X-Message-Number: 15801 Date: Mon, 05 Mar 2001 13:03:15 +0000 From: "Joseph Kehoe" <> Subject: [off topic] snippets Could be a breakthrough for medical research (with many applications) http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,42093,00.html?tw=wn20010301 Groups against embryonic stem cell research like to tout alternative technologies that don't destroy embryos, and the most recent discovery by the sheep-cloning researchers is more tinder for their fire. Scientists at PPL Therapeutics turned skin cells from a cow into beating heart cells. Switching the identity of cells is the Holy Grail of stem cell researchers who want to give people with disorders like Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries or diabetes new cells to replace those that are damaged. from nanodot.org http://www.iht.com/articles/12147.html for everyone worried about Ludittes ;-) In an International Herald Tribune item we learn more about what happened at WEF: "Mr. Joy discussed his thesis at a remarkable seminar during the recent World Economic Forum in Davos. He urged scientists to renounce research that could lead to what he considers 'a clear danger of extinction' ...At least, he said, there ought to be a democratic opportunity for ordinary people to vote on whether they want this kind of research to continue. That is obviously impractical. We voters don't know enough about the subjects, and at the rate things are changing we will never have a chance to learn in time to make a sensible decision." p.s. was away for the past Joseph. ---------------------------------------------- Joseph Kehoe, MSc Raven Internet Technologies Ltd. ph: +353 503 52450 www.raven.ie Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=15801