P'resident Bush regulates controversial stem cell research

Michael A Kazanjian editor in chief

It could be the most important decision of President Bush's career. On Aug 9 President Bush made bis first prime-time national television appearance since taking office. His speech focused on whether or not he would approve further testing and research of stem cells, an idea that he opposed during his campaign. The decision is one Bush said he "made with great care" and "pray that it is the right one."

Over the past few months, controversy has risen regarding the limits of stem cell research. Prolife organizations and Catholics disagree with the research because when stem cells are extracted from the embryo, the embryo dies.

Currently there are 64 existing stem cell lines available, accord- ing to Bush, although disputed by researchers and since the cells can reproduce indefinitely, some scientists feel they have room to work. Dr Kimberly Boyd, assistant professor of biology, said, "Stem cells have an unlimited fate. They can become muscle cells, blood cells or heart cells. Their fate isn't determined until they are put where we need them."

Bush's decision limits the research to these 64 existing lines, saying that no embryos would be created and frozen for the sole purpose of research. However, some researchers are saying that some of the 64 stem cell lines may prove to be unstable. At Goteborg University, Sweden, only three of 19 stem cell lines are ready for research. As Bush said during his campaign, stem cell research will continue, with increased government funding, from adult tissue samples, umbilical cords, placentas and animals, but none of them are as effective • as embryonic cells.

Bush's limitations aren't the only thing holding back research. Some states like Pennsylvania do not permit the extraction of stem cells from an embryo. Stem cell works. Injecting sperm into an egg creates an embryo. After one or two days the embryo splits in two. Over the next few days that number keeps multiplying, reaching its final destination of 140 cells. The eggs now live in a small hollow ball called the blastocyst. The only way for an embryo to become a fetus is to be implanted in a woman's womb. The cells are then extracted from the blastocyst and begin to reproduce. The stem cells have no specific purpose until scientists use other hormones and body signals to coax the undifferentiated cells into purposeful cell types like nerve cells, skin cells, islet cells and heart cells. can replace tissue that has been scarred by strokes or spinal-cord injuries as well as help those suffering from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Skin cells could regenerate skin for bum victims and heart cells could mend damaged arteries. One example of stem cell replacement is when a person becomes stricken with Alzheimer's. With Alzheimer's, only a small portion of the brain is affected. When the stem cells are injected into that area they might possibly help "replace things that can't replace themselves" said Boyd, hopefully reversing the effects of the disease. research can only be done in Pennsylvania if the cells were extracted out of state.

While much has been made about stem cell research recently, it's important to understand how it

Once the stem cells are transformed they can begin to serve their purpose. Islet cells could help the pancreas produce more insulin helping many people who suffer from diabetes. Nerve cells

Whether or not Bush's decision was too conservative is yet to be seen. undoubtedly, a breakthrough in medicine has been made and for the first time millions of people who have given up, have been given hope.