Geldof in Toronto

Scottie · Loudmouth

Geldof in Toronto

rekamarkovics · House on Fire

MrsRatSinger · Dave

nice pics

Katharina · Dave

Bob looks so tired!

Interesting though - stem cell research... What do you think about that?

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

I know very little about it at all, apart from the fact it exists and is fairly controversial. maybe I should read up and then form an opinion. Does anyone know anything? Why is it controversial, how is helpful? etc I'm always interested in this kind of thing.

rekamarkovics · House on Fire

http://www.stemcellresearchfoundation.org/

Real Life Questions

If you have research and science questions concerning stem cells, please do the following:

* Read the latest questions and answers below and search our database to see if a question similar to yours has already been answered.

* If your question has not been answered, you can fill out the Real Life Questions form. We will answer some of the questions every other Wednesday on this page. We are not medical doctors and therefore cannot make recommendations for treatment; only a physician can give personal medical advice. Your identity will not be posted with your question.

The information provided in this section is a public service of the Stem Cell Research Foundation. It should not in any way substitute for the advice of a qualified health care professional and is not intended to constitute medical advice. All medications and supplements should only be taken under medical supervision. The Stem Cell Research Foundation does not endorse any medical product or therapy.

http://www.scrfinfo.org/RealLifeQuestions/SCRF/SCRF_RealLifeQASearch.asp?Program=SCRF

A few other sources:

http://info.newscientist.com/article.php?bbcam=adwds&bbkid=stem+cell+research&x=&jtid=67640&client_code=JF+-+Google&c_id=2986

http://stemcells.nih.gov/

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

OK, I see, it is the proper/research name for cloning.

I see that the organisation you pointed me to, Reka, is against human cloning. Good to see that, it isn't natural and seems immoral. But for specific medical purposes, if it is effective and brings us forward with conditions like Alzheimers and MS and Parkinsons that can only be a good thing. I need to read deeper into it really. What do you think Kath, what about anyone else?

rekamarkovics · House on Fire

I didn't realy looka th these website I typed in the word "stem cells" and these sites came first. I tried to pick more opinions though. Pro and con too.

I think it is a good idea because it can help to find a cure to these deseases, but human cloningis not bad because the genetic diseases (Down syndrome etc.) could be prevented but it can be dangerous if everyone will want a perfect chld and those who have enough money for it will have a genious and the others who aren't wealthy enough will have a normal child with no chance of getting somewhere. These are hard questions.

Scottie · Loudmouth

It is a difficult one, isn't it? My late mother in law had altzheimers and we had a terrible time, in fact it drove a family member to alcoholism. Now my husband's cousin has it at a relatively early age. It is a distressing condition and I know from experience that the immediate family feels that any research and possible breakthrough is good. Having said that, I feel torn ethically, as I dont believe in testing on human embryios. I think it depends how it has affected you personally.

Scottie · Loudmouth

Another report, with more quotes from Bob in this. Says he has no idea why he was asked to open this.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20061026/geldof_toronto_centre_061026/20061026?hub=Health

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Scottie

I am inclined to be in your corner on this, testing on human embryos seems unethical, but the need for effective 'help' for these diseases is very important. My grandmother had alzheimers so I too am aware of how affects the whole family, my other grandmother had diabetes (not sure if this can be helped in this way) and Parkinsons. It is probably close to home for many.

rekamarkovics · House on Fire

Katharina · Dave

Jules wrote:

Why is it controversial, how is helpful? etc

I'd hoped you can tell me all about it, lol!

I don't know much about it and have yet to read and form an opinion...

As far as I know, German law is very restrictive about stem cell research; I think it can only be done with "imported" cells and under high restrictions. The background of the concern is I think not only the general ethical questions about cloning, but also the role euthanasia played in the "Third Reich".

I remember that some Korean (?) scientist claimed he had cloned a human embryo some years ago, but in the end it turned out to be a lie.

As I said, I must read more to come to my own opinion...

I hope Bob has made up his mind about all this (well I suppose he has!), otherwise there's a risk that those pro stem cell research take advantage of his name and reputation for their (political) cause.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

rekamarkovics wrote:

Human cloningis not bad because the genetic diseases (Down syndrome etc.) could be prevented but it can be dangerous if everyone will want a perfect chld and those who have enough money for it will have a genious and the others who aren't wealthy enough will have a normal child with no chance of getting somewhere.

Cloning can assist the former, but is unlikely to provide the latter. There is no guarantee of the perfect child even with perfect genes. Two examples. Two adults with high IQ does not mean the child will have the same, and two adults with exceptional atleticism does not mean the child will be similarly gifted. It tilts the balance that way, but is not a guarantee. It's like breeding horses. You could breed the Oaks winner and the Derby Winner, but the offspring is not necessarily going to be the best of its age. It could be, but breeding two moderate horses may provide a better mix. All very random.

Anyway, why would people want to conceive their kids in a testtube? 99% of people will conceive in the traditional manner. After all, it's a lot more fun.

I have nothing against cloning. I see no reason why I shouldn't be cloned and have 1000s of ArrGees roaming the earth. The rest of you may disagree.