Breakthrough in Stem Cell Research Solves Ethical Issue

Recent breakthroughs in stem cell research now make it possible to have all the benefits of stem cells without using embryos. In a breakthrough procedure, pluripotent stem cells have been used for the first time in a medical procedure. A Japanese woman in her 70s received the treatment for macular degeneration, a condition that can lead to blindness. Like embryonic stem cells, pluripotents can regenerate any type of cell in the body. However, pluripotent stem cells do not require a fetus. Moreover, as with regular stem cells, they also do not require taking medication for life to avoid tissue/organ rejection. See full story at http://www.nature.com/news/japanese-woman-is-first-recipient-of-next-generation-stem-cells-1.15915.