February 9, 2005
Study Suggests Adult Stem Cells Can Heal Hearts
Adult stem cells continue to show promise and application.
For the first time, researchers have found signs of stem cells in the hearts of rats, mice and humans after they were born.Previously I've written about my opposition to the destruction of human embryos for the purpose of stem cell harvesting, regardless of the potential. Given the technical realities, lower risk, reduced time to market and high potential, I would think that private investors would be driven toward adult and umbilical cord stem cell applications and away from those based on embryonic stem cell research. However, I haven't seen any information to support this conjecture ...The fact that the cells, which form in the right side of the heart, continue to exist after birth means they could be used to repair damage to the heart, explained Dr. Karl-Ludwig Laugwitz, co-first author of a paper appearing in the Feb. 10 issue of Nature.
- Forbes
Posted February 9, 2005 7:00 PM
