New Discovery Erodes Rationale for Using Embryonic Stem Cells
SCOTLAND, Feb. 26, 01 (CWNews.com/LSN.ca) - Those who
support the use of embryonic stem cells for research--
killing the unborn child in the process-- may lose their
justification for continuing this practice, according to
reports by Britain's BBC.
The BBC reported Friday that the company which cloned the
sheep "Dolly" has announced a new discovery which could
make the use of adult stem cells an even more viable
alternative than it already is.
The American subsidiary of Edinburgh-based PPL Therapeutics
has succeeded in converting skin tissue from cows into
beating heart cells. This was done by "rewinding" the
genetic clock of the skin cells so as to create
"unprogrammed" master stem cells. "The reverted cells were
then programmed to develop into functioning beating heart
cells, in the laboratory," reported the British
broadcaster. Dr. Ron James, managing director of the
company, said that he believed the technology would be
equally applicable to humans.
The news was welcomed by religious leaders and pro-life
forces. It is an "encouraging breakthrough" and "certainly
a step in the right direction," said Dr. Donald Bruce, a
spokesman for the Church of Scotland, upon hearing of the
breakthrough.
|
|
February 28, 2001
volume 12, no. 59
Pro Life News
www.DailyCatholic.org
|
|
|