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| Science & Technology |
| Study: Stem cells derived from men's testicles seem to work as well as embryonic stem cells |
| 2008-10-08 |
| WASHINGTON - Cells taken from men's testicles seem as versatile as the stem cells derived from embryos, researchers reported Wednesday in what may be yet another new approach in a burgeoning scientific field. The new type of stem cells could be useful for growing personalized replacement tissues, according to a study in Thursday's issue of the journal Nature. But because of their source, their highest promise would apply to only half the world's population: men. Embryonic stem cells can give rise to virtually any tissue in the body and scientists believe they may offer treatments for diseases like Parkinson's and diabetes and for spinal cord injuries. The testicular cells avoid the ethical dilemma of embryonic stem cells, which are harvested in a process that destroys the embryos. For that reason, some people, including President Bush, oppose their use for ethical or religious reasons. "The advantage these cells have in comparison to embryonic stem cells is that there is no ethical problem with these cells and that they are natural," said study lead author Thomas Skutella, a professor at the Center for Regenerative Biology and Medicine in Tuebingen, Germany. Using testicular cells isn't the only promising method that avoids embryos; there have been impressive experiments in reprogramming ordinary body cells into stem cells by slipping certain genes into them. The new findings and the reprogrammed cells -- which still have technical hurdles -- "take some pressure off the stem cell issue," said White House science adviser Jack Marburger. Earlier studies showed promise using so-called spermatogonial cells from the testes of mice. The new study used cells taken from biopsied tissue from 22 different men undergoing various medical treatments. The men ranged in age from 17 to 81. Researchers found that after a few weeks of growth, the cells could differentiate into various types of cells just like those taken from embryos. Other scientists hailed the idea as promising, but not a reason to give up on research on embryonic stem cells. "It's exciting. We could do it for males; that leaves women without as easy a method," said stem cell scientist George Daley of Children's Hospital in Boston and the Harvard Stem Cell Institute. He was not part of the new research. Embryonic stem cells "have their own place in biology," Daley said. Skutella said a female equivalent could be in women's egg cells, but Daley said that's unlikely because of the makeup of those cells. Using the new findings to treat patients could take years. But Daley said the work on the cells from testes can benefit from a decade's worth of research into embryonic cells and advance at a fast pace. He said the new research showed how similar these testicular cells are to embryonic stem cells; now science needs to see what specific differences exist because those could be important. Other scientists hailed the idea as promising, but not a reason to give up on research on embryonic stem cells. |
| Posted by:Beavis |
| #9 So you can get stem cells from male conservatives, liberals - not so much. |
| Posted by: DMFD 2008-10-08 22:40 |
| #8 Stem cells derived from men's testicles seem to work as well as embryonic stem cells USN, Ret. re: testicles. I really don't like the visual "low hanging fruit" and "twist" in the same sentence paints. ... Rolf! It paints HORROR, FEAR & LOATHING, Anger.. and this reactive response: "Ma Go Git me my SIDE X SIDE and a box of # Twelves, Double Aught! ~:) |
| Posted by: Red Dawg 2008-10-08 21:04 |
| #7 You can just feel the MILLER LITE BEER "Do Anything" Trannie Boyz covering their collective groin areas in fear, can't ya??? |
| Posted by: JosephMendiola 2008-10-08 19:40 |
| #6 Luckily in Washington DC we have a large number of folks who aren't using their testicles... |
| Posted by: rjschwarz 2008-10-08 18:30 |
| #5 I really don't like the visual "low hanging fruit" and "twist" in the same sentence paints. But on the other hand (so to speak), since we continue to dither about in the ME, instead of putting an end to the bullshit over there via an ARCLIGHT Strike (The Official Offensive Weapon Delivery System of Choice from Rantburg), we might as well donate our balls to science; we sure as hell aren't using them for anything useful......... |
| Posted by: USN, Ret. 2008-10-08 17:27 |
| #4 To the left, at least in America, the abortion industry must be protected, even at the price of perverting science. |
| Posted by: Lagom 2008-10-08 17:24 |
| #3 Study: Stem cells derived from men's testicles seem to work as well as embryonic stem cells Wotta surprise. Are you telling me this isn't an obvious line of investigation, and that nobody pursued it until now because they were more interested in winning the political battle against the "fundamentalists"? Embryonic stem cells "have their own place in biology," Daley said. Not just a genius, but insightful, too. |
| Posted by: KBK 2008-10-08 16:57 |
| #2 Low hanging fruit resolves ethical dilemma? Very strange twist I'd say. |
| Posted by: Besoeker 2008-10-08 16:26 |
| #1 Weren't we discussing the subject of female menstrual tissue being an ideal stem cell source, and mourning that men had nothing analogous? How nice that the scientists have answered our plaint so quickly! |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2008-10-08 16:16 |