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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Scientists Breed Mice From Stem Cell Alternative

Researchers turn adult, not embryonic, skin cells into stem cells

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(Newser) – Scientists in China have created mice using stem cells made from modified skin cells—hinting at an alternative to embryonic stem cells, the Washington Post reports. Separate teams used viruses to manipulate genes that caused mice skin cells to regress back into induced pluripotent stem cells—which, within a placenta sheathing and in the wombs of female mice, developed into baby animals.

The creation of stem cells from differentiated cells sidesteps many of the ethical issues of destroying healthy embryos to harvest stem cells, but raises the specter of “designer babies” and surreptitious cloning. “With just a little piece of your skin, or some blood from the hospital, anyone could have your child, even an ex-girlfriend or neighbor—and there’s nothing you could do about it,” says one researcher.

A worker displays white mice at an animal laboratory of a medical school in Chongqing Municipality, China.
A worker displays white mice at an animal laboratory of a medical school in Chongqing Municipality, China.   (Getty Images)
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The culture wars are not over. ... This is the paradigm case that shows that the old debates are rapidly being transformed into something even more complicated. - Jonathan D. Moreno, University of Pennsylvania bioethicist

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Doctor_Zaius
Jul 23, 09 2:38 PM CDT
and there’s nothing you could do about it...Wow, that makes me feel better. Reply
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+1
UrUndertaker
Jul 23, 09 2:43 PM CDT
“With just a little piece of your skin, or some blood from the hospital, anyone could have your child, even an ex-girlfriend or neighbor—and there’s nothing you could do about it,” says one researcher... It's over for the Democrats I hear thy are going to clone 10 million GW Bush;s and will mark the end of free thought as we know it :)---J/k, sort of :) Reply
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kokuaguy
Jul 23, 09 9:08 PM CDT
LOL ; ^)
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0
Snarfeh
Jul 23, 09 5:29 PM CDT
Told ya'll recently that this could be done...now, me and my girlfriend can have our own biologically shared child, so fuck the anti-gay adoption laws in this country. We, too, shall no longer give a damn about all the unwanted children bred by heterosexuals...mwooohahahahahhahaha... (tongue planted firmly in cheek for those unable to discern sarcasm) Reply
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+2
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kokuaguy
Jul 23, 09 9:10 PM CDT
Does your girlfriend know how you come here and ogle every female ane make suggesitve comments? I'm beginning to suspect you of beng a FMP. NTTAWWT !!! ; ^)
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