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Expert: - 12/21/2009


Question
Do you by chance know what the most recent information on stem cell research is? I'd heard something that claimed that they might no longer need to use fetuses to do that kind of research. Is that accurate? And also what kind of breakthrus do they expect with the research? I personally would love to have more hair on my head again. lol. Or improve my eye sight.

Answer
Dear James,

Recent studies have indicated that it may be possible to transform non-fetal cells into cells with stem-cell like properties, which would ease a lot of the ethical concerns surrounding medical use of such pluripotent cells.  A good overview is available from PBS here:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/3302/06.html

Interesting and ongoing!

Enjoy,

Dana
P.S. - Sorry for the holiday delay!

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Dana Krempels, Ph.D.

Expertise

I can answer biology-related questions in the areas of evolution, zoology, botany, genetics, and ecology. But I don't answer homework questions or provide ideas for your science fair projects. So students please do your learning the right way by reading your text assignments and studying!

Experience

At the University of Miami, I teach Evolution and Biodiversity, Botany, Zoology, Genetics, Ecology, and a variety of seminars (e.g., the Biology and Evolution of Human Gender Roles).

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Biology and an A.B. in English from the University of Southern California (1980). I earned my Ph.D. in Biology in the area of evolutionary biology/visual physiology from the University of Miami in 1989.

Past/Present Clients
I am currently an "expert" in both the "Rabbits" and "Wild Animals" categories.

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