Tennessee Right to Life points to an article about advances in stem cell research that raises some interesting questions.
The article details a clinic in India that is using breakthroughs in adult stem cell research to treat blindness. Specifically, the clinic grows new corneas from stem cells derived from the patient's adult cells. The new cornea is then transplanted into the patient replacing the damaged one and allowing the patient to see again.
The questions it raises are two fold. Why aren't we making more of an effort to provide government funding to adult stem cell research? To date, there has not been a single proven clinical use for stem cells derived from destroying an embryo. Yet all the rage in American politics is on providing funding (and debating) the "hope" and "promise" it will bring; while politicians, of both parties, ignore the proven clinical advances from adult stem cell research.
And second, if India embraces the proven medical advances and latest technological advances, don't we risk falling behind and losing our competitve advantage? The article talks about how "medical tourists" from all around the world have already come to the Indian clinic for treatment.
See Also:
Advances in Stem Cell Research
Compare and Contrast: ASCR vs. ESCR
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