Surprises in stem cell research

This week's BioNews reports on two important new studies in the field of adult stem cell research. Both call into question the much-hyped potential of these cells to grow into new body tissues, and have rendered those who oppose embryo stem cell research uncharacteristically speechless. Pro-life and religious groups with a moral objection to human embryo experiments have long argued that work on embryo stem cells is unnecessary, as stem cells derived from adults show more therapeutic promise. Fortunately, the UK government recently decided against trusting in this particular crystal ball, and gave scientists the go-ahead to begin work on embryo stem cell therapies.

It is not yet clear whether the results of the latest adult stem cell studies are typical, or how many of the earlier experiments will need revisiting. Of course, it may turn out that adult stem cells do, after all, yield clinical therapies sooner than any research carried out on cloned embryo stem cells. Or that embryo stem cells throw up problems of their own. The history of medical science is littered with unexpected results, and the field of stem cell research is still very much in its infancy. It is certainly too early to close any promising lines of enquiry, and it is crucial that legislation in this area takes the long view.

Several governments around the world are currently considering whether or not to allow research on early embryo cells. This latest twist in the stem cell story is a timely reminder that scientific findings are often unpredictable, and any regulation needs to take account of the possible as well as the probable. It is also vital that the views of a minority do not obstruct progress in an area of research that may eventually improve the health of millions of people.