Latest on stem cell research

Having been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder last year, I follow with much interest and some anxiety the latest developments on stem cell research. Stem cells are cells that can be generated in human embryos and in adult tissues which have the capacity to renew themselves through cell division and can differentiate into a wide range of specialized cell types. Embryonic cell lines and adult stem cells from the umbilical cord blood or bone marrow offer high hopes in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, cancer, diabetes and stroke as they may potentially replace the damaged cells affected by such conditions.
Stem cell research has suffered many blowbacks due to the ethic issues involved as the creation of a stem cell line from human embryos requires their destruction. Developed countries, namely the USA which is a world leader in scientific research, have had stem cell research vetoed by their governments on the basis that it crosses a moral boundary. However, recent scientific developments have revealed the amniotic liquid to be a new source of stem cells. These are able to differentiate themselves as effectively as embryonic cells and are said to be easier to cultivate in the lab. Researchers were able to extract the stem cells from the fluid, which cushions babies in the womb, without harm to mother or fetus and turn their discovery into several different tissue cell types, including brain, liver and bone.
The developments in stem cell research look promising and offer high hopes for those whose condition involves otherwise irreversable tissue damage.
For more detailed information on the latest findings check:
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?chanId=sa003&articleId=F4BB3ACB-E7F2-99DF-349FD71C1164C66D .
And if you're keen on that philosophical link to the war in Iraq check: http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/07/19/stemcells.veto/