Research backs adult stem cells

Sydney
30 June 2002

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Research backs adult stem cells

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Research backs adult stem cells

Adult stem-cells are as versatile as embryonic stem cells, and possibly more so, according to new research that explodes the myth that embryonic stem cells hold the key to curing disease.

The research, published in Nature magazine last week, shows that adult bone-marrow stem cells can differentiate into a wide range of cell and tissue types.

The research team, from the University of Minnesota, suggests that adult stem cells have an advantage over embryonic stem cells and have less cancer-causing potential.

The World Federation of Doctors Who Support Life said the research reinforced the fact that “magnificent benefits could be reaped from stem-cell therapies without touching a single embryo.

Francis Sullivan, executive officer of Catholic Health Australia, said it pointed the way to a more ethical solution to the illnesses and disabilities that are central to the debate on stem-cell research.

Archbishop George Pell, a strong supporter of adult stem-cell research, has called for a moratorium on embryonic stem-cell research.

In April, he pledged $50,000 towards adult stem-cell research.