Before reading this article I thought that you didn't have to use human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) specifically to regenerate certain tissues. I was under the impression that you could regenerate the same types of tissues using non - embryonic stem cells as embryonic stem cells. If it's true that you can only regenerate certain types of tissues using hESCs then I think I'll change my opinion of hESC research.
Now that I've read the article Retinal Rescue, I want to find back round information comparing hESCs to stem cells not derived from embryos. My previous opinion was that we shouldn't even be doing hESC research if we can gain the same knowledge through non embryonic stem cells. However, if we're going to be able to stop people from gradually going blind and be able to restore their sight using only embryonic stem cells, I'm willing to potentially change my stance.
The article calls the process of using the hESCs "stem cell therapy." Is the stem cell therapy a repetitive process? Is the therapy something that you have to go in routinely for in order of it to work, or is it a one time treatment? Therapies such as physical therapy usually have routine appointments and exercises, is that how the stem cell regenerations work?
Jumping right into this article with hardly any back round was very confusing but gave me a few new directions to look for specific points about. This article gave me ideas as to what to search for particularly rather than just googling "stem cell research."
