Turning skin cells into embryonic stem cells Topics: Biology,
Chemistry, Health, Partners Last blog I talked about how I may
have to be cloned to get my own embryonic stem (ES) cells. I was
willing to deal with all of the associated ethical baggage
because these sorts of cells would be so useful. They'll help
cure many of my future ailments without my body rejecting these
ES cells because they'll be made from my DNA. This week a report
has come out in Nature that may let me have my cake and eat it
too (at least a few years from now). Scientists in Japan report
that they can turn mouse skin cells into ES cells. And two other
labs were able to repeat the result. This is a really big deal.
If we can get this to work in people, scientists can concentrate
on finding cures. Instead of trying to find the money to do
their research. Two of the big opponents to ES cell research are
the Catholic Church and the U.S. federal government. Neither is
opposed to this line of research because it doesn't create and
destroy a f