Stem cell stories not the whole truth

After reading the Daily Herald's third article about embryonic stem cell research in which the full story was not presented I felt compelled to write. The articles suggested that science is no longer hindered now that federal monies will be poured into this research and that embryonic stem cell research will be able to move ahead to find cures for currently incurable diseases. Not true. Private research by biotech companies has never been prevented from using embryonic stem cells.

There have been dozens of breakthroughs with stem cells; however, not with embryonic stem cells but with adult stem cells. Additionally, science has been doing research on embryonic stem cells without federal funding and has found that embryonic stem cells are not as reliable when it comes to their use in the medical field. They tend to mutate, scientists cannot regulate their growth and the biggest stumbling block is the risk of donor rejection. Because embryonic stem cells do not come from the person they are trying to help, the person's body rejects the invasion of foreign cells.

Adult stem cells, however, have been proven to work in dozens of areas for the good of the patient to include spinal cord injuries, heart tissue regeneration, corneal reconstruction, autoimmune and Parkinson's disease just to name a few. Because the adult stem cells come from the patient's own body there is no risk of rejection. Why have I never seen a front-page article about these breakthroughs in science?

I do have to wonder why everyone is so excited to use federal money for something that does not work and kills a human being, instead of promoting the adult stem cell research that is working.

Barbara Nield

Libertyville