Researchers have been studying the effects of using cells from umbilical cords in animal experiments. By using simple infusion into the blood stream, the need for direct implantation into the brain is negated. While the details still need to be worked out, Dr. Paul R. Sanberg of the University of South Florida told AP that he wants to try the approach on stroke victims in the next couple of years. Sanberg presented his findings at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in San Francisco. These cells could be coaxed to develop into many different types of specialized tissue to be used in any part of the body.
Stem cells can come from aborted fetuses or discarded embryos from fertility clinics.
However, this issue has raised a great deal of controversy since anti-abortion groups oppose fetal and embryonic stem cell research. Federally funded scientists have not been able to use stem cells from these sources. According to Sanberg, his research suggests umbilical cords may be an excellent source of stem cells without the ethical problems that go along with using fetal tissue. He told meeting attendees that 4 million babies are born in this country every year, and 99 percent of their cord blood is discarded. Sanberg said one or two cords could likely provide enough stem cells to treat one human stroke victim if the current approach works out.