CBS's Stem Cell Shenanigans

HUMAN EVENTS ^ | Mar 06, 2006 | Michael Fumento

[VOA]

What percentage of scientists do you think work on embryonic stem
cells. 0.01%?

I suspect the better question is "what percentage of scientists WANT
to work on embryonic stem cells?".

I'm not saying the folks in this field are just mercenaries.
But if the field is "sexy" or is envisioned to be some sort of panacea,
then if there's a pot of money, plenty of researchers will arrive.
And I don't blame them for needing the money...seeing how much overhead
is taken out of grants.

[lepton]

Well, in the opinion of a few cell biologists I know (MS and PhD levels, below the professoriate - lab bench workers, "bench rats"), embryonic cells are more robust and versatile than adult cells, and have broader spectrum of possible uses. Not being a cell biologist myself, I take their opinion on the subject.

In theory...

To a large extent, it appears that working with ESCs to do what ASCs do, is like cooking dinner by assembling the components with a nuclear probe pushing all the of the atoms into place one at a time. In theory, it is far more versatile, as you can make anything, and yes, it may well work, but it's way more effort than required.

[Kaylee Frye]

Interesting article. Wonder why I didn't see it until today.