|
|
 |
 |
Skin Cell Discovery a Medical Breakthrough
Imagine someone in a wheelchair because of a crippling spinal injury suddenly walking again. That can't happen right now, but a medical breakthrough may someday make that dream come true. Last week scientists announced they had discovered a way of making ordinary human skin cells act like stem cells.
Stem cells are the cells that first appear in a growing human embryo. These cells are capable of changing and then growing into nerves, skin, bone, muscle -- everything needed to make a human being. That's why scientists think that stem cells are so valuable. They could be used in people to fix organs that seem damaged beyond repair.
But using stem cells in scientific research is politically controversial. Many people, including President Bush, oppose taking stem cells from a human embryo because the embryo must then be destroyed. Last week researchers announced they found a way to change human skin cells to change just like stem cells. Since this method does not destroy an embryo, it isn't just a medical breakthrough. It's a political one too.
The recent discovery is a first step, since these new cells must be tested to make sure they are safe and as useful as real stem cells. But the news last week was encouraging for scientists and politicians!
I'm Adelbert and that's what happened in Science this week!
Test your stem and skin cell savvy in Just the Facts.
Illustration: FDA
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
