Stem cells 'created from teeth'

Either way, we need to get this kind of research into the mainstream, i know people with diseases that could be cured, if only we could concentrait more on these methods. people need to realize that it takes sacrifice to some degree, to gain anything.

interesting that the vast amount of actual success on stemcells in not from embryonic, the embryonic "issue" may just ... not be an issue.

Bodes well. Go Team Science!

Cool.

The quest to relieve ourselves of "natural humanity" is more interesting than ever. However, I believe this recent advancement only settles one part of a two part discussion on the topic of stem cell research: first, an ethical method of stem cell acquisition (which is nearly moot); and second, the substantive question of oughtness, in regard to creating human DNA.

I anticipate much discussion on the latter, as it is the substantive issue which concerns many humans.

Aaron J. Flores

"the substantive question of oughtness, in regard to creating human DNA"
Indeed, a question of what is "natural" - but aren't we from nature?
Why do we feel such a detachment from "natural" things, or a need to separate technology into this "unnatural" and therefore usually "bad" category?
Why shouldn't we see the extent science can go to? There will always be people who want to use it for "bad" purposes but we have and can continue to be responsible with it. We shouldn't feel guilty about knowledge.

awesome!

That is awesome. I've still got my wisdom teeth -- maybe if I get sick one day, I could just pull my teeth and grow a new heart. Sweet deal.

Well, I guess its better the teeth then the sphincter.

I'm sorry
I think this is bad

I really doubt they have good intentions
How are they planning to weaponize this

New anthrax that only attracts certain races, sexes, genome.

This is some 4th Reich shit. Mark my words.

Delia

I don't believe society has dealt with the question of "natural", nor has it established what it means to be human. Until these questions are solidified and agreed upon, I predict very little fruitful discussion with respect to this bioethical issue. Perhaps a more directed question would be: "Is there such a thing as 'unnatural'?" Further, I wouldn't be surprised to see nations promulgating declarations defining what it means to be human- a strong point of division among many nations and rulers as seen throughout history: Hitler, etc.

Until these definitions are established one way or another, I agree with Neo: this science will be a cause of serious concern to those who are subject to it.

Aaron J. Flores

Aaron, Neo:

This type of research is primarily being used in the medical field. As I said, there is always a risk of technology being in "the wrong hands" -does that mean we should stop progression?

"Until these questions are solidified and agreed upon, I predict very little fruitful discussion with respect to this bioethical issue." - The fruitful discussion will be first in regard to "humans" and "life". We talk bioethics all the time; the President has a bioethics committee to consult when making legal decisions, scientists talk about it, the general public talks about it, etc.

I'm just not sure what "serious concern" you guys have over stem cells, maybe you could tell me what type of evil science you see coming out of this?

I think this is great news, too bad I've already had my wisdom teeth pulled... I still have them though, dangit why didn't I think to freeze them??

This is amazing, if their reaserch bears fruit they might be able to help so many people. Japan Rules!

How much can I get for these teeth?

Delia

Many people are concerned that stem cell research leads straight to eugenics- something people are divided about, ethically speaking. And, some believe, eugenics will lead to oppressive class divisions- Brave New World, 1984, etc. Thus, it is not the research which is inherently wrong- I concede that point, and believe we should never fear knowledge- but rather how humanity will use this new science in relation to one another; as you have mentioned.

My concern is in regard to the law which will govern how the science is used- in order that it does not become an instrument of oppressive class division. For instance, will governments condone human experimentation? Or better, will governments even define "human" so that laws protecting "human life" can be established? The starting point of any law begins with defining terminology; I believe this has yet to occur as it relates to stem cells and eugenics. Thus, until definitions are established, I fear that this science may be an instrument of oppression by those "wrong hands".

In order to prohibit “wrong hands” from oppressing others, we need enlightenment on the subject and good law- the latter beginning with definitions foundational to the discussion, i.e., “what is natural?” and “what does it mean to be human?”

Aaron J. Flores

Imagine the impact this will have on those with terminable diseases that disagree with embryo stem cell research! HOPE!

"For instance, will governments condone human experimentation?" - They do when it comes to medicine; you can volunteer to be part of experiments for drugs and things like that.

"Or better, will governments even define "human" so that laws protecting "human life" can be established?" - This is an something already being discussed in the issue of abortion. As you said, since we don't have a real definition it does seem to be used to oppress people- namely women and their right to chose.

All I was saying before is that there is a responsible side to science that gets downplayed because we don't trust our government.

Lets see how the Christian right reacts to this....I have a feeling that if/after these stems cells are put into use and start curing some pretty serious diseases, a lot of people will stop caring about whether or not embryo use is murder.

I think we are saying the same thing, just in different ways.

In our democratic society I believe that it is the constituents' job to keep a sharp eye on the law our government is, or is not, establishing. It's a joint process of elected government and constituents working together- our democratic republic at its finest.

Personally, I'm very excited to see the technology of stem cells and all its marvels come into practice- while I keep a sharp eye on lawmakers, of course.

Good discussion.

Aaron J. Flores

Delia & Aaron,
I completely relate to Aaron's fears of this kind of powerful science being used in the wrong manner. Ethically speaking, it is very easy to begin a path down an extremely slippery slope with this kind of research, and after the research is completed, the actual execution of this science.

However, Delia has a great point, we can not let our fears of mankind interfere with science. I don't trust our government anymore than the next guy... but I still trust science (mostly).

But I'm not sure we should even be experimenting with stem cells. I often catch myself asking if humans "are meant to do this". Were human beings 'meant' to progress to this point, or are these kind of medical advancements messing with something we don't have a right to mess with? Or are these questions remnants of catholic guilt which decides to rear its head at inconvenient moments?

I understand that stem cells have the potential to help countless people who are suffering, but by doing that are we trumping survival of the fittest and compromising our own success as a species?

"Were human beings 'meant' to progress to this point" - Who is regulating what is 'meant' to happen?

In hindsight we might say "we should have done this, or that"- If we fuck up, we'll say we weren't meant to do that. If we succeed, we'll say we were.

The truth seems to be that nothing is set like that. Again I wonder, why do we feel detached from nature, or that what we are doing is something nature wouldn't- did we not evolve like the other animals? What is "unnatural" about our intelligence?

This is a wonderful solution. I've always regretted scientific progress being at the cost of human, or in this case, possible human life. With stem cells, we may no longer have to sacrifice one for the sake of the other.

Incredibly important news!

I'm also interested about the earlier announcement that Japanese scientists had produced stem cells from skin. Did that not turn out so well? Since they obviously are still looking for more sources for the cells.

Delia- i think a lot of where that mentality comes from may be religious in origin. Or from a 'naturalist' standpoint. It seems that advances in technology have been ultimately to our detriment. Obviously there have been beneficial advancements, but were they the stepping stones to our demise?

With our ever growing population problem, are cures for diseases what we need? I know that if I, or someone close to me were ill, i would say yes! But, in the grand scheme of things are increasing longevity and improving mortality in our best interest as a species or planet?