[Stitcher]

New Stem Cell Research Could End Debate

Last Update: Mar 13, 2007 11:10 PM
Posted By: Ali Gorman
http://www.cbs47.com/news/local/stor...0777826d&rss=1

A new study shows for the first time adult stem cells can be used to treat neurological diseases. It is also shows the benefits of adult and embryonic stem cells are the same.

Chad Varney,31, of Jacksonville was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease when he was 27. Now he takes medication four times a day to ease his symptoms. "I have a tremor- it was just my right fingers but now it's my whole hand and I drag my right leg," he said.

But Varney and millions of other patients are hoping their problems can one day be eliminated with the help of stem cells. And now the latest research shows we may be closer to that goal.

Jacksonville neurologist Dr. Sean Orr calls new research "a huge discovery." He said the study out of California using mice injected with a rare brain disease shows for the first time adult stem cells can be used to treat neurological diseases in humans. It also shows both adult and the controversial embyronic stem cells have the same benefit.

"The reason this study is so monumental is we have the potential to eliminate that controversy all together," said Dr. Orr.

For Varney, he said any advancement brings hope but still he doesn't want to shut the door on embryonic stem cell research just yet. "There could be something there that an adult stem cell does not provide," he said.

Doctor Orr doesn't expect the debate to stop any time soon, but said this research is a huge step closer to helping millions of patients suffering to live a better life. Varney said, "That's all I ask for is to be able to live like any other 31-year-old that's healthy."

The treated mice in the study lived about 70-percent longer than untreated mice. Governor Crist recommended Florida spend $20-million of the budget on stem cell research.