Columns:: Worth Repeating

since 12/15/98

Columns::January 22, 2002

Worth repeating

Paige Carmichael, associate professor of pathology in the College of Veterinary medicine, spoke about stem-cell research Jan. 9 as part of the Science for Humanists Series sponsored by the Center for Humanities and Arts. Some excerpts:
“In general, a stem cell has the ability to differentiate, or turn into different types of cells. There are embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, neuronal stem cells, and derived embryonic stem cells.
“Embryonic stem cells are probably most under discussion. Embryonic stem cells have great potential when it comes to research. First, we can study the cells themselves and get a better idea of what actually happens to make these cells know they’re supposed to become muscle, or to become neurons. The second important thing is--we can use the cells to develop different drugs. And by far the most potential for these cells is for therapeutic use--it is possible for these cells to replace the bone marrow in patients who either have a condition of anemia or have severely suppressed bone marrow due to chemotherapy. . . .
“During the Bush campaign, he promised there would be no stem-cell research, and then after reappraising the situation he realized he could not take a stand as strong as that and was forced to re-evaluate. On Aug. 9, 2001, he decided that several funds would be available for research for pre-existing stem-cell lines. Nobody was happy with this decision--not the scientists and not those who opposed stem-cell research to begin with. The reality is there are not a lot [of stem-cell lines] to work with. In the world there are about 64 lines that qualify under President Bush’s legislation, including four of them here in Athens--but they are all not available for research.
“However, there are still several private companies willing to invest in this research. Stem-cell research is moving very fast and its future looks very bright.”

--Ana M. Florez

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