Undeniably successful and ethical stem cells

The good news about that recent breakthrough in stem cell research is getting even better.

The new direct reprogramming method of turning skin or other types of cells into those that have embryonic-like properties has overcome more hurdles. Professor Shinya Yamanaka announced this weekend that his team has found a way to grow the cells without inducing tumors.

Apart from the ethical concerns surrounding embryonic stem cell research — namely, that unborn children are killed to obtain the cells — embryonic stem cells have never been used in humans because tumors can develop.

Professor Yamanaka, who, along with scientists in Wisconsin, came up with a technique to generate embryonic-like stem cells without destroying human life, says he can now bypass the tumor issue with the ethical cells.

The worldwide scientific community was largely supported of his work when he announced the creation of the embryonic-like cells.

But someone needs to tell the Germans.

German lawmakers are considering changes to laws on stem cell research as pressure grows for an easing of restrictions that local scientists complain prevent them from keeping up with global advances.

The good news is that global advances (see above) don’t require embryonic research. In fact, the new methods are superior not only in their ethics, but also their results. This MSNBC article only drops a passing reference to that in the last line.

I just wish the reporting on this very complex issue would get more honest. Instead of lines like this:

Thursday’s parliamentary debate reflected the deep divisions in Germany which has roughly equal numbers of Catholics, who oppose stem cell research, and Protestants.

Embryonic stem cell research, to clarify. Catholic leaders are very hopeful of the advances science is making in ethical stem cell work. Somebody quick tell German parliament.