ANN ARBOR -- The University of Michigan’s stem cell research scientists have created new stem cell lines that will use adult stem cells, instead of the controversial embryonic stem cells, to study psychological and neurological disorders.
The Detroit News reports three of the new stem cell lines were taken from the skin of people with bipoloar disorder, and two were taken from a tissue bank.
The University of Michigan’s stem cell research program has drawn much opposition from pro-life groups because of the usage of aborted fetuses. This new research, however, could move toward using more adult stem cells, avoiding the usage of embryonic ones.
The facility still says there are many realms of treatments of which adult stem cells may not be as effective as embryonic stem cells. According to the Detroit News report, U of M has recently created three embryonic stem cell lines, and is working on developing more to treat genetic disorders such as Huntington’s disease.
The U of M research has been under much attack from prolife groups such as the Right to Life of Michigan. The group claims the university has violated terms that were promised in 2008, when Michigan voters passed relaxed embryonic stem cell research laws. You can read more from the Right to Life on the issue by clicking here.
To read more about the latest stem cell research from the University of Michigan, click here.
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