Stem cell research is one of the most controversial pieces of medical research today. Both embryonic and adult stem cell research received support that will improve money now available for the research. New embryonic stem cell research guidelines have been released by the NIH and also the Vatican can be funding adult stem cells.
The promise of stem cell research
For good reason, stem cell research is a very emotionally loaded topic. Some medical researchers say stem cells could be able to regrow damaged body parts or cure diseases. Stem cells are “undefined” cells that could be able to become any cell within the body. Embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos created by fertility treatments that would not otherwise be used. Adult stem cells come from grown adults, and are either “forced” backwards into stem cells or harvested from other parts of the body.
Embryonic stem cell research guidelines from NIH
The question of embryonic stem cell research has been a difficult political question for the United States government. In 2001, the president limited federal research funding to a very small number of embryonic stem cell research lines already in existence. There were 21 lines of embryonic stem cells available for this research when the policy went into effect. When he lifted this ban when first gaining office, President Obama also put strong ethical requirements in place. In order to donate embryonic stem cells, couples must be “fully informed of other options” under the new guidelines.
NIH approves additional lines
Though the ethical guidelines were stronger, there were many questions about which stem cell lines would be allowable under the National Institutes of Health guidelines. The NIH has announced that 13 lines of embryonic stem cells are found to fulfill ethical guidelines; these 13 lines consist of four that account for the majority of the published information on stem cell research.
Vatican to back adult stem cell research
In a move that surprised numerous stem cell research watchers, the Catholic Vatican announced today that they would be providing financial support for adult stem cell research. The International Intestinal Stem Cell Consortium will receive funding and support from the Vatican. Intestinal stem cells are a form of adult stem cells that numerous researchers are hoping will prove useful. The Vatican continues to highlight that they consider embryonic stem cell research “gravely immoral”. The Director of the Stem Cell Transplantation Program in Boston’s Children’s Hospital reacted to the announcement with a mix of emotions. “I applaud the Vatican for funding any type of research, but this is another attempt to pit adult stem cells against embryonic when the two are used in very different ways and have potential for different conditions.”
Sources
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/27/AR2010042703360.html
ABC News
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/vatican-backs-stem-cell-research/story?id=10447981
