Concerned Women for America - Scientist Discovers Promising Alternative to Embryonic Stem Cells

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Scientist Discovers Promising Alternative to Embryonic Stem Cells 2/24/2006
By Beth Andersen

“VSEL” cells appear to hold life-saving benefits.

A recent discovery by University of Louisville scientist Mariusz Ratajczak reveals that certain adult body cells appear to act like embryonic stem cells.

Stem cells are considered valuable in medical science because they have not yet become specialized. This lack of specialization, according to research, gives stem cells versatility in treating many diseases.

Ratajczak discovered the stem cells, which are being called “very small embryonic-like” (VSEL), in adult bone marrow. Unlike embryonic stem cells, VSEL cells are not controversial but still hold life-saving benefits.

“VSEL stem cells have the same structure and protein markers as embryonic stem cells,” says an article in the University of Louisville Med School News.

“We are very excited about the tremendous implications of this discovery,” Ratajczak said in the article. “Our preliminary success in growing and differentiating these cells is very encouraging.”

The early success in growing VSEL cells makes them even more valuable. Embryonic stem cells, however, must be harvested from embryos, which destroys this tiniest form of life.

“This new discovery provides what appears to be a superior alternative to embryonic stem cells,” said Wendy Wright, President of Concerned Women for America. “We are thankful to researchers who are diligently seeking ethical means of helping patients despite the crush of pressure to focus only on experiments using embryos.”

Beth Andersen is an intern with CWA's Ronald Reagan Memorial Internship Program. She is a student at the University of Texas, Tyler.

For more on adult stem-cell research, click here.