Why Are Stem-Cell Researchers So Greedy?
Posted Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2001, at 6:27 PM ETScientists continue to tell reporters that the genetic diversity of existing stem-cell lines is more important than the mere number of stem-cell colonies. Why do scientists want genetically diverse stem cells?
PRINT
DISCUSS
E-MAIL
RSS
RECOMMEND...
Facebook
MySpace
Mixx
Digg
Reddit
del.icio.us
Furl
Ma.gnolia
Sphere
StumbleUponStem-cell research is so new that scientists aren't certain what stem cells can and can't do. Some stem cells could be endowed with genes that make them easier to manipulate, or more amenable to being directed into a specific type of human tissue, or less likely to "crash" and die, for example. Unless scientists have access to cell lines that reflect the genetic variety within the human race, they fear their understanding of stem cells will be limited.
Down the road, if stem-cell research lives up to its promise, genetic diversity could become even more important. Scientists hope to grow specialized cells that could, for example, restore liver or heart function in sick people. If that comes to fruition, the available stem-cell lines would have to reflect genetically the variety of the human species in order to provide treatments for everyone and not just a limited genetic slice of the planet. But scientists are nowhere near providing those kinds of treatments.
Note: Genetic diversity is not the same as ethnic diversity. The genetic differences between two random individuals from a particular ethnic group would be roughly the same as the genetic differences between two individuals randomly selected from different ethnic groups.
Next question?
The Scariest Thing Gen. McChrystal Told Congress About Afghanistan
Is It Irresponsible To Give Your Kids Cell Phones in the Age of Sexting?
The Obama Administration Finally Gets Serious About Transparency
So Are We Done Cleaning Up the Exxon Valdez Spill Yet?
What, Exactly, Do You Do at a Climate-Change Conference?
The World's Greatest Boxer Is Running for Office. Don't Vote for Him.
