X-Message-Number: 22602
Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2003 23:17:59 -0700
From: Olaf Henny <>
Subject: Stem cells without using embryos?
References: <>

This could be an enormous breakthrough in stem cell research.

The following article is at:
http://www.worldhealth.net/?p=416,2234

Best,
Olaf

Last Modified
09.28.03

Unfertilized Eggs Could Yield Stem Cells

New research suggests that unfertilised eggs could provide
scientists with a source of stem cells. Dr Kent E Vrana, from
Wake Forest University in North Carolina, and associates studied
stem cells derived from the unfertilized eggs of female monkeys.
After growing the cells for two years, the researchers found that
their stem cells looked and acted in exactly the same way as stem
cells obtained from embryos. Furthermore, when treated with
chemicals the scientist were able to coax the cells to developing
into a number of different cell types, including heart muscle
cells and nerve cells. Experiments are now underway to establish
whether the cells will cure disease in animals. It would be a
godsend to scientists if stem cells from unfertilised eggs are
found to be as good as those obtained from embryos. If this is
the case, scientists can easily obtain a plentiful supply of stem
cells while avoiding the ethical minefield that surrounds the use
of embryonic stem cells. The use of unfertilised eggs will also
enable scientists to get around the US law that prohibits the use
of government funding "to generate a human embryo."

SOURCE/REFERENCE: PNAS published online before print September
22nd, 2003, 10.1073/pnas.

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