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Posted 8/31/2006 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
I saw that doctors in the US have found a way of manipulating stem cells in a way that may be viable for those with ethical concerns. 

I know stem cell research is allowed in some countries but has yet to be sanctioned here in Australia.  There is a conscience vote coming up soon, which despite vocal opposition from church groups, seems set to go through.  I feel this is important because I think there are some amazing scientists here (not 'dissing' other countries :-) ).  I mean, they've just put out a vaccination for cervical cancer, which I find extraordinary (the science, not the condition).

I know this is a can of worms but it sounds promising. I heard it on our local (to Australia) news and haven't looked into it to provide a link, sorry.  Call me an optimist but I reckon that in a decade, they'll be able to harvest cells from us, do the jiggery-pokery and give us (back) functioning t-cells.

On a personal note and unconnected with the subject line, my latest hba1c result was 5.4.  Given my poor diet over the period that saw me moving house, I consider it amazing.  I thought I'd be over 6.

Posted 8/31/2006 8:33 AM (GMT 0)

Hey there,

Yes, I heard the news too - what actually happens (as far as I can remember) is that the cells are still harvested from an early stage embryo but in a way that causes no damage and therefore the embryo can carry on and develop.  The problem is, the pro-life group also are opposed to this as they think that a 'human being' shouldn't be used in this way!!  My personal view here, but I really am for stem cell research and really do think that there has to be some give and take with this issue and I therefore cannot understand that pro-life groups wouldn't be pleased that this is a step in the right direction!  But hey, I won't go more into my own personal views as everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. 

I agree - it's exciting in Australia not only because wasn't it an Australian who pioneered work on the Glycemic Index??

And well done on your result!  (Can I ask one question though - are you originally from London?  It's just that Tottenham is just down the road from me!!) tongue

Claire x

Posted 8/31/2006 9:04 AM (GMT 0)

Claire-Bear said...

Hey there, 

I agree - it's exciting in Australia not only because wasn't it an Australian who pioneered work on the Glycemic Index??

Yes, I believe it was the University of Sydney.  There's a symbol that you can get on products here, I don't know if they have it outside Australia, but it's a blue disc with a 'G' on it and the rating (low, medium.....haven't seen a high yet). The uni actually tests the food 'in-house' before giving its rating.  I have seen products with 'low GI' on them (not with the uni symbol).  Interestingly one muesli with that on it is actually listed by the uni as a 'medium' (its score was only about 58, but just enough to push it up to medium), so I wonder whether some companies will slap a low GI label on their food without adequate testing.

And well done on your result!  (Can I ask one question though - are you originally from London?  It's just that Tottenham is just down the road from me!!) tongue

I am from Southend (and I bloody well admit it!), jewel of the Thames Estuary yeah .  Am I the only one that finds that emoticon a bit, ahem, suggestive?!

 

ps.  I support Spurs because my Dad played a couple of times for the reserves in 1950 before injury forced him out of the game.  Of course, I've been to Roots Hall on many, many, many occasions too!

Posted 9/2/2006 1:29 PM (GMT 0)
I just read in our local paper that the information from the study was not accurate and that the researchers fudged their findings. They might be better off using cord blood stem cells...
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