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On Fri, 23 Jan 2004 06:30:02 -0500 Jeff Bayard <[log in to unmask]> writes: > Where is there more success, adult or embryonic stem cells? > I have read and heard that adult stem cell research has the most > success, and should be receiving more $$$. > > Jeff According to many scientists it will take considerably more research on both embryonic and adult stem cells to know which type might produce the best results for treating different diseases. Research into both types helps further understanding of how stem cells work and how they could best be applied as therapies. Dr. Catherine Verfaillie of the University of Minnesota was the first to identify an adult stem cell found in mice bone marrow that could grow into other cell types, including blood, brain, muscle, lung and liver. After her study was published in Nature in June 2002, she was interviewed on NPR's Talk of the Nation (June 21, 2002), adn was asked: " Dr. Verfaillie, do you think that one kind of stem cell is going to win out over the other, embryonic vs. adult? Or you think we equally need to still look at both of them?" Her reply: Dr. VERFAILLIE: I'm really convinced that we need to look at both of them. You know, we're obviously excited about what we have, but that's--you know, like I said, you know, there are differences between the cells, so it's quite possible that down the line we can't really induce one cell to all the cell types with a great efficiency, and the other cell is better at it. You know, so I think it might turn out that some cells will be useful for one type of disease and other cells for another disease, but I also think that, you know, we cross-fertilize, and it's such early times for both cell types that I think it's way too early to say that we should give up one for the other at this point in time." (NPR transcript) In September 2003 her research team reported that for the first time, they had induced adult bone marrow stem cells to differentiate into cells of the midbrain , suggesting "that adult bone-marrow-derived stem cells may one day be useful for treating diseases of the central nervous system, including Parkinson disease." Yet, Dr. Verfaillie again stated: "Again, while adult stem cells hold great promise, side-by-side comparison of adult and embryonic stem cells must be done to determine which stem cells are most useful in treating a particular disease," (Health & Medicine Week, September 8, 2003) Linda > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: > mailto:[log in to unmask] > In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn