Online NewsHour: Adult Stem Cells

July 14, 2004
Science Strives to Catch Up to Stem Cell Potential
Adult stem cells appear to have enormous potential to help people afflicted with Parkinson's, diabetes and spinal cord injuries. But individual studies on stem cell therapies are showing mixed results. Scientists are hoping to embark on human clinical trials in order to get more uniform results. Tom Bearden from the NewsHour Science Unit presents a report.




	Some have declared the research to be morally repugnant. Others have said scientists have been wildly optimistic in their promises of how treatments may help patients. Every aspect of the use of human stem cell research continues to spark debate.




	The use of adult stem cells to treat the body, which would eliminate the ethical dilemma raised by the use of embryonic stem cells, is theoretically appealing. The larger question, however, is whether adult stem cells can grow into any other cell type.









	Helen Blau, Ph.D., of the Stanford University School of Medicine and Charles Murry, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Washington's Department of Pathology, answer your questions on the research and potential of adult stem cells.





	Stem Cell Special Report NOVA scienceNOW: Stem Cells PBS' Innovation: Life, Inspired -- Miracle Cell




	Funded by: National Science Foundation		Reports are produced solely by the NewsHour and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSF.


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