Researchers last week announced a new method that could extract stem cells without harming the embryo — but many aren't convinced the controversy surrounding the practice will end.
Advanced Cell Technology, which researches human embryonic stem cells for regenerative medicine purposes, announced the procedure that parallels an in vitro fertilization procedure that removes and tests a cell for genetic abnormalities.
In the study, the embryos were intentionally deconstructed by scientists, but they are expected to survive in actual practice, reported Nature, a weekly international science journal.
Pediatrics and human development professor Chia-Cheng Chang said in an e-mail Monday the effects of the procedure when used for stem cell research purposes needs to be thoroughly tested.
He said using embryonic stem cells for clinical medicine could still produce adverse effects, such as tumors.
"It is possible that the manipulation of the embryo may affect the embryo's normal development," Chang said. "I am not sure the manipulated embryos will develop into persons without undesirable effects."
Representatives from Advanced Cell Technology did not return repeated calls from The State News all week.
Stem cells can form into other types of cells in the body and create organ tissue anywhere in the body. Embryonic stem cells are highly adaptable, have a long shelf life and can develop into different body tissues.
Adult stem cells are limited in their development into other cells and have a shorter shelf life. But they are easier to manage and can be taken from consenting adults' body tissues, such as the umbilical cord.
Federal law doesn't prohibit stem cell research, but federal funding is allocated only to areas of research that don't involve destroying or harming embryos, including adult stem cells.
State law permits stem-cell research as long as the cells are not extracted from within Michigan.
Chang said the stem-cell controversy in Michigan might not change with the new technique because the embryo is still being manipulated, which the Vatican considers a sin.
"The religious people will not be satisfied," he said.
Ed Rivet, legislative director for Grand Rapids-based Right to Life of Michigan, said there are still problems with the procedure.
He said there are cells in an embryo that can both develop into different types of cells and can form into more embryos. The two kinds of cells aren't easily identifiable, and researchers run the risk of eliminating a twin from forming, Rivet added.
But he said researchers are finally getting the right idea, which seems to be more on the "pro-lifers' terms," he said.
"It still is a very difficult and unproven area to date," Rivet added.
"We should have been going this direction in the first place," he said. "If we can find a way there, let's do it."
MSU professor emeritus Charles Sweeley, who formed a nonprofit cooperation in January to study stem cells, said the controversy will "rattle around for a while."
Researchers have been trying to find a method to preserve the lives of the embryos for many years, he said.
"This has been a breakthrough in that sort of view," he said. "I'm sure other laboratories now will try to duplicate that."
