But it doesn’t matter, for the purpose of this discussion, whether adult cells are just as good. I’m not up on the latest in stem cell research. Let’s let the scientists get on with understanding how everything works. if you feel sorry for them, perhaps you can deal with that by holding funerals in the bathrooms of menstruating women, many of whom are excreting similar cells. Which has significant scientific and financial implications-by European and Asian colleagues, who haven’t been hamstrung by governments in thrall to religious extremist constituencies.Īs for jack, dear, cells are just cells. instead of, btw, American biomedical research being seriously superceded-something What Obama is doing is simply allowing American scientists to move forward in their work of understanding our living universe. and whatever we learn, there will be people who’ll see the potential there for useful and interesting applications. but it needs to be done, the dynamics of that cancer risk more fullyĮlucidated, etc. Given what i’ve seen, stem cell treatments actually sound kind of dicey-there seems to be potential for future cancers, for example. that is what stem cell research is mostly about-learning for the first time how cell development happens. clinical application in any medical area usually cannot occur until the dynamics of the system are what this research is all about is not primarily clinical application. #11 shana is right, and #12 karen is right. I have written more about the value of exercise for recovery from brain injury here: In which fashion, stem cells may aid recovery from central nervous system injury remains an open question. The least that can be done in Christopher Reeve’s memory is to support more fundamental research for his cause. Because of his unrelenting activism and the support of his family on this mission, we are much closer ![]() In addition, he became a great champion for more laboratory research in central nervous system injury and repair. Until the end, making astounding progress in his ability to move. He showed admirable persistence with his work outs and physical therapies He believed that if the nerve cells were properly stimulated, they would grow new connections, ultimately leading to the recovery of function. But if we pursue this research, maybe one day – maybe not in our lifetime, or even in our children’s lifetime – but maybe one day, others like him might.Ĭlick here to read the full transcript of the president’s remarks on stem cell research.Īnd for more information about spinal cord paralysis, go to the Web site of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.Ĭhristopher Reeve believed in the plasticity of the central nervous system, that this plasticity can be boosted through sensory stimulation and movement exercises. For everyone who said, ‘It’s impossible.’ See you at the finish line.”Ĭhristopher once told a reporter who was interviewing him: “If you came back here in 10 years, I expect that I’d walk to the door to greet you.”Ĭhristopher did not get that chance. For everyone who thought I shouldn’t do it. It read: “For everyone who thought I couldn’tĭo it. One of Christopher’s friends recalled that he hung a sign on the wall of the exercise room where he did his grueling regimen of physical therapy. Know, who used their influence to help others and bring attention to this cause – people like Christopher and Dana Reeve, who we wish could be here to see this moment. We honor all those whose names we don’t know, who organized, and raised awareness, and kept on fighting – even when it was too late for them, or for the people they love. Obama said about the Reeve family.Īs we restore our commitment to science, and resume funding for promising stem cell research, we owe a debt of gratitude to so many tireless advocates, some of whom are with us today, many of whom are not. The actor Christopher Reeve died in 2004, nine years after being injured in a horseback riding accident. Obama recalled the contributions of two staunch believers in the value of stem cell research - Christopher and Dana Reeve. ![]() One day, scientists say, stem cells may be used to replace or repair damaged cells and have the potential to drastically change the treatment of conditions like cancer, Alzheimer’sĪnd Parkinson’s disease and other conditions. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that go on to develop into any of the more than 200 types of cells That stem cell research may one day lead to a cure for spinal cord paralysis. ![]() The audience included several people in wheelchairs, reflecting the hope (Warren Westura/Associated Press) Christopher ReeveĪt a White House ceremony today, President Obama lifted the Bush administration’s strict limits on human embryonic stem cell research.
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