Myths and Facts on Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Myth: Embryonic stem cell research is curing patients and doing a better job than the use of adult stem cells. Fact: Embryonic stem cell research has not only yet to cure a single human patient, but it has never been tried on humans because of failures in animal testing. On the other hand, adult stem cells have already produced 70 cures or treatments for various conditions including various cancers such as breast cancer, lymphomas, leukemia, arthritis, heart damage, Parkinson’s, Sickle Cell Anemia and other disorders. (See http://www.stemcellresearch.org/facts/treatments.htm).
Myth: Embryonic stem cell research has the potential to cure Alzheimer's patients like President Ronald Reagan. Fact: Leading researchers say stem cell research will not likely yield cures for Alzheimer's. "Alzheimer's is a more global disease, with an effect on numerous kinds of cells," Steve Stice, a stem cell researcher at the University of Georgia, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper. "That makes it much more difficult for a cell therapy to be effective." Marilyn Albert, a Johns Hopkins University researcher, adds, "I just think everybody feels there are h igher priorities for seeking effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease and for identifying preventive strategies."
Myth: An overwhelming majority of Americans want to spend federal funds on embryonic stem cell research. Fact: The most recent poll on the subject, conducted by International Communications Research in mid-May, finds 48% of Americans oppose federal funding of stem cell research that requires destroying human embryos. Just 39% support such funding and another 12 percent had no position. The ICR survey found 57% favored funding only the research avenues that do not harm the donor. Just 24% favored funding all stem cell research, including the type that involves destroying human embryos. For more myths and facts on embryonic stem cell research, visit: http://www.stemcellresearch.org/polisci/index.html For more information on stem cell research, see the following related articles: Embryonic Stem Cell Research Fraud Shows Limits of Human Cloning http://www.lifenews.com/bio1251.html Embryonic Stem Cell Research "Overhyped" British Expert Says http://www.lifenews.com/bio1123.html Lancet Says Embryonic Stem Cell Research Filled With "Hype" http://www.lifenews.com/bio1030.html