Isn't science amazing?

I was reading this morning on the new developments in stem cell research (derived from skin cells) and, though the hoped for results are yet to be determined, it proves what humans can do in spite of, or due to, ethical and political issues. When the issue first presented itself and since then, so much debate and lobbying has occurred to allow the use of embryonic tissue for the purpose feeling it an urgent necessity. Ethical issues prevented the conservative Americans from favoring such practice although they recognized the significance of such study. Research was stymied due to lack of funding and support. In the meantime, other countries (ex., Britain, Iran, Japan, Australia) not so inhibited continued in the search for breakthroughs with necessary funding and American scientists have collaborated. All countries face such ethical guidelines though America’s often seem to have a more stringent effect on opportunity for advancement in the field. Despite all the political issues surrounding the research, scientist have managed to circumvent the most arguable issue, embryonic tissue, and have found other avenues to reach that ultimate goal of manipulating human cells to do and become what they wish them to.

Where will it take us? Will the need for transplanted organs one day be a thing of the past? Will degenerative disease cease to be a medical burden? Will the world’s population become a burden itself as people no longer face early demise? There again, as we unlock the mysteries to age-old and current illnesses and human frailties, new ones arise to give us pause for concern and the need for able minds, funded labs, and societal and federal support never wanes. There again is my original thought...It seemed a roadblock to success was being put into place by the ethical arguments against the method of harvesting cells for the research. Even as the political heat, lobbyists cries, and personal debates ensued, scientist discovered a new approach and they did so because we challenged them, because we blocked them, or perhaps a little of both. Would other methods have been sought had they been granted all the embryonic cells they required? What benefits and discoveries might occur for having to utilize more difficult methods of extraction?