Billie Goodson
21st December 2007, 11:21 AM (11:21)
Ok -- Before you read further, understand, this is not a discussion of embionic stem cell research or anti-abortion or anything directly relevant in those debates. I is more my initial reactions to something I read about stem cell cancer research. It is about the existence of stem cells in human tissues/organs -- not anything more dark or otherwise -- but, I am going to politely rant just a little --
The subject of the article (Scientists Weigh Stem Cells’ Role as Cancer Cause) deals with scientists/doctors who are now beginning to research the role of stem cells in the progression of cancer.
Now for my rant piece -- I really have to question the "opponents" of this research. When I see someone say something like ""You want to kill all the cells in a tumor," Polyak said. "Everyone assumes that currently-used drugs are not targeting stem cell populations, but that has not been proven." -- Well isn't that why we do research, to prove? I really don't see how this criticism, has anything to do with the hypothesis. No one is really asserting that some of the stem cells do not die, just whether the existence of surviving stem cells is enough to in effect, nullify the benefit of any of the effects of the medication. Proponents use the "dandelion" analogy. You can mow your yard and knock off the tops of all the dandelions and have a nice yard -- but, only until the dandelions grow new tops -- you did nothing to kill the roots, or the cause of the dandelions.
Anyway -- just my rant for the day. I read the article and wonder if we would be better off to put all of our scientific research money into snake charming -- they at least seem to have a coherent approach -- and their failures at least rid us of one problem.....
I know that is too simplistic, but, I wish scientists would be more interested in finding answers than in having their names in publications.... Sorry, now, back to our regular programming.
The subject of the article (Scientists Weigh Stem Cells’ Role as Cancer Cause) deals with scientists/doctors who are now beginning to research the role of stem cells in the progression of cancer.
Now for my rant piece -- I really have to question the "opponents" of this research. When I see someone say something like ""You want to kill all the cells in a tumor," Polyak said. "Everyone assumes that currently-used drugs are not targeting stem cell populations, but that has not been proven." -- Well isn't that why we do research, to prove? I really don't see how this criticism, has anything to do with the hypothesis. No one is really asserting that some of the stem cells do not die, just whether the existence of surviving stem cells is enough to in effect, nullify the benefit of any of the effects of the medication. Proponents use the "dandelion" analogy. You can mow your yard and knock off the tops of all the dandelions and have a nice yard -- but, only until the dandelions grow new tops -- you did nothing to kill the roots, or the cause of the dandelions.
Anyway -- just my rant for the day. I read the article and wonder if we would be better off to put all of our scientific research money into snake charming -- they at least seem to have a coherent approach -- and their failures at least rid us of one problem.....
I know that is too simplistic, but, I wish scientists would be more interested in finding answers than in having their names in publications.... Sorry, now, back to our regular programming.