Nebraska Scientists for Responsible Stem Cell Research
“Nebraska Scientists for Responsible Stem Cell Research” (NSRSCR) is a coalition of scientists and mathematicians working at institutions of higher education throughout the State. We recognize that stem cell biology represents the cutting edge of science and medicine for the 21st century and support the advancements of stem cell research in all of its various forms. These include research on adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells and stem cells produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer, as well as the newly-discovered induced pluripotent cells.
While research on adult stem cells has led to some effective treatments and remains promising in additional areas, it must be recognized that the usefulness of adult stem cells is limited because their differentiation potential is largely restricted to the organs from which they were derived. On the other hand, the potential of embryonic stem cells is much greater since these cells are derived from a pluripotential population of immature cells that can eventually give rise to all the tissues and organs of the body under the right circumstances.
The availability and compatibility of cell lines derived from embryonic stem cells is also limited, however, because the only source of these cells is blastocysts that are donated for research from in vitro fertilization clinics. New research based on genetic reprogramming using the transfer of new genes into somatic cells is also promising but its usefulness has not yet been demonstrated and much research remains to be done including the identification of critical genes. This remains dependent upon continuing ESC research.
Somatic cell nuclear transfer is another promising approach to develop new stem cell lines. This approach, which uses a body cell from an adult and the cytoplasm of an unfertilized egg, does not produce a new genetically unique individual via the process of fertilization and hence avoids many ethical issues related to the destruction of human embryos created that way raised by those who oppose ESC research. This approach represents a key path to the future of personalized, regenerative medicine whereby therapies can be tailored to individual patients. Nobel Laureate Harold Varmus has likened the impact of this technology to the impact of splitting the atom and sequencing the human genome.
Therefore, the NSRSCR advocates and supports the advancement of all types of stem cell research in Nebraska and opposes any attempts by the Nebraska Legislature to criminalize the pursuit of responsible scientific inquiry.
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