Scientists create 10 disorders from ADULT stem cells
The good news is in the headline. The bad news is the mainstream media continues to obfuscate the fact that successes in the field of stem cell research are with ADULT stem cells, not EMBRYONIC.
Note the missing word in the headline and elsewhere in the piece. The writer clearly knows when to add the word “embryonic” when wanting to promote those stem cells, just not “adult”? Come on.
From the Associated Press via Live Science, August 8:
This is a wonderful breakthrough….
Adult stem cell research is accomplishing what research prostitutes promised would be the fruition of human embryo experimentation. Rather, escr has been a nonstarter, rife with problems such as the fact esc’s grow into cancerous tumors.
Too bad the American public will only take away from this piece the vague understanding that stem cell research is good without knowing the most important factor here.
This is just another of hundreds of articles demonstrating MSM purposefully adds to the confusion about stem cell research with unclear reporting. Were this about successful human embryo experimentation, MSM would boast it in the headline and throughout.
But lest anyone get the crazy idea by this news that the focus should turn to ascr and off escr, the AP writer and the Harvard scientist (in MA, where last year Gov. Deval Patrick announced a $1.25 billion public funded spending package for human embryo experimentation) certainly attempt to quell that notion:
Of course.
Jill Stanek is a nurse turned speaker, columnist and blogger, a national figure in the effort to protect both preborn and postborn innocent human life.
“Daley stressed that the reprogrammed cells won’t eliminate the need of studying embryonic stem cells”…
Sheesh. They just never learn, do they?
Do they consider Down Syndrome a disease? I find it interesting they put it in the same group as Parkinson’s.
Remember when you said you didn’t believe me that the news interview I saw didn’t differentiate between adult or embryonic stem cells? Hmm.
Amanda, must every post you make be antagonistic?
The distinction between adult and embryonic stem cells is probably not emphasized because most people want medical research to alleviate suffering, and don’t want it handcuffed by a political or religious agenda. Witness the Michigan initiative referenced below.
The headline on this post is confusing…sounds like the disorders didn’t exist until the scientists created them.
The distinction between adult and embryonic stem cells is probably not emphasized because most people want medical research to alleviate suffering, and don’t want it handcuffed by a political or religious agenda. Witness the Michigan initiative referenced below.
Maybe you mean that you don’t think people deserve to know facts? Because emphasizing the difference would be stating facts…whether it is ASCR or ESCR has nothing to do with religion. It has to do with what it actually is.
I think both Bethany’s and Amanda’s points are true…people should know which sort of cells they are, but most people don’t care.
I don’t have a problem with ESCR, but for the “wow” factor, the induced pluripotent cells are much cooler.
“The headline on this post is confusing…sounds like the disorders didn’t exist until the scientists created them.”
I was actually confused by that at first too, Wichita.
Glad it wasn’t just me!
Wichita Linewoman, it wasn’t just you…I kept wondering if I missed the pun or something. I think that it may have been a mistake. I’ll let Jill know and see what she says.
Darn, I did miss the pun.
Amanda @ 11:18 AM
Actually Amanda, I believed you about the TV report. The issue was about how you tied SCR to the Hoyt family on that thread, implying they were supporters of ESCR.
Jill’s point now, and mine then, was that the mindset for ESCR has been pushed so much by the media, that without qualification people simply assume ESCR. However, when the news-source qualifies the difference, then indicates success where there has been none, (value of ESCR?) I call that disingenuous reporting.
I was outside a hardware store this morning, and remarked how beautiful the day was here in the Northeast. The older gentleman who was assisting me within two sentences moved from the beauty of the day to how the news media distorts practically all the news – that “… along with the forecast this morning, came the news that this was the stormiest summer… and we needed to do our part for the ‘environment'”.
He described how he wanted to enjoy the day – but instead got a lecture from the news media.
People are fed up with the MSM politically correct bull$&%! and constant spinning and distortions. They simply want the facts from responsible journalists, and not to be talked down to. I appreciate that as well.
PPC at 11:30 AM
What’s happening in the world is a very much a spiritual and political battle, between life and death. There really is no such thing as a non-political agenda.
Do they consider Down Syndrome a disease? I find it interesting they put it in the same group as Parkinson’s.
Posted by: LizFromNebraska at August 13, 2008 11:09 AM
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Health problems associated with Down include congenital heart disease, thyroid disorders, Alzheimer’s, leukemia, epilepsy……..
Good to know I havent missed anything spectaculor in my absence….
Midnite678:
This is absolutely true…..I was thinking about you yesterday and saying to myself how I missed that cantankerous rascal.
How are you sweetheart?
Cantankerous Rascal?
Hmmmm, I dont think I’ve been called that before. I have been called ill-tempered but not cantankerous.. Interesting choice of words there HisMan.
I am ok. Stressed to the max with work and school but 18 hours of school and 40+ hours of work each week will do that to you. Then pile on a mother that is cantankerous and evil and a grandfather that is slowly dying…
Some how, I managed to make the Dean’s List this Semester. I made 4 A’s and 2 B’s.. I am still amazed I did all that and didnt kill someone in the process.
How is everything on your end?
Ok, above post is from me. It signed me out for some reason…
Love your fighting spirit Midnite. The super grades in 6 courses are unbelievable…..WOW! Everytime I tried to work more that 10 or 15 hours a week and do school my grades always faltered, so I don’t know how you’re doing it, but, keep it up. It will pay off. Sorry that your mom is a challenge for you, try just to love her. And your grandpa, just love him too.
My oldest son got married in July and that was awesome. Yellowstone Park was absolutely amazing. The majesty of it really calmed me down and put things in perspective. Everyone should go there at least once. I love that place. Maybe you could reward yourself with a trip there after graduation?
A lot of retired people go up there and spend the summer working in various jobs. Somehow, someday, I might like to do that. Maybe they could use an old codger engineer doing something?
Anyway, I’m glad your back.
Sally,
Would you classify Down Syndrome as a disease?
Sally,
Would you classify Down Syndrome as a disease?
Posted by: Carla at August 13, 2008 3:14 PM
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I would classify Down’s as it is. A syndrome that causes a variety of conditions of varying degrees of incapatability with life.
Carla,
I know the question isn’t for me, but Down’s Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by an abnormality in the 21st chromosome, I believe.
I wouldn’t call it a disease as such (to me that term implies that it has either developed or is contagious) but, as a disorder, it does merit treatment if treatment is available.
HisMan:
I might try to do that sometime. God knows I need a vacation…I am going to try and visit MK in Chicago at some point, and see my cousin in NYC.
Congrats on the wedding! I bet you were excited about that. WOW, my mom cant wait for me to get married and have her grandkids..that’s all I ever hear “You need to hurry up and have children or I am cutting you out of my will”. She is such a lovely person…Can you tell?
Ok Sally,
Now your answer leads me to another question. I love it when that happens. :)
What about Down Syndrome makes this condition/ disorder incompatible with life?
Thanks, A. I appreciate your thoughts.
Jill,
You are all over it as usual. The ESC folks are renaming their cells iPS (iPSC’s) is what they are calling ACS caught at different stages of differentiating. Regardless, follow the money trail and you will find what you’re looking for. These guys will stop at nothing to keep the money coming in. This is not embryonic research and the money ear marked for ESC’s should not be release to those doing adult stem cell research,let them go out and raise their own capital, if not at least raise the white flag and tell the truth, these are not ESC, they may look like them…but that’s about it! (and that’s a stretch)
Ok Sally,
Now your answer leads me to another question. I love it when that happens. :)
What about Down Syndrome makes this condition/ disorder incompatible with life?
Thanks, A. I appreciate your thoughts.
Posted by: Carla at August 13, 2008 3:33 PM
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The existance of the syndrome allows for the possibly fatal conditions. The syndrome itself would not be incapatable to life but rather the conditions the syndrome causes.
Sally,
You don’t have to answer that. I am biased. I love children with Down Syndrome. I have a degree in Special Ed. worked in group homes, and I am blessed with a niece who has DS. Still praying about adopting a little girl with it.
If you are saying that some of their heart conditions require open heart surgery in the first few days of life and may or may not be successful I would agree with that. Also, their life expectancy is maybe 50-60 years old.
They are so full of life I have a hard time seeing this condition as incompatible with life.
Symptoms and the severity of those symptoms vary from child to child and most are treatable.
Wait, are you saying that Down’s Syndrome is treatable, or did I read that wrong?
we’ve got Downs patients ranging from completely nonverbal, non communicative, and non ambulatory to some mid range kiddos who use augmentative communication and have delayed but existant motor skills to high functioning verbal/motor skills with only mild delays. With such an enormous range, I think its pretty much impossible to say “Downs means (fill in the blank)” in terms of what kind of life the patient will have.
Wait, are you saying that Down’s Syndrome is treatable, or did I read that wrong?
Posted by: midnite678 at August 13, 2008 4:00 PM
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I think Carla means that many of the conditions caused by Down’s are treatable. That of course doesn’t mean that any of them are curable.
20 years ago the life expectancy was 25. Today it is 49. Which means that rather than dying younger, many will have increasing needs as their health deteriorates over a longer period of time. A major concern of someone say in their 40s faced with such a possibility in a child would be who will care for your Down child when you are no longer capable? Will they be institutionalized and possibly subjected to abuse if not simple neglect?
Children with Down’s do not stay children forever. There are very serious issues to consider.
Down’s kids exist for God’s glory as do all difficult and easy situations alike.
Can a non-believer understand what this means?
It’s always about God, not about us, and not from our persepctive.
To terminate a DS child is not an act of mercy, it’s playing God and denying the world of an opportunity for God to show His Majesty and to be glorified.
The Biblical story of the posessed man was an opportunity for Jesus to instantaneously heal this man, who the community knew was wacko, and in that give glory to God. I am sure that all of you who have worked with or have a DS child can tell of miraculous occurrences regarding these precious souls. “For it is the foolish ones of the world that God uses to confound the wise”.
To justify the abortion of any DS baby in the womb is simply immoral.
we’ve got Downs patients ranging from completely nonverbal, non communicative, and non ambulatory to some mid range kiddos who use augmentative communication and have delayed but existant motor skills to high functioning verbal/motor skills with only mild delays. With such an enormous range, I think its pretty much impossible to say “Downs means (fill in the blank)” in terms of what kind of life the patient will have.
Posted by: Amanda at August 13, 2008 4:03 PM
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Exactly Amanda. One of my great nieces works in an institution for profoundly dissabled children. Many are never visited by anyone and wouldn’t know it if they were. It’s very depressing and upsetting to her at times.
Amanda,
I agree with you! wow
Thanks Sally. I hear ya.
Thanks for clearing that up Sally. I was a little confused. Summer school left my brain in a blob…
To justify the abortion of any DS baby in the womb is simply immoral.
Posted by: HisMan at August 13, 2008 4:21 PM
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It’s always such a pleasure to hear how simple life is on your planet HM.
Thanks for clearing that up Sally. I was a little confused. Summer school left my brain in a blob…
Posted by: midnite678 at August 13, 2008 4:32 PM
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What are you studying if you don’t mind my asking?
Sally,
If any of my children had had DS when they were born(I refused amnio with all of them)my husband and I would have dealt with it. There are issues to deal with, with all children not born “perfect.” :)
Are you for amnio and then abortion for children diagnosed with DS? Realizing of course, that amniocentesis can be wrong.
Sally:
My major is Psychology and my minor is Criminal Justice. I am going to go back at night after I graduate to finish up my BA in Criminal Justice. Then I am taking some time off to work and figure out if I want to go to Grad School or if I want to go to Law School.
I am going to work in Juvenile Probation or Parole while I decided that…
Amanda,
I agree with you! wow
Thanks Sally. I hear ya.
Posted by: Carla at August 13, 2008 4:31 PM
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I miscarried 2 weeks before my 45th birthday at 14 weeks pregnancy. The possibility of Down was something I had to consider quite seriously. I take the responsibility of parenting very very seriously.
Sally,
I am sorry about your miscarriage.
I take parenting seriously too.
Sally,
If any of my children had had DS when they were born(I refused amnio with all of them)my husband and I would have dealt with it. There are issues to deal with, with all children not born “perfect.” :)
Are you for amnio and then abortion for children diagnosed with DS? Realizing of course, that amniocentesis can be wrong.
Posted by: Carla at August 13, 2008 4:45 PM
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I would most certainly have had genetic counseling as I know that there are conditions possibly treatable during the pregnancy itself. In the event of a positive Down diagnosis, abortion would have been a possibility but not a certainty for me. My biggest concern would have been my age. I’m rather surprised to be alive at 51. I’ve always had a rather irrational belief that I would die at 50 like my dad and his mother.
It may be arrogant of me but I have always felt that I am the only one qualified to parent my children. It would be difficult to imagine what might happen to a Down child after I’m gone. Then there is also the risk associated with my own health during a pregnancy at that age. The miscarriage almost killed me. Who would have thunk that in this day and age?
Sally:
My major is Psychology and my minor is Criminal Justice. I am going to go back at night after I graduate to finish up my BA in Criminal Justice. Then I am taking some time off to work and figure out if I want to go to Grad School or if I want to go to Law School.
I am going to work in Juvenile Probation or Parole while I decided that…
Posted by: midnite678 at August 13, 2008 4:48 PM
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That’s wonderful! When do you graduate? Just a thought: my daughter worked for 3 years, paid off her school loans and saved up enough to spend a summer in Europe before going back to finish up her masters.
I graduate December 13th of this year. I am very excited. I am ready to be through with school. I have to take some time off from it or I might kill myself, haha.
I am going to work, hopefully get a house and get out of an aprtment, and save money to travel with. I’ll end up going back eventually I just need some time to myself. I’ve been in school since I was 4 (I turn 24 in less than a month) and I’ve been working with school since I was 15. I need a break or a vacation from life (Have they invented those yet?).
Sally,
I am sorry about your miscarriage.
I take parenting seriously too.
Posted by: Carla at August 13, 2008 4:54 PM
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I know that about you Carla.
Don’t be sorry about the miscarriage. My then fiance turned out to be a violent sociopath caused in part by a genetic disorder incidently. I’m glad not to be tied to him in any way.
I need a break or a vacation from life (Have they invented those yet?).
Posted by: midnite678 at August 13, 2008 5:18 PM
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Yes they have. It involves straight jackets and padded walls however.
Hi Sally,
I am sorry for the pain or trauma that a miscarriage may have caused you. Oh, and I am very sorry about your involvement with a sociopath. I have a story too…
51 is young, my dear!!
I truly believe that you are perfect for your children and they are perfect for you!!
“I miscarried 2 weeks before my 45th birthday at 14 weeks pregnancy.”
My sincere condolences…
Sally:
Yeah I dont want that kind of vacation… Maybe I can hibernate for a month or two…hahaha
Or Maybe a summer in Europe..that would be freaking awesome…
I think Carla means that many of the conditions caused by Down’s are treatable. That of course doesn’t mean that any of them are curable.
20 years ago the life expectancy was 25. Today it is 49. Which means that rather than dying younger, many will have increasing needs as their health deteriorates over a longer period of time. A major concern of someone say in their 40s faced with such a possibility in a child would be who will care for your Down child when you are no longer capable? Will they be institutionalized and possibly subjected to abuse if not simple neglect?
Children with Down’s do not stay children forever. There are very serious issues to consider.
Posted by: Sally at August 13, 2008 4:16 PM
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I understand that these are very serious issues that parents of DS children must consider.
However, it sounds as if these children, as they age, go through a lot of what many people may go through as they age…only sooner.
Sally, you said, “many will have increasing needs as their health deteriorates over a longer period of time.”
When I read this, I thought, “won’t we all?”
I’ve known families with DS children, and I’ve worked with them myself in schools. They are some of the most loving, accepting people I’ve ever seen. I know that there are cases that can be severe, but I’ve also seen DS children who are just as communicative as other children, and who can also be just as stubborn. ;) They’re great to be around, a real joy. That’s been my experience, anyway.
*hi Carla! :) *
Hi Kel!! :)
Yes, Yes and Yes to what you wrote!
I miscarried 2 weeks before my 45th birthday at 14 weeks pregnancy. The possibility of Down was something I had to consider quite seriously. I take the responsibility of parenting very very seriously.
Posted by: Sally at August 13, 2008 4:49 PM
Sally I too am sorry about your miscarriage and about the situation with your fiance at this time.
It may be arrogant of me but I have always felt that I am the only one qualified to parent my children.
Absolutely NOT! You are the best mom for your kids!
I agree with whoever (maybe Sally?) stated that it’s impossible to tell what kind of life a DS person will have. But that IS what doctors do when a diagnosis of DS comes in after amnio. Or even worse, parents are left to their own fears with the doctor giving very little info or support. The result: many of these pregnancies end in abortion.
Amanda said that. :)
I understand that these are very serious issues that parents of DS children must consider.
However, it sounds as if these children, as they age, go through a lot of what many people may go through as they age…only sooner.
Sally, you said, “many will have increasing needs as their health deteriorates over a longer period of time.”
When I read this, I thought, “won’t we all?”
I’ve known families with DS children, and I’ve worked with them myself in schools. They are some of the most loving, accepting people I’ve ever seen. I know that there are cases that can be severe, but I’ve also seen DS children who are just as communicative as other children, and who can also be just as stubborn. ;) They’re great to be around, a real joy. That’s been my experience, anyway.
*hi Carla! :) *
Posted by: Kel at August 13, 2008 11:44 PM
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Sooner has nothing to do with considerations. Down children are unlikely to find employment. Let alone health insurance. It’s very naive to think their lives will just go on swimmingly without caretakers that actually care.
Sooner has nothing to do with considerations. Down children are unlikely to find employment. Let alone health insurance. It’s very naive to think their lives will just go on swimmingly without caretakers that actually care.
There are lots of people who actually care, Sally. You just have to take the time to look. Carla is one of those people, without a doubt.
Sooner has nothing to do with considerations. Down children are unlikely to find employment. Let alone health insurance. It’s very naive to think their lives will just go on swimmingly without caretakers that actually care.
There are lots of people who actually care, Sally. You just have to take the time to look. Carla is one of those people, without a doubt.
Posted by: Bethany at August 15, 2008 10:33 PM
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I agree. And many of these children are mainstreamed into regular public school classrooms. Others are not. There are plenty of mentally and physically disabled persons in society who can be productive workers and have meaningful lives (however that’s defined).
I’ve known a lot of people who care. Teaching assistants, special education teachers, elementary school teachers, pastors, CNAs, siblings, you name it.
When any one of us becomes elderly and has to be cared for by someone else (in a nursing home, for example), we take the risk that the person in charge of us might not “care.” How are those with DS really that much different?
Kel @11:18,
Amen.