Sunday, April 14, 2013

Case Western Reserve team finds cure

http://www.cleveland.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2013/04/case_western_reserve_team_find.html#incart_river_default

Some scientists at Case Western Reserve University, a school located in Cleveland, Ohio, have been studying how to turn the skin cells of mice into types of brain cells. This is valuable because these cells, once converted, would be able to treat severe illnesses such as Multiple Sclerosis and Cerebral Palsy.

They found out how to convert these cells, now their next step is to see whether or not it is possible to do with humans. The cells they are trying to replace are the cells that would help repair the myelin sheath. So far, the only cells that the medical industry is aware of that could cure this disease are embryonic cells and those used in stem cell research.

How big of an impact would this have on the medical industry if they could find a human equivalent to these mice cells? Will this have an impact on the common person's view of the morals around stem cell research?

12 comments:

  1. This would have a HUGE impact on the medical industry if human equivalent cells were found. If scientists are able to develop these cells and get them to work, they will help cure numerous people. This does raise a moral perspective though, due to the embryonic cells involved. Whenever embryos are involved, there is conflict. Stem cell research is an extremely controversial issue that people have been upset about for years. I thought this article did a good job at describing what scientists are doing with these cells along with some background information. At times, however, I was confused and got lost in the article through the numerous scientific terms.

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  2. If the technique ends up applying to human cells this will make a huge impact on medical history. There will be many diverse views like always on any issues. Case Western will receive a lot of news coverage and articles written about their work. I liked this article because of the quotes mentioned by different professors. The author also did a nice job of informin the reader about the stem cell research because some readers most likely do not have a background of this information.

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  3. I've heard about the use of using animals to discover a cure for myelin diseases such as multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy before. If these scientist were to find a human equivalent they would definitely be helping millions of people. The first time I heard about multiple sclerosis was when one of my favorite singers was diagnosed with it. There was an article in a magazine I had about it and it completely changed her life. Her body was weak. I know a lot of people are against stem cell research, but strides such at this could changed people's opinion and lead them to be more open.

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  4. As in any article about progressive successful scientific research, this story is making a huge impact on the scientific and medical world. There are some criticisms and speculation of the ethical value of these scientists' goal as well as the overall procedure used. Albeit hopeful, the researchers will have to wade through multiple issues (on ethics, on accuracy, on success, etc.) before their hard work will be applied to any kind of results.
    On the article, it is well written and understandable for the common reader. It provides information on the research and what exactly goes into the research in an unbiased way. It then leads into the ethics and the risks of the research (mainly on the issue of stem-cell research) so that the reader can look into the topic more if they desire to.

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  5. This would have a very big impact on the medical industry if human equivalent cells were found. Being able to cure diseases such as Sclerosis and Cerebral Palsy would be a big step in being able to cure other serious diseases. Stem cell research is necessary for many reasons and I see no problem with what the scientists are doing. The article was well written and I enjoyed reading it.

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  6. This article was extremely interesting! First, I would like to say that it is awesome this research is being conducted so close to home. If this conversion of cells is successful on humans, the medical industry will be widely affected. This could lead to the healing of so many different individuals and the possibility of other cures. However, I do agree that this will become a conflict with ethics and moral standards. Regardless, though, this article and topic is very newsworthy and compelling.

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  7. I do not think that there is doubt whether or not this is a newsworthy story. If scientists are ever successful in their efforts than there are likely endless possibilities for the medical field. The author did a very good job of "dumbing" down the article. They made a very complicated process understandable for the everyday reader, which is great. I like the connection to stem cell research and I would be interested in a follow up story that might address the view points of those in favor and those opposed to such treatment.

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  8. This is a huge impact on stem cell research and the medical industry. Anytime any scientist or doctor discovers a new way to cure certain diseases or disorders it is newsworthy. However, will this research/story have a follow up article. I always feel that the public hears about these experiments, but hears little further information later on. The article was definitely interesting and engaging, although I lost track of the scientific explanations at the end of the article. Overall, very well done.

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  9. Any indication that scientists are moving towards advances methods of treatment is, in the case of those afflicted by nerve-damaging illness, good. I'd never heard of this use of cellular reprogramming before. The real trick, though, is developing a surgical procedure to implant the cells converted.
    The article was written clearly and succinctly. I wasn't ever bored reading it.

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  10. I think this was a well written article and that it would profoundly impact the medical industry. Yes there are people against stem cell research but if they had a loved one that could benefit from this new research I'm sure they'd make an exception.

    I think it is awesome that they are starting to figure this out and hopefully it helps.

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  11. This reprogramming of stem cells and fetal issue cells could potentially change people's viewpoint on stem cell research. If scientists could save millions from cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis there wouldn't much resistance to such a cure. I would like to have read what the public's opinion was on the topic.

    If the procedure evolves to using simple skin cells to replace brain cells then it would have a major impact on the medical world.

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