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Boost for our Adult Stem Cell Research
Manly Daily
03 May 2006
ADULT stem cell research has been given a $22 million boost by the Federal Government.
Using adult stem cells was far more "ethical", according to federal Health Minister and Warringah MP Tony Abbott who is strongly opposed to using embryos for research.
"The interesting thing about adult stem cell research is it doesn't raise the ethical problems that many people perceive to be associated with embryonic stem cell research," he said yesterday.
"The thing about adult stem cells . . . your own cells aren't rejected by your own body.
"That's why many people think adult stem cell research is much more promising than embryonic stem cell research."
Stem cell research involves using cells to study certain diseases to identify causes and possible cures.
The extra funding will be dedicated to research into Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia and motor neurone disease.
Over the next four years, the funding will go towards building a National Adult Stem Cell Research Centre in Queensland, headed by Professor Alan Mackay-Sim. Mr Abbott said embryonic research was not being replaced but more focus should be given to adult stem cells.
"The research is valuable if it produces worthwhile advances in our medical knowledge and health treatments," he said.
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