Stem cell research in NZ

[onearmedbandit]

Was on KB before when the ex sent me a text saying I should be watching 60 minutes. Had a look and caught the tail end of a story on stem cell research being carried out in Dunedin. Dr Deborah Stewart claimed that it could be within 18-24 months that we see a cure for paralysis in NZ. While I don't ever read too much into claims like this, that there is development in NZ is fantastic news for myself and other people in similar or even far worse situations.

For those that don't know, stem cells are akin to the building blocks of our bodies. They contain all the information that our bodies require to develop, to be, to exist. And most importantly, doctors are able to manipulate them to repair/regenerate damaged tissue, whatever, these stem cells have the ability to become anything within the body.

You may have heard of the stem cell debate in America. This centers around harvesting these cells, up until recently a technique that divided opinion. Harvesting was done mainly from aborted or miscarried babies as these cells were easily 'programmed', and many feared that this would create a market for aborted pregnencies. But now we can manipulate adult stem cells hopefully progress will be made as quickly as possible.

For me it will mean an end to the constant pain I suffer, which at the moment is attacking me with such vengance it is almost like it knows its time is near. It would also mean that with rehab I will possibly get the use of arm back. Which means I'll have to come up with a new user name! Come to think of it, it would be strange to have the use of it back again as I wouldn't know what to do with it!!

BTW, to those that are interested I have noticed recently increased sensation in certain areas of my arm and hand. Not feeling as such, but little electric pulses whenever something brushes that area. I'm not holding out any hope on it, but just observing to see what happens.

[WINJA]

Was on KB before when the ex sent me a text saying I should be watching 60 minutes. Had a look and caught the tail end of a story on stem cell research being carried out in Dunedin. Dr Deborah Stewart claimed that it could be within 18-24 months that we see a cure for paralysis in NZ. While I don't ever read too much into claims like this, that there is development in NZ is fantastic news for myself and other people in similar or even far worse situations.

For those that don't know, stem cells are akin to the building blocks of our bodies. They contain all the information that our bodies require to develop, to be, to exist. And most importantly, doctors are able to manipulate them to repair/regenerate damaged tissue, whatever, these stem cells have the ability to become anything within the body.

You may have heard of the stem cell debate in America. This centers around harvesting these cells, up until recently a technique that divided opinion. Harvesting was done mainly from aborted or miscarried babies as these cells were easily 'programmed', and many feared that this would create a market for aborted pregnencies. But now we can manipulate adult stem cells hopefully progress will be made as quickly as possible.

For me it will mean an end to the constant pain I suffer, which at the moment is attacking me with such vengance it is almost like it knows its time is near. It would also mean that with rehab I will possibly get the use of arm back. Which means I'll have to come up with a new user name! Come to think of it, it would be strange to have the use of it back again as I wouldn't know what to do with it!!

BTW, to those that are interested I have noticed recently increased sensation in certain areas of my arm and hand. Not feeling as such, but little electric pulses whenever something brushes that area. I'm not holding out any hope on it, but just observing to see what happens.
HAVE YOU GOT A GHOSTING HAND GIVING YOU PAIN.
FUCK YEAH 2 HANDS LOOK OUT R1AARON

[toads]

It certainly would be wonderful for those people who have lost the use of their limbs to regain mobility. I don't agree with the use of aborted foetus's, or miscarried foetus's but using stem cells from the umbilical cord of newborn babies is perfectly acceptable in my opinion, as long as the parents are willing for it to be used for that purpose. It's great to know NZ has this sort of research going on.

[Biff]

I'm pro research as well OAB. It's the god bothering hardliners that appear to be causing all the problems in the US.

(no offence Zed et all)

[ZorsT]

Stem cells have great potentional but there are always some who will ruin it. I know of another person who has one paralysed are because of a motorbike accident, and I think that this would benifit him also

[sAsLEX]

Not feeling as such, but little electric pulses whenever something brushes that area. I'm not holding out any hope on it, but just observing to see what happens.

get Zed on your case he maybe be able to give the big man a word or three.

Saw some amazing things on the box wrt the stem cell thing, they broke a rats back in two, pretty clean break and after a week it could move its hind legs and walk like a spastic, a few more weeks and it was hard to tell from before the break as it had rewired itself pretty well.

The way I have understood stem cells is that they are the basis for all cell in our body, and an analogy is that they contain some piano keys and the different chords or combination of keys that are pressed determines wether they will be bone, skin or what ever cells

[Hitcher]

There's been a lot of emotive claptrap spouted by fundamentalist right-wing Christians in the US. A lot of stem cells are extracted from placental blood, rather than embryos or foetuses. It's hard to see the harm in that, particularly when one looks at all the good that can come from it.

The Catwalk programme on 60 Minutes tonight was terrific. Some people just amaze me and remind me that there's more to worry about in life than whether my electric blanket is on...

[Jeremy]

Well it's always amazed me there's been any contention at all.

Aborted fetus -> rubbish
OR
Aborted fetus -> research

It's the same chain of logic that means that you'd complain about recycled paper as it means trees get chopped down so that there's more paper to recycle.

[k14]

Well it's always amazed me there's been any contention at all.

Aborted fetus -> rubbish
OR
Aborted fetus -> research

It's the same chain of logic that means that you'd complain about recycled paper as it means trees get chopped down so that there's more paper to recycle.

Yeah you are right, but the problem (i think) that everyone has is that this could encourage people to get an abortion cause they can get $$$ for the foetus. This is a pretty touchy subject and fairly immoral in my opinion, but don't think it will stop.

However I don't have a problem with people using the stem cells from other places, I thought a big source was the umbilicle cord, and I'm sure there are other sources.

[Jackrat]

It's been 15 years since my accident,four years since the last op'.
I can't have another one until I'm around 65/70 years old but by then I probably won't be able to walk anyway.
I know where I stand :rofl:

[onearmedbandit]

HAVE YOU GOT A GHOSTING HAND GIVING YOU PAIN.
FUCK YEAH 2 HANDS LOOK OUT R1AARON

I have 5 raw nerve bases on my spine, C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1. These send severe pain signals to my brain, making me 'feel' pain in my arm and hand, fucking exruitiating pain mate. Reminds you that you're alive anyway.

[TonyB]

OAB- brilliant news on both fronts. A hell of a lot of people will benefit from this.

Maybe the extra pain you're experiencing is akin to the itching sensation you get as the body heals- especially when you are getting extra sensation returning.

[onearmedbandit]

I'm pro research as well OAB. It's the god bothering hardliners that appear to be causing all the problems in the US.

(no offence Zed et all)

You're right Biff, the 'Bible Belt' of America has fought a hard battle against stem cell research, on a number of fronts. One of their reasons is that we're messing with gods work. One christian lady being interviewed (can't remember her condition, something like Parkinsons) said if it was gods will for her to die a painfull slow death then that was her destiny. When told of the parable of the shipwrecked sailor and used as an example in her case (ie god working through the surgeons hands) she clammed up.

[onearmedbandit]

some amazing things on the box wrt the stem cell thing, they broke a rats back in two, pretty clean break and after a week it could move its hind legs and walk like a spastic, a few more weeks and it was hard to tell from before the break as it had rewired itself pretty well.



I saw that too sAsLEXSaw, amazing program. The brain re-taught itself which nerves to use to control which function, even though the nerves reconnected to each other and not the original nerve. Amazing stuff.

[onearmedbandit]

OAB- brilliant news on both fronts. A hell of a lot of people will benefit from this.

Maybe the extra pain you're experiencing is akin to the itching sensation you get as the body heals- especially when you are getting extra sensation returning.

Thanks Tony. About the new sensation (as I wrote that that song went through my head ' a new sensation!!') some have said the same to me, and I hope it is something like this. But I've spoken to specialists both here in NZ and Japan and all have said it won't heal. I suppose there could be a chance of some limited development. Time will tell.

[Jeremy]

You're right Biff, the 'Bible Belt' of America has fought a hard battle against stem cell research, on a number of fronts. One of their reasons is that we're messing with gods work. One christian lady being interviewed (can't remember her condition, something like Parkinsons) said if it was gods will for her to die a painfull slow death then that was her destiny. When told of the parable of the shipwrecked sailor and used as an example in her case (ie god working through the surgeons hands) she clammed up.

That's because fundamentalists never read the bible, if they ever had they wouldn't be fundamentalists.

[TwoSeven]

I dont have a problem with it, so long as the termination is not being done for money. I've never seen the point of taking a perfectly healthy organ and flushing it just because of some persons belief.

Not all stem cells are equal. Only a fertilized egg contains all of the dna required to make any kind of other cell. Once its multiplied and taken on the genetic characteristics to become a body part/organ etc, you become more and more restricted with what can be done. Thats why early foetal stem cells are the most desired, they are closest to the 4 cells created after the initial egg fertilisation (the 4 perfect stem cells).


For example, a good source of stem cells is the back of the nasal passage. But these are very limited in what they can be used for - good for research but not much else.

Think of them as a universal donor cell, much like O- is the universal blood type. Unlike the blood, stem cells are localised.

[myvice]

My bosses little girl wouldnt be here if it wasnt for this research, and the list of other problems (she had cancer, not good when your only about 2) that thay can help with is amazing!
Any one who stands in the way of saving lives or inproving a life because of a belief seams a little odd to me.
Fine dont use it yourself but to deny others the choice?
I can understand the aborted tissue debate from both sides and dont have an opinion on that myself.
But to say to someone who suffers from multiple sclerosis (an uncle, cool guy, wants a trike!) "Sorry, love to help but this book can be loosly interpreted to say we shouldnt, so we wont"
Odd is not the word.

[myvice]

Bugger, hit the wrong button! :stupid:

[sAsLEX]

its like a certain type of people who are prone to diabetes and always needing new kidneys etc yet their beliefs are not to donate, but will happily take the bits if they need them

[Pixie]

...I'm against the manipulation of nature,it's against God's work,the work of the devil,I tells you.
Until I have a condition were I might benefit from these advances. :devil2:

The Reagans were noted God botherers and "pro-life" until alzeimers turned Ronalds brains to a sticky goo.
Now Nancy raises funds for stem cell research.

[Pixie]

It certainly would be wonderful for those people who have lost the use of their limbs to regain mobility. I don't agree with the use of aborted foetus's, or miscarried foetus's but using stem cells from the umbilical cord of newborn babies is perfectly acceptable in my opinion, as long as the parents are willing for it to be used for that purpose. It's great to know NZ has this sort of research going on.
They don't use foeti to provide stem cells.
Predifferentiated embryos of less than 10 cells are the commonest source,and recent techniques have shown some success in reverting mature cells from adults into stem cells.
I suspect you are the victim of fundamentalist missinformation and anti-science.

[Pixie]

Well it's always amazed me there's been any contention at all.

Aborted fetus -> rubbish
OR
Aborted fetus -> research

It's the same chain of logic that means that you'd complain about recycled paper as it means trees get chopped down so that there's more paper to recycle.
In IVF many embryos are created and frozen for use at a later date,so there are thousands of them which are no longer needed after treatment has ended.
These could be used to provide stem cells,but the official policy of the catholic church is that these microscopic groups of cells should be "just allowed to thaw out on a sheet of tissue paper and if God wishes them to miraculously develop into a baby or to just dry out,then that's His decision". :weird: :weird:

[XP@]

Stem Cell is one thing... I think prob ok...
Not sure I would like to be a test puppy for this one though
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,15739502-13762,00.html

[enigma51]

My wife is on insulin (Diabetic since 2 or 3) and with stem cells they can actualy cure it. Now that would be nice! As I have said to a few people before, the people against it has most probably no family or friends that could benefit from it and therefore they are against it as they only see the negatives (Not everyone though just some) Trust me when you are faced with a cure for a "disability/sickness" then you are going to try anything.

[thehollowmen]

They don't use foeti to provide stem cells.
Predifferentiated embryos of less than 10 cells are the commonest source,and recent techniques have shown some success in reverting mature cells from adults into stem cells.
I suspect you are the victim of fundamentalist missinformation and anti-science.

Thank you

After 8 odd divisions you get pluripotent cells, which aren't stem cells, but the media doesn't know any different.

so all this 'stem cells from fat' or 'stem cells discovered in brain' is nonsense. You can't make them into ANY cell as they aren't true stem cells, but you can make them into some cells that are further differentiated down the same linage.

I really didn't want to get too stuck into this. But thank you for looking on the edge of reason.

[toads]

They don't use foeti to provide stem cells.
Predifferentiated embryos of less than 10 cells are the commonest source,and recent techniques have shown some success in reverting mature cells from adults into stem cells.
I suspect you are the victim of fundamentalist missinformation and anti-science.

A documentary on the discovery channel actually, but hey!

[Ghost Lemur]

Yeah you are right, but the problem (i think) that everyone has is that this could encourage people to get an abortion cause they can get $$$ for the foetus.


The easiest way to prevent that (althought this wouldn't work in the US with their privatized/make money mindset) is to make it illegal to "purchase or sell" foetus' (waits for latin expert to inform me of the correct pluralisation of foetus). So a woman has an abortion, instead of the foetus being thrown in the furnace it's passed on to the reasearchers/etc. No one during the stages is allowed to give or receive money.

One of the things that has always facinated me about humans is their desire (as a species) to be god-like. Can't say I personally want to live forever. Even 100 seems a waste of time. That's 20 whole years of being an old decreped(sp?) bastard, just existing but not living.

What I would like however is to be a cyborg (should be more effort being put into this). Ie cameras for eyes (capable of capturing still images and video transferable to a computer from the internal storage at a later stage, obviously with a serious optical zoom 20x built in with some form of stabilization for those longer focal lengths), ultra powerful hearing capable of being focused for those times when you're zooming in at 20x and want what's being said without any background noise. Obviously seriously upgradable memory would be a necessity too. Ability to record one's dreams for latter viewing.

[TwoSeven]

What I would like however is to be a cyborg (should be more effort being put into this). Ie cameras for eyes (capable of capturing still images and video transferable to a computer from the internal storage at a later stage, obviously with a serious optical zoom 20x built in with some form of stabilization for those longer focal lengths), ultra powerful hearing capable of being focused for those times when you're zooming in at 20x and want what's being said without any background noise. Obviously seriously upgradable memory would be a necessity too. Ability to record one's dreams for latter viewing.

You'll be wanting the infrared option on that - so you can be seeing thru the wet t-shirts at the beach.

Question is - who will do it for you Sony or Panasonic ?

[myvice]

Stem Cell is one thing... I think prob ok...
Not sure I would like to be a test puppy for this one though
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,15739502-13762,00.html
Its ALIVE! The all new frankindog!