about this illness but did not really know too much about it. It sounds very frightening illness to have. I am glad that individuals in early stages have a positive future. Hopefully this trail treatment will continue to show improvements on the national level. It will be interesting to follow as time goes on to see if changes in laws concerning stem cell research will aid in the outcome of this trail.
~Marlene H. 2/4/09
It's very interesting to me to be able to see scientists that are dedicated in making a effort to cure or at least calm the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. That these scientists and their inventions are giving people hope for the future. Even though the study of people was smaller, they seemed to have made a huge difference in these people's lives. From the information shown it was said that 81% of the study's participants was said to have improved in their Multiple Sclerosis symptoms. Plus it was also said that from all 21 patients none had deteriorated. With these results it proves that these scientists are on the right track and should continue to do research to be able to find the main cure to these MS symptoms. I sometimes don't really understand all the medical and technical terms but I'm very happy and pleased to see that people are out there trying to help other people in any way that they can.
R. Hernandez
Stem cells research is one of the most promising scientific research in the world. Adult stem cells are only able to develop into similar cells, unlike embryonic stem cells that have much greater developmental potential. In order for stem cells to cure diseases huge technology advances are required, and with the ongoing ETHICAL DEBATE this is not advancing fast.
The government has limited the number of funds research projects to adult stem cells and cells extracted from umbilical tissue, but because the technology is so promising private funded researches are likely to appear.
It is obvious that human kind is going to benefit from these researches, but what about our moral end ethical responsibility for defending life? No human life shall suffer for the benefit of another, there are moral limits. Although I am not against scientific investigations I would like to see that embryonic life is respected.
This article is very promising, even though it was a small group of patients the results were good (81% improved in their MS symptoms) doctors injected patients with their own immune stem cells obtained from the patient blood before chemotherapy. This type of stem cells research needs to continue.
Mary Thomas. Medical Disabilities
The topic of stem cell research in my opinion is a welcomed idea for me. If you think about it, how else can scientist come up with cures for diseases such as Multiple Sclerois and even others such as cancer if these scientist are not allowed to conduct research. I have considered both sides of the controversy and think that we are all entitled to our own opinions of this issue. But if you ask me I am all for stem cell research.
Stem cell research tends to be controversial when it comes to human embryonic stem cells because of the whole issue that you are killing a fetus. Everyone has their differing view on the issue, if you ask me I don't condone the research I think it's a good thing. Beside stem cell research especially the all too famous embryonic stem cell research is regulated to make sure that the donated stem cells are properly acquired. Such regulations were passed by President Bush in 2001 that stated that any federal money used for human embryonic stem cell research must be an embryo acquired from reproductive purposes and was no longer needed. Another of the regulations included that there must be informed permission from the donor in order to aquire that stem cell. Furthermore, it adds that no money shall be paid to the donor of the stem cell. http://stemcells.nih.gov/policy/defaultpage.asp
You cannot deny the facts, research proves that stem cell research is helping people. Furthermore, stem cell research improves the health of people with diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis better their quality of life. Just think of the possibilities, who knows, all of this research might just aide in finding a cure for diseases in the near future.
-Anabel Ponce/Medical Aspects
Stem cell research is of great importance to me and to my family. My mother-in-law and a very close family friend have both been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. My mother-in-law was diagnosed six years ago but is good health overall. Her symptoms are mild compared to most. She suffers from fatigue and shortness of breathe and has trouble standing and walking for long periods. My very close friend however was diagnosed last year at 27. His symptoms are far more aggressive. Last year he was walking and working around this time of year. This year, he no longer can walk, he is legallly blind in both eyes and expects to lose all vision by the end of this year. He is no longer able to work, drive and is very dependent on his family and friends. I feel that if any research can help these two wonderful people, than so be it. I dont care where the stem cells come from, just get them. I know that my point of view is very one-sided and may seem narrow minded, but until you see your loved ones suffer in such horrific ways I don't think it is possible to have a complete grasp on the situation. If any research can give these people any shred of hope than it worth all the effort. Adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells both provide positive outcomes but embryonic stem cells have more potential. This study alone showed that 81% of the case studies participant's lives improved. Those results are brilliant. I just hope that we can further our efforts in research by gaining the support throughout the United States.
J Gonzalez Med Aspects
Well this, in combination with the new Stem Cell research they are doing with people who have recently (with in 4 weeks of injury) have had a Spinal Cored Injury it is possible for more research and medical development in the area of Stem Cell Research. The ban on Stem Cell Research may be lifted and people with Altimeters, Cerebral Palsy, and a marayed of other Neuralgical/Muscular Disabilities/Injuries may have more available to them for treatment and a fuller daily living and independence.....
Chris Wheat-Med Aspects Class
Stem cells have the ability to renew themselves through mitotic cell division and differentiating into a diverse range of specialized cell types. Stem cells are generally divided into two types: embryonic cells and adult somatic stem cells. Stem cells are able to be grown and transformed into specialized cells of various tissues such as muscles or nerves through cell culture. Today, several stem cell therapies are routinely used to treat disease. For example, bone marrow stem cells transplant, multipotent peripheral blood stem cells transplant, and umbilical cord blood stem cell transplant in treating leukemia, other cancers and various blood disorders.
It is really excited to know the success of stem cell transplant treatment in treating multiple sclerosis in a small group of patients. As we all known, multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system, leading to demyelination. The stem cells transplant will help to rebuild the new and healthy immunity system for MS patients with far less immunity rejection. This great news is absolutely the most inspiring breakthrough for MS patients.
Even though there is a lot of controversy over creation, usage and destruction of human embryonic stem cells, the significant breakthrough of stem cells treatment for different disease should be brought under spot light. I believe the stem cells transplant treatment will get great improvements under a best regulation of human embryonic stem cells. However, just as Richard Burt said “It’s encouraging, but, honestly, it’s unproven until you have a randomized trial that proves it,” There is still a long way for scientists to go.
- Yuanyuan Li from Med Dis Aspect class
I get so interested in stem cell research. It just fascinates me how we can try to manipulate our cells and experiment on their functions. To see Burt doing this type of hard work in finding out how to use stem cells to treat MS is great. I just hope to get more information on the political debates, which can go into a serious religious factor of disagreements in manipulating cells. Yet I agree with Burt about doing a replication of his study to increase the treatments strengths and discovering its potential weaknesses. To see how the use of stem cells can increase the immune system to help treat the MS patients is wonderful. I have always read how people would use different types of therapies to slow down the disease, but never would I have expected Burt to reverse the disease. That is absolutely amazing to see the reversing effects of the disease which in turn increases the strength of the immune system.
I get so interested in stem cell research. It just fascinates me how we can try to manipulate our cells and experiment on their functions. To see Burt doing this type of hard work in finding out how to use stem cells to treat MS is great. I just hope to get more information on the political debates, which can go into a serious religious factor of disagreements in manipulating cells. Yet I agree with Burt about doing a replication of his study to increase the treatments strengths and discovering its potential weaknesses. To see how the use of stem cells can increase the immune system to help treat the MS patients is wonderful. I have always read how people would use different types of therapies to slow down the disease, but never would I have expected Burt to reverse the disease. That is absolutely amazing to see the reversing effects of the disease which in turn increases the strength of the immune system.
JudithW
I find this research to be very fascinating and amazing. It goes to show that researchers are willing to conduct a lot of research just to cure a certain type of disease. Although I don't know what Multiple Sclerosis is I still think it is pretty cool that some researchers are trying to find a cure for it. Just by the name of the disease it sounds serious, so the researchers are doing a good job by trying to find a cure for it.
-Francisco N.-
It fascinates me to know about the stem cell research I know that the former President George W. Bush was real on it,and that Stem cell research tends to be controversial issue. i never paid much attention to it. if it going to be of any help to people why not, as long as they don't abort any fetuses for this reason.
Anthonia F.
This is great!! First MS, then other diseases. I am so glad that we are making progress in medicine, and honestly its about time.
This is a cool youtube video that i found on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2ymkuUc6FU
It is pretty recent because President Obama makes an appearance.
I do not think it matters whether these stem cells come from aborted embryos or adult stem cells, as long as it is safe. We have a long way to go, progress like this does not happen overnight. It would be interesting to see also, how many people with disabilities would actually go through treatment to "fix" their disability. My guess is that some wont to through treatment. I wonder also, if our tax dollars are being used for research, i really do not mind because i think its great, but it would be something to look into.
A. Hernandez
I think it is so great that there is research being done in treating multiple sclerosis because it is a common disease in young adults. Because it is a degenerative type of disease it is good to know that they are focusing on improving the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and stopping its degenerative effects. I hope the outcomes continue to be positive and that a cure can be found for it. Priscilla F.
im anything but glad to hear there has been improvemnt throughout the studies being made in stem cell research, it is really fascinating to me how this really works. All the wonderful things humans can do with such high technology. I hope our future consists of making cures and working hard to use technology for the good of humanity not the worst.
-janet.s
I never really knew a lot about Stem Cell Research until I had a group project and we decided this would be our topic. I learned a lot and became intrigued with this subject. This study seemed to be a success; 81% of the patients showed improvement. Another thing that I found interesting about the study was that they actually used cells from patients own body.
Even though the topic of stem cell research is sometimes controversial, Im glad to hear that many great advancements have been made. Its always wonderful to hear that new research has come out that may better a persons quality of life. Even though this research is at an early stage, i think its awesome that good people are still out there trying to make a difference in someone elses life.
Diana O.
I have always been interested in stem cell research. It can be such a breakthrough in medicine for many reasons. I am glad that the doctors found a way for stem cell research to avoid being controversial. For so many years stem cell research has been put on the back burner because people thought that it was unethical. Now there is not really a way for the skeptics to complain. The stem cells that are being used are from the patient’s own body. Plus, the scientists have yielded amazing results with these people with MS. An overwhelming 81% had improvement in their MS symptoms. If they can get those results with MS, imagine what other disease symptoms can be reduced. That is a discovery you don’t have everyday. I am so glad that stem cell research is finally going to get the attention that it deserves.
Celena M.
It fascinates me to know about stem cell research. I think it is awesome that research is being done to treat multiple sclerosis; it is great to know that they are finding ways to improve symptoms and stop its degenerative effects. I hope the cure can be found and that all outcomes are positive.
Daphne J.
I’m so pleased those scientists are taking the time to make an effort to better someone’s life that has muscular sclerosis. I’m not familiar with that kind of condition but if those scientist can make a difference even though it’s with a small group of people I am all for the research.
Laura.C
Medical treatments have increased tremendously and it is very interesting to me, and of course to any other person who is interested in such topic. These scientists should be allowed to conduct such researches because this is how they are coming up with new ways and cures for Multiple Sclerois, for example. If they are not allowed to do such research, how is it that they are supposed to come up with new cures for such illnesses.
AnelC
It’s real interesting and impressing how biological research studies on exploring options and finding accommodations to improve and facilitate the lies of the people with disabilities have been improving. I think that although the study is considered to be small and its revealing improvements on people with MS may not represent an accurately study that would apply to other people with the same or similar disabilities it could be a sigh of hope for a lot of people and even a successful treatment for some people with similar conditions.
Esly B.
I have always been fascinated by stem cell research. It is outstanding how technology and knowledge continue to advance through the years. I have heard much about MS and I am so glad that much research and studies have been done to treat MS. Through the studies with stem cell research, there have been improved MS symptoms. It is great to hear there are very smart and dedicated people willing to do much research and study in an effort to improve the lives of others.
Emily CASE MANG.I
I have always been interested in learning about stem cell research. I never knew much about it, until one of my professors infomed us about. I know that stem cell research is a huge controversial in our nation. In regarding, if the government should be funding the research. I personally think if scientist can use stem cell research, to help people with certain conditions, I'm all for it.
Vanessa G.
It is fascinating for me to learn more and more about advances in the medical field. Multiple Sclerosis is a disability I have a little knowledge about, since I knew and still know people with Multiple Sclerosis. I am glad that researchers are doing something about the possible treatments for MS. However, the stem cell research is somewhat controversial.
Gabriela L
I think its great we have to cure one disease at a time. I also have hope and think researchers are doing a great job in holding on and trying there best. People like this will make the world a better place.
Krystal R.
I have always been interested in stem cell research. I am not necessarily fond of how these things are obtained however, if the materials are just being thrown away then who are we to argue that they cannot be used for a better cause. When you see people having difficulty with MS and Parkinson's your heart goes out to them. It is not fair that we cannot make scientific breakthroughs because the government thinks its "wrong." Everyone knows that a scientific discovery always has a price and they tend to be bad ones but without the discoveries we would not have polio vaccinations, small pox vaccinations, or even the cure for the plague. Things come at a price but someone has to do it.
Aaron G.
Post a Comment