Stem Cell Research: A New Light
Stem cell research takes a lot of heat, due to the methods from which doctors receive the cells. Now however, there are more kinder and gentler options for the procurement of the cells, which in the long run may help humanity overcome many kinds of illness and disease.
A story from the Niagara Gazette illustrates this new method. Doctors can take blood from a newborn’s umbilical cord posing no harm to the mother or child. Illustrating the story of a family who had decided to donate their daughter Evelyn’s umbilical cord blood during her mother Marie’s pregnancy.
Marie’s obstetrician Dr. Wesolowski says:
“It’s a very simple process, with no danger to the baby or the mother,” said Dr. Wesolowski who is chief of maternity. “We only do it if the mom and the baby are stable.”
Why cord blood?
Cord blood nourishes the baby during pregnancy and is rich in stem cells, Wesolowski said. Roswell Park, one of the nation’s leading cancer research institutes, utilizes blood collected from the umbilical cords of newborns in a variety of research programs. Researchers are finding that when these cells are transplanted into patients, they can help restore the immune and blood systems to fight diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and may help in spinal cord injuries.
Photo Credits: James Neiss and the Niagara Gazette
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