Researchers are working to find an alternative to stem cells by studying a process known as dedifferentiation. As the word implies, dedifferentiation is what happens when a specialized cell reverts to a non-specialized form. The non-specialized cells are very similar to controversial stem cells because they have the ability to grow to be a wide variety of specialized cell types, and could be a gateway to finding new cures for diseases like cancer.
Dedifferentiation is common in some plants and animals that are able to regenerate parts that are lost. When a body part is lost, the remaining cells revert back to how they were when the part was first grown and simply do it again. Researchers hope that by harnessing the process of dedifferentiation that they may be able to produce embryonic-like cells without ever having to touch or kill a human embryo. This could provide scientists with a way of avoiding the ethical dilemma that is currently debated over with regards to stem cell research.
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Wait for the Ethical Way by Brandon :: NR9 :: Show
People are quick to paint those who are against using embryos for research as hating science or as conservative religious extremists. But, pursuing what you believe to be ethical isn't close-minded, it it is required to be moral. Opposing a certain method of doing research doesn't necessarily mean you are impeding the advance of science or preventing a major scientific discovery. Sometimes, as could be in this case, holding your ground ethically can challenge the scientific community into coming up with a better way, both ethically and efficiently. If this method pans out, not only would embryos not be destroyed, but sceintists wouldn't have to depend on embryo availability.