Family Research Council videos

You don’t see many Youtube videos about
cures from human embryonic stem cells nowadays. Many of the champions
of hESCs have turned instead to a newer technology, induced
pluripotent stem cells, which is less ethically controversial and
seems more promising. The debate, in the public arena at least, has
shifted away from miracle cures to whether freedom of research is a
human right, and whether embryonic stem cells are a “gold standard” for
stem cell research.

In the meantime, medical applications with adult
stem cells have continued to forge ahead — although, it must be
emphasised, there are still no off-the-shelf treatments. Dr David
Prentice, a
biologist working with the Family Research Council, has produced a series of videos and a website to promote awareness of the potential
benefits of adult stem cell research. The slick, powerful videos show
cures or substantial improvements for three patients with spinal cord
injury, sickle cell anaemia, and a degenerative skin disease. The
website, www.stemcellresearchfacts.org,
also has useful background information about adult stem cells for a
lay audience.

Michael Cook