This Newsday article quotes a Parkinson's scientist calling the announcement an "exciting advance.
Many believed that the only viable source for embryonic stem cells was a blastcyst—a fertilized egg about five days after conception. However, scientists have discovered embryonic stem cells in amniotic fluid. The announcement this week from famous scientist James Thompson, claims that he has developed the science to turn skin cells into stem cells.
Many in the pro life community opposed embryonic stem cell research using cells from blastocysts, becasue it rendered the embryo unviable. Stem cells derived from skin cells would not compromise life and eliminate this impass.
Skin-derived stem cells harbor another potential benefit. If a person is his or her own stem cell donor, the body is much less likely to reject the stem cell treatments.
Research will still go with embryonic stem cells from blastocysts. However, if the ease of obtaining and working with skin cell derived cells comes to fruition, it may accelerate the era of miraculous treatments.
Sources:
Newsday, November 2007
Time, August 2001
