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Science, politics, religion clash in stem cell debate
TAMARA BEST
Issue date: 10/23/07 Section: News
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"The beauty of embryonic stem cells are that they can turn into every other cell type in the body, but that's also the problem," said Steve Stice, director of the University's Regenerative Bioscience Center. He compared stem cells to the different components of a tree.
"Stem cells are part of a tree with the different cells in the body making up the various branches, but the stem cells are at the base because they have the ability to create the branches and leaves of the tree," Stice said.
In 2001, there were more than 50 stem cell lines for research worldwide. That number has since dwindled to 20 source lines, with three at BresaGen Inc. in Athens.
Stice discussed arguments against stem cell research, including religious conflicts.
"Stem cell research is at a crossroads between the availability of high technology and moral and ethical issue," said Neal Priest, chief of emergency medicine at St. Mary's Hospital. "A lot of the arguments against it are pure ignorance because people don't understand it," Priest said.
Stice has worked with Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) on proposed legislation to continue and advance stem cell research. The bill allows isolation of stem cells from leftover cells from fertility clinics.
"Senate Bill 30 is not as far as some people would like. However, it is a step in the right direction," Stice said.
Stice noted the research could help the environment. Research is being conducted with the Navy research lab to examine how stem cells can help detect environmental threats through neurotoxins and nerve agents, which in turn could aid national security.
"There is always debate when something is new, a fear of the unknown," Stice said. "A lot of people can understand the argument for stem cells, and hopefully they will ultimately see the benefit."
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