Stem Cell Research

Heather said: "I was just curious how many people here would invest in Stem Cell research and what you think of the ethics of it?"

chahinemm said: "im not too fund of stem cell research... at a point in time where u modify a human medically i guess its acceptable but when u use it for personal needs like plastic surgery is now a days i think it pushes the limits of medical to the extreme. yet i see the flip side that the people doing it are sick in their minds. :D because we humans don't learn from our mistakes as even science has gone so far atomic bomb was created for peace yet its creating so much more disaster like political pressures, conflicts of interests, social instability around the world.. as an example israel and palestine, or russia and us(yet the situation is better), iran rest of the world. IMO at least there should be more targeted use of it. and very tightly controlled invironment so controlled that a variation of it can cause a lot of problems to replicate and its main purpose stays to save lifes to no modify any. yet these comments are from what i have read but not knowing much about it. I think i have opened a huge can of worms here... interested to see different opinions :D chahine"

HappyHarry said: "I think it's just such a speculative "investment". First, they have to invent something new. Then that something has to sell enough to become a business. Aren't we all better off investing in companies that already have successful business models."

odarquaye said: "I think that in the far future stem cell research will be a great investment. As of now, there is a war going on whether stem cell research is moral/ethical. I might also add that I don't GWB is fond of some of the more advanced research in biotechnology. If that has anything to do with how thnigs can be effected anyway..."

Scott Kera said: "Contrary, I would. A University of Ca scientist was able to make a rat regain partial use of its legs. The rat was previously paralyzed. Other universities have been getting similiar results. IT IS REPLICABLE NOT A FLUKE. Plus stem cell research has other uses such as cosmetic uses. (growing natural tissue for breast implants)."

Steve M said: "I have no problem with the ethics of stem cell research....I had a good deal of biological science in college....an embryo at that stage isn't worth worrying about IMHO, its just a collection of undifferentiated cells. Especially when considering that there are literally thousands of fertilized embryos in fertility clinics that will be destroyed anyway. A woman is born with thousands of eggs and fertilizing them in a lab is easy....we're not detracting from any potential population members by doing this(whereas you could make the opposite argument for abortion). I own Geron, Aastrom Bioscience, and Stem Cell, Inc. While they are very speculative and I consider them at least a ten year hold I feel its worth the risk(especially since California has made a huge fund available for grants)."

AlfredSokol said: "You're probably right Steve. If you're patient, and have a good understanding of the technology, you can probably make a lot investing in stem cell companies."

jay said: "It is only a matter of time before such research results in procedures that are routine. I am old enough to remember the controversy surrounding the first heart transplant - it was fierce, but no more than that attracted by the current ethical and moral debates now taking place around the World regarding stem cell usage. Now the obvious benefits of organ transplants have clearly won over the natural concerns raised at the time, then the same will be true of stem cell manipulation and deployment. It is human nature to do what can be done, right or wrong. This Panora's box cannot now be shut. The argument I have always used with friends and family when such bio-technological issues are discussed is; "if your dying child could be saved by this procedure, then would you use it?". Invariably the answer is "yes" - this is the basis of adoption of all difficult medical questions. Personally, the only moral dilema being faced is that of current stem cell harvesting techniques. Again personally, I believe that artifically fertalised embryos that are still at the undifferentiated state can be used, but I can also understand those people who vigorously reject this position. Once one's own stem cells can be used and cultivated, then I believe this should be the end of the debate and stem cell technology can then be used without hesitation."

HappyHarry said: "Nice post, Jay. Welcome aboard. I agree about human nature. Man will keep pushing forward, despite opposition."

Gene said: "[QUOTE]I have no problem with the ethics of stem cell research....I had a good deal of biological science in college....an embryo at that stage isn't worth worrying about IMHO, its just a collection of undifferentiated cells. Especially when considering that there are literally thousands of fertilized embryos in fertility clinics that will be destroyed anyway. A woman is born with thousands of eggs and fertilizing them in a lab is easy....we're not detracting from any potential population members by doing this(whereas you could make the opposite argument for abortion). I own Geron, Aastrom Bioscience, and Stem Cell, Inc. While they are very speculative and I consider them at least a ten year hold I feel its worth the risk(especially since California has made a huge fund available for grants).[/QUOTE] I couldnt have said it better myself."