Science Magazine has recognized the findings in non-embryonic stem cell research as the number 1 AND number 2 scientific developments of 2008. Perhaps my assessment that this spells the death of EMBRYONIC stem cell research is premature, but I certainly hope that it does exactly that.
Non-embryonic stem cells have been created from an ever-increasing number of sources, all of which involve mature cells that are reverted to the status of stem cells in that they can form a great number of different cell types, just as can embryonic stem cells. The adult or mature cells that are reverted to stem cells have the advantage that they are compatible with the end user, having come from that person in the beginning. This reduces or eliminates rejection issues and seems to reduce or eliminate the ubiquitous tumors and cancers inherent in embryonic stem cell tests.
Embryonic researchers are not giving over to the adult cell technology with ease or grace, pointing bitterly to the early value derived from old embryonic stem cell research. Be that as it may, the new technology is wondrous and without ethical issue; it is likely to produce comfort and healing that is now inconceivable.
This is science at its best, and it is deserving of the Science accolade.
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