Testicles Found to Be Stem Cell Source by German Researchers

One of the most bitter and polarizing controversies among the many in our current day society is the use of embryos for stem cell research. Proponents point to those suffering with debilitating situations and opponents disagree on the basis of embryonic rights. Perhaps this issue will be sidestepped.

Rob Walters has written an article on Bloomberg.com which reports that German researchers have discovered that male adult testicle stem cells are proving to be useful in this research. Also, the testicles do not present a moral argument because they are donated post mortem.

Walters' article, "Testicle Stem Cells Become Bone, Muscle in German Experiments," goes on to say that not only can these testicular stem cells help in the treatment of difficult male illnesses, but, also may provide a way to research a line of any particular man's cells who has an inherited disease to work on cures and try to find causes for the condition.

This information was reported in the journal "Nature."

While it was common knowledge that mice carried stem cell availability in their testicles, researchers had no idea that the concept was transferable to humans.

Japanese researchers have just recently tried using viruses and genes to affect skin cells. Unfortunately this method may cause cancer.

In addition to solving the moral argument of embryonic stem cell research, this new method provides a man's own cells which avoids the possibility of cell rejection.

As this point only bone and muscle cells have benefited from the research. There has been no breakthrough with respect to hanging organs such as the heart.

The human body is truly amazing. I know in my own case I had a TIA in 1988. My right carotid artery "dissected," completely blocking the blood route. While that often causes immediate death, my left carotid took over the blood flow.

While that was amazing, what was more amazing was that my internal body chemistry adjusted for what was a major shock to my system. Further, after a couple of months, the carotid partially reopened on its own.