Bioscientist broadens embryonic research
January 30, 2007 by NICK WARLICK For The Red Black
Filed under News
A University scientist has reached a breakthrough in stem cell research that could expedite the search for cures to a number of neural diseases.
Steve Stice, a professor and director of the University’s Regenerative Bioscience Center, said Thursday he discovered a method to produce billions of cells which can develop into and replace damaged brain tissues.
These cells, Stice said, are of great significance in finding cures to conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
“This finding is important because of the value of specialized human nerve cells in stem cell research,” Stice said.
Few institutions have access to embryonic cells, a condition Stice hopes to reverse, he said.
Through his company, Aruna Biomedical Inc., Stice intends to manufacture and distribute these cells to biological labs and companies throughout the world, he said.
With wide experimentation, Stice said cures can be discovered at a much faster pace.
David Lee, vice president of research for the University, said this finding might improve the University’s standing in the medical community.
“Stice’s discovery is a great illustration of the University of Georgia’s impact on the biomedical field,” Lee said.
He also said this discovery solidifies the University as a premier institution in stem cell and other biological research.
Stem cell research has been a common source of debate among medical, ethical and political communities in recent years.
The research is controversial because an embryo is commonly destroyed when its stem cells are removed.
Stem cell research is limited due to President George W. Bush’s Aug. 9, 2001, announcement that strict guidelines were to be placed on institutions seeking federal funds for stem cell experimentation, according to the National Institutes of Health.
These limitations include that an embryonic stem cell must have been taken before Aug. 9, 2001; that a stem cell must have been taken from a reproductive embryo that is no longer needed; and that researchers must have received the donor’s consent without a cash incentive prior to harvesting the cell.
Only 22 types of embryonic cells qualify for Bush’s federal funding requirements as of late 2004, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Stice said he hopes his discovery will diversify and significantly expand the current source of available stem cells.
