The Main Stream Media Latest Sin of Ommission

A couple days ago I saw an article in our local paper about the FDA approving a trial involving implantation of embryo-derived nerve cells into patients with damaged spinal cords by Geron Corp. I wasn't surprized that the MSM was trumpetting it as a break through. Nor was I surprized that the MSM completely ignored the fact that there was no need for this kind of research as there have already been successful trials with adult stem cells. As expected, the article ignored the fact that all embryonic stem cell research so far has had negative results, including the development of tumors in those who particpated in the trials.

Then there is this MSNBC headline about the research: UC Irvine Preps for World's 1st Stem Cell Tests in Humans. 1st stem cell tests????? What about the over 70 treatments & therapies already out there using adult & umbilical cord stem cells? Didn't they have to go through testing 1st.

& the article is even worse. It says "making it the world's first embryonic stem cell treatment that will be tested in humans". Besides the fact that this isn't the 1s treatment tested, it fails to mention what the test really is about. Although the answer to that is sort of hinted at: "This trial was approved only after rigorous safety testing and consultation of countless experts in the field," Keirstead said." The reason is because embryonic stem cell tests on rats in the past have resulted in tumors. & that is just those on animals.

As for the ignored previous tests on human, 1st there was a test in China ended with the patient developed a brain tumor and dying. "An autopsy revealed that the fetal cells had taken root, but had then metamorphed into other types of human tissue - hair, skin and bone. These grew into the tumor, which killed the patient."1

Then there is this devastating result that occurred at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons, and was published in the New England Journal of Medicine: "In some of the patients, the implanted embryonic cells apparently grew too well, churning out so much of a chemical that controls movement that they writhed and jerked uncontrollably. Dr. Paul E. Greene called the uncontrollable movements developed by some patients as 'absolutely devastating.' He said, 'They chew constantly, their fingers go up and down, their writs flex and distend. It's a real nightmare. And we can't selectively turn it off. No more fetal transplants. We are absolutely and adamantly convinced that this should be considered for research only.'"1

The fact is another Keirstead statement is ment to misdirect anyone who may wonder "Why so long?" & "Why the concerns about the dangers?" which could lead them to the above facts. He does this by totally misrepresenting the goal of the test. "Any benefit to the patient, even an incremental one, would be a resounding victory." The rest of the article goes on to explain what this benifit is expected to be.

However the real purpose of the test is totally different. According to LifeSiteNews: "The trial in question will attempt to validate the safety of implanting nerve cells grown from embryonic stem cells (ESCs). It is not expected to manifest the efficacy of the treatment, though patients will be monitored for any recovery of sensation." Wait a minute!!! This test is to see if the use of these cells is safe, & not to see if it actually works.

In fact, Geron CEO Thomas Okarma's claim that the timing of the new trial is not related to the Obama administration's plan to restore federal funding to ESC research doesn't ring true to me. It is possible, but highly improbable knowing that the FDA mindset isn't exactly Pro-Life.

Dr. David van Gend, national director of Australians for Ethical Stem Cell Research sees things much differently. “All Geron Corp. has done is turn all their embryonic stem cells into mature nerve cells (which is a big ‘so what?’ given that we can get such nerve cells by far simpler means) then inject that bunch of ordinary nerve cells, and hope like hell that there is not a single embryonic stem cell left in the mix. If there is, Geron is putting the patient at risk of a tumor on the spine.”

Some news publications have stated or implied that ESCs are being given to the trial patients. Not true. Van Gend stressed the dangers of actually giving ESCs to humans: “They never have been and never can be put into humans, because embryonic stem cells form tumors in animals. Only adult stem cells can be put into humans – and have been used now successfully in thousands of patients."

Pro-life bioethicist Wesley Smith points out: "Adult stem cell therapies have been in human trials for several years for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury - and the first peer reviewed study showing a restoration of feeling never received the coverage in the media that Geron has received repeatedly for years about this prospective trial - apparently because our news censors believed they were the wrong kind of stem cells." Exactly, the MSM as the chearleader for the "culture of death" isn't going to give the attention to anything that disproves their claims. Never mind the fact that by doing so, people who could be helped by these safe therapies aren't finding out.

1 promising example of adult stem cells & spinal repair began in 2006 That was when neuroscientist Geoffrey Raisman began a series of trials that successfully utilized nerve tissue from a patient's own nasal lining to rebuild the damaged spine. Raisman is now the head of the spinal repair unit at the University College London.

The MSM wonders who it is losing readership & viewership. Maybe they better was up & smell the coffee. People who honestly want accurate news reporting are wising up to how they operate. & their coverage of stem cell research is a prime example.

Source: Amid Media Excitement, Embryonic Stem Cell Trial Far Behind Adult Stem Cells, Says Expert

1: Embryonic Versus Adult Stem Cells? It’s Really No Contest.