Adult Stem Cells Continue to Work Miracle Cures

Chalk up two more amazing successes for adult stem cells (not derived from human embryos, like the controversial ES stem cells):
1. Blindness:  The BBC News reported that stem cells from the back of the eyeball might be able to restore sight to those afflicted with macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.
2. Parkinson’s Disease:  EurekAlert reports that scientists at Thomas Jefferson University found a way to convert adult stem cells to dopamine-producing neurons.  This could lead to treatments for Parkinson’s disease and other diseases caused by a lack of dopamine.

Vote for what works: vote for adult stem cell research.  Embryonic stem cell research – having no track record, no investors, and huge ethical concerns (see 10/21/2004 headline) – makes this vote a no-brainer.