Researchers have long thought the tiny cells, called embryonic stem cells hold the power to cure disease like Alzheimer’s and diabetes. They are blank slates that can become every type of cell in the human body.
"We are now working on strategies to grow specific cell types that are missing in different diseases and for injuries,” John Gearhart of Johns Hopkins Medical Institute said.
But retrieving the cells requires destruction of an embryo. To avoid that, in 2001 President Bush said federal money could only be used for research on embryonic stem cells that already existed at the time. Now a study in the journal Nature Medicine says that supply of stem cells may not work for treating diseases.
"The existing stem cell lines are contaminated by a non-human molecule, an animal molecule, that comes from the way the cells are grown. Therefore, these cells at the present time in the present condition would very likely be attacked by the human immune system,” Ajit Varki of the University of California San Diego said.
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Stem cells
The line of cells approved for federal research may be tainted.
 
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Stem cell researchers say this isn’t necessarily a setback for stem cell research because the existing cells could be used to learn about basic science. But now, newer lines are available, but not for federally funded researchers.
"We have better lines available, lines that aren't grown in the presence of animal products,” Varki said.
As they looked toward developing future treatments, Gearheart said, those newer lines will be essential. And since state funding is legal, some like California, will be offering state money for such research.
