Long-anticipated embryonic stem cell research is about to be underway, according to an article in Diabetes News. Advocates for embryonic stem cell research say the process may potentially yield treatments or cures for a wide variety of disease and injuries, such as diabetes, Parkinson’s and even spinal cord injuries.
President Barack Obama lifted Bush-era restrictions on stem cell research last spring. Now, researchers can use taxpayer dollars to conduct research on 13 batches of embryonic stem cells. Additionally, the government says 96 more cell lines are currently under review, and there may be a decision on 20 of them within weeks. Researchers have also said they may ask for approval for another 250 stem cell lines.
Using these days-old cells in research destroys them, creating a moral dilemma for many. However, these cells can morph into any cells in the body, giving researchers hope they can harness these cells to cure some of the worst diseases currently afflicting the world’s population.
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