LETTERS: NEW RESEARCH ARGUES AGAINST EMBRYONIC CELLS

To the editor:

Those who support the use of embryonic stem cells for research, killing the unborn child in the process, may lose their justification for continuing this practice, according to reports out of Scotland.

The BBC reported that the company which cloned the sheep Dolly has announced a discovery which could make the use of adult stem cells an even more viable alternative than it already is. The American subsidiary of Edinburgh-based PPL Therapeutics has succeeded in converting skin tissue from cows into beating heart cells. This was done by rewinding the genetic clock of the skin cells so as to create unprogrammed master stem cells. The reverted cells were then programmed to develop into functioning beating heart cells in the laboratory. Dr. Ronald James, managing director of the company, said he believes this will be equally applicable to humans.

For those who are looking for cures in all the wrong places, it is time to grow up and be patient.

MARY HEALY

Cape Girardeau