Genetically reprogrammed skin cells bypassing the need for embryonic stem cells - A ray of hope for ethical science!!

摘要

Not yet assigned a definite role in the human body, stem cells are known to be mere 'blank slates' proposed to treat various diseases that require an enormous repair system like diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and several neuro-motor disorders. Before James Thompson brought stem cells to the scientific world in 1998, the embryonic stem cells (ESCs) were just a researcher's dream and now they are a political hot potato. Due to the fact that these cells could only be taken from human embryos, the funding for research in this area has been restricted and banned in several parts of the world, including the United States. An alternative approach with adult stem cell research has been therefore suggested to circumvent the morally and legally vexing issues in ESC research.