Katie Couric's Notebook: Stem Cell Debate

By: Katie Couric
Topics: Katie Couric's Notebook

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Notebook: Stem Cell Research

There have been some important developments this week related to stem cell research. This is such a difficult and complex issue, it's urgent that we find common ground that will bridge science and ethics. Just click the monitor for more.
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by ericmichael1 June 11, 2007 6:46 PM EDT: I do believe that the October maple in the hills of New England is the most beautiful gift that God has given to man, Peter.

Eric; Reply to this comment


by petersemkiw June 11, 2007 5:28 PM EDT: And Eric, Our thoughts and prayers are with you upon the recent loss of your father, Peter; Reply to this comment


by ericmichael1 June 11, 2007 3:34 PM EDT: There is no doubt that having a positive outlook at times could mean the difference between life and death, of hanging in there or giving up. And it has certain medicinal benefits as well.

But there are just certain things that all the positive thinking in the world cannot change. In the end, it may not be a question of positive attitude. Even a negative one (depression) may be a direct result of the physical malady.

When my father recently died of cancer, I did not wonder, could he have lived if simply he had been a more positive person in the end. I know he lived the best he could, he fought it until the cancer at last overwhelmed him.

We cannot live forever with positive thinking. But we can touch another's life in ways that we simply cannot fathom. We all touch each other's lives in an endless web that is truly immortal. Long after we die.

But there are times we must admit that we have no control and times we must yield. This is true of both those dying and of those living.

Eric; Reply to this comment


by petersemkiw June 11, 2007 11:23 AM EDT: For Katie and Misty,

Trees

I think that I shall never see
a poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the sweet earth's flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

by Joyce Kilmer

Have a good week, Katie and Misty!; Reply to this comment


by petersemkiw June 9, 2007 5:34 AM EDT: Dear Katie, An ethical solution needs to be formulated quickly on this complex issue, one that will help bridge any gaps that exist between science and ethics. The use of mouse skin cells to be genetically programmed to work as stem cells will take too long to develop and may be ineffective. It is good to know that the House did approve increased federal funding for stem cell resarch this week, but without the President's approval, no progress will be made. There will be increasing numbers of people who will be affected by Alzheimer's Disease, and Parkinson's Disease, and other devastating illnesses, especially as our baby boomer generation ages, who could potentially be helped by advances in stem cell research, especially if they are treated before these diseases have progressed too far. And there are applications of stem cell research to many other organ systems of the body as well.Last year,your poignant and moving interview with Michael Fox who suffers from Parkinson's Disease really highlighted this issue. It is too bad that so little has been done in this area in the United States since then, but with continued pressure on the President, and on the Presidential candidates as well, maybe real progress will be made, but it needs to happen quickly.; Reply to this comment


by kenhamlett June 9, 2007 1:54 AM EDT: Ms Couric,
The issue is complicated when no one is willing to narrow down a list of specific research and harvesting parameters. As you should know, the typical goal of research is either to keep it going until either the money sources are exhausted or a profit can be realized which exceeds the research income. That needs to change first and foremost.
My thought is that the focus of the research should be on activating dormant stem cells in the body of the patient (or donor family member) and controlling their function. Fetus harvesting and other dubious plans should simply be put on the back burner since the long term goal should actually be to provided methods to assist the body to help itself.
While I understand the feelings of those that simply say "do something", I feel that it should be a focused effort for long term benefit. That is healing and regeneration. Regardless of the methodology it will take many years to find solutions. Let's make sure the time is not wasted. The same goes for the money.; Reply to this comment


by ericmichael1 June 8, 2007 8:51 PM EDT: Katie,

I certainly hope that science finds an ethical solution.

Aborted fetuses should not be used. And entire humans should not be cloned, either.

Perhaps one day the person who needs the new organ can use his/her own cells to produce a new one. Or fight cancer. Or anything we can and cannot imagine.

"Beam me up, Scotty...and be nice to my DNA strands."

:)

Eric; Reply to this comment