Stem Cell research program has received a set back with a ban on Federal funds for various universities and labs involved in the studies. California’s $3 billion program is facing along with progress a lot of potential pitfalls.
A lot of labs have sprung all over the universities during the building boom to create space for stem cell research, which is now left in the lurch without funds. With concrete results and therapies at least 10 years away, the stem cell research programs now have a lot of hurdles to cross and difficulties to overcome.According to the scientists involved in the research, things are still positive. They reiterate the fact that stem cell therapies are highly promising even as research kicks into top gear.
According to them stem cells can absorb toxins from cells thereby preventing them from dying and also deliver enzymes that are missing in them. This aspect can effectively be used to cure diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Stem cells can also be used to set right damage due to degeneration of muscles. Cells capable of producing insulin can be injected into a diabetic’s body to treat and cure the condition. Even spinal cord injuries and damage to the heart can be effectively repaired using stem cells. Even cancer producing cells can be destroyed to cure those afflicted with this deadly disease.
Though everything is at a theoretical stage and concrete results are a long way away, there is enough promise here to hope that studies and research in stem cells will be adequately supported.
