Shapiro et al., "
Embryonic stem cell lines derived from human blastocysts," Science, vol.
When the researchers ground the cells up and compared the genetic bits with those in
embryonic stem cells, they didn't see much of a difference.
"Many discoveries with other cell types, notably the so-called reprogrammed [induced Pluripotent Stem] cells, would not happen without ongoing research in human
embryonic stem cells."
There is particular variation in the ethical values and hence the laws governing
embryonic stem cell use and derivation.
"How many published successes in human application are there for
embryonic stem cells? Exactly zero.
Embryonic stem cells were cultured in DMEM with a high glucose concentration and 15% fetal calf serum supplemented with [beta]-mercaptoethanol, non-essential amino acids, antibiotics and L-glutamine and without leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF).
Thus, when compared to adult stem cell research, the risks of
embryonic stem cell research were often overstated and even false.
Specifically, the partners have succeeded in inducing most of neural cell species including neurons and glia cells from mouse
embryonic stem cells. This achievement will lead to applications in human
embryonic stem cells, shedding light on pediatric cerebral palsy.
In fact, the NAS guidelines preclude only three research activities involving either human embryos or human
embryonic stem cells: (1) the research use of human embryos beyond fourteen days (or the appearance of the primitive streak, if that comes first); (2) the creation of embryonic chimeras involving the transfer of human
embryonic stem cells into nonhuman primate blastocysts or the transfer of any
embryonic stem cells into human blastocysts; and (3) the breeding of any chimeras into which human
embryonic stem cells have been transferred at any stage of development.
It was in response to the Korean scientific advances that the Japanese government narrowly approved
embryonic stem cell research.
At least three other states have considered funding stem cell research on adult cells only, which some lawmakers view as a promising alternative to
embryonic stem cell research--and one with fewer ethical pitfalls.
Ever since President Bush banned federal funding for research on new
embryonic stem cell lines in 2001, Lanza had seen financial backers shrink away as religious activists gained ground in the media, attacking researchers doing his sort of work.