Researcher finds adult stem cells form all tissues

To the editor:

As reported by Steve Ertelt in Infonet news, a researcher at the University of Minnesota has discovered what is being called the "ultimate stem cell." The cells, which are found in adult bone marrow, have proven through extensive testing that they can form every single tissue in the body, can be grown in culture indefinitely with no signs of aging, can be isolated from humans and never form cancerous masses when injected into adults.

This research, when confirmed, offers extraordinary promise both to researchers pursuing cures and to patients in need of medical treatments. It offers a way to pursue needed research while eliminating any justification for ethically unjustifiable, destructive human-embryo research by making embryonic stem cell research and therapeutic cloning obsolete.

The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity's president, John Kilner, said, "This comes as great news during this Sanctity of Life Week, both for those who mourn the huge loss of unborn human life in recent decades as well as those who have challenging medical conditions. If confirmed, we no longer need to wait until human cloning becomes reliable -- something that may never happen -- to pursue therapies and treatments. The genetically appropriate, flexible stem cells patients need are right there in their own bodies."

CHRISTINE E. STEPHENS

Cape Girardeau