Do we need embryonic stem cell research or will adult stem cell research provide us with as much advancement as we are likely to get? Seven months after I first asked the question, I still don't know. My doubts about embryonic stem cells continue and it now looks like I'll never get real information on which to base a decision:
When they tell voters that "stem-cell research is being used by scientists trying to find cures for diseases such as Alzheimer's disease" as well as Parkinson's and diabetes, 69 percent support the research.The trouble is, the Alzheimer's hype isn't true. On June 10, the Post's Rick Weiss reported that "given the lack of any serious suggestion that stem cells themselves have practical potential to treat Alzheimer's, the Reagan-inspired tidal wave of enthusiasm [for stem cell research] stands as an example of how easily a modest line of scientific inquiry can grow in the public mind to mythological proportions.
Jeremy of Pacetown is doing good work on this issue on his blog and at blogcritics.org although we have probably have passed the point where information is going to matter.
Posted by Justene Adamec at August 12, 2004 02:58 PM | TrackBack