What are the alternatives to killing and embryo for stem cell research?

yeah, like i don't beilieve in kiling embyros for stem cell research. What other methods are there for getting cells, and they work just as well? i just want some info cause i like debating about this and i need to be informed. Any other info on stem cells would be appreciated.

What are the alternatives to killing and embryo for stem cell research?
Scientists have turned an ordinary skin cell into what appears to be an embryonic stem cell. The process may eventually eliminate the controversial step of destroying human embryos for stem cell research. Embryo Stem cells (ESC) are unspecialized cells. They can grow into any type of cell found in our body. Scientists hope embryonic stem cells can eventually be used to grow new tissue and replacement organs %26amp; to cure a range of ailments ranging from spinal cord injuries to Alzheimer’s disease.


The new technique involves fusing a skin cell with an existing lab grown embryonic stem cell. The fused or hybrid cell is ‘reprogrammed’ to its embryonic state Harvard University scientists report in the Journal Science.


A stem cell created by the new method would have DNA identical to the skin cell donor. This would ensure low rates of rejection. But a team member said that the technology is still in early stages and is not a replacement for methods currently used to derive embryonic stem cells.


Although ESC that we made may contain patients’ genes they also contain the ESC genes that we started with %26amp; that for the time being is going to interfere with the usefulness of this.


ESC were initially harvested from fertilized human eggs such as those left over from in-vitro fertilization. This practice drew the Ire of religious conservatives who regard destroying embryos as a form of murder.
Reply:For the extent of my knowledge, Stem Cell Research can only come from a fertilized egg that has developed to an embryo, but has not survived. The most common source of these cells come from aborted pregnancies, but any fertilized embryo will suffice. So any unborn fetus early enough in the pregnancy for whatever reason would work. Also, stem cells can from the cord blood as well, I believe. But I'm not entirely sure of that.
Reply:not all stem cells are embryonic. There are adult stem cells found in bone marrow and fat cells. However, by the definition, embryonic stem cells come from embryos. However, there may exist a possibility to induce an embryonic stem cell to divide forever without becoming cancerous allowing one single line of embryonic stem cell to be used for research.





One thing to think about. Most fertility clinics harvest more embryos than are actually implanted due to the high possibility of implantation failure. Therefore, there are usually a lot of frozen embryos that after 5 years get sent down the drain. Fertility clinics are usually the primary source of embryonic stem cells due to the fact that they discard old embryos that are still viable. Now if you are completely against embryonic stem cells, then do we have a moral obligation to bring all of the otherwise discarded embryos to term. (This may be something your opponent will bring up)
Reply:I have heard that it is possible to get stem cell donations from live humans. I'm not totally sure how accuare this is ... but that's what I've heard. I think there may also be ways to get them from dead bodies... I dont really know and shouldn't be answereing this question... however you could get more info by calling 1-877-CHOOSE LIFE (2466735)
Reply:http://stemcells.nih.gov/


http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/faqs.asp





Lots of information contained in the two links above. It is good to be informed.
Reply:There are a few alternatives to harvesting stem cells from premature embryos. Stem cells can be collected from umbilical cord fluid in newborns. Recent research has also been able to isolate stem cells in mature adults. These stem cells are typically found in bone marrow. These cells harder to isolate but seem to be just as useful as embryonic stem cells. The most important fact to remember is that stem cell threapy is NOT a magic bullet to cure all disease. This must be considered while determining the ethical ramifications of embryonic stem cell collection

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