Most of the debate and media attention about stem cell research focuses on embryonic stem cells. But David Prentice, a senior fellow for life science with the Family Research Council in Washington, D.C., and Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback’s stem cell expert, argues that stem cells from umbilical cords and adults offer the greatest research potential. He told The Eagle editorial board last week that thousands of people are already being treated with these cells. “You’re seeing real results,” he said, unlike embryonic stem cells, which he argues generate more hype than research results.
Meanwhile, there is an interesting theory that stem cells may be key in helping understand and fight cancer. Some researchers believe that aberrant stem cells are responsible for helping tumors regenerate, The New York Times reported. If so, anti-cancer drugs need to be able to target these cancer stem cells in order to destroy tumors.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
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