Stem Cell Debate May Not Be Relevant Any Longer

Could philosophical and religious arguments over stem cell research be a thing of the past? According to Reuters, a new study out of Stanford University in California has shown mice skin cells can be made into neurons (nerve cells) using only three genes. The uses for this seem endless; Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, not to mention spinal cord or traumatic brain injury.

Next step will be attempting to turn the cells into completely different types of cells for use in organs like the liver, pancreas and heart. This could treat cancer or diabetes, common ailments that plague the United States.

Think of all the time that's already been lost for patients with reduced quality of life and even death while we continue to debate the ethics of stem cell use. If this works in mice, the odds are it can be tweaked to work in humans as well and they're already trying. Will there be an outcry that we're playing God by changing the type of cell even if it's the person's own? I certainly hope not. I'm fairly certain many patients and their loved ones will see it my way, too.

Earthquake Devastation - Poorest People in Western Hemisphere Need Aid, But How?

The Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) encourages Americans to respond appropriately and responsibly to today's earthquake in Haiti. Those who wish to best help the victims in Haiti are asked to donate cash as an alternative to in-kind donations such as clothing and canned goods. Cash donations are widely recognized as the most efficient and effective means of relief, a policy supported by CIDI's funding partner, the United States Agency for International Development's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, and those in the established international disaster response community.

The earthquake registered 7.0 on the Richter scale and was centered approximately 14 miles west of the capital city, Port-au-Prince. Early news stories report widespread devastation as severe aftershocks continue through the evening.

Haiti is the western hemisphere's poorest nation and 80 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. This disaster will increase the already difficult situation for the people of Haiti. Many aid organizations are already on the ground in Haiti and will be able to put Americans' generosity to use to best help the victims of the earthquake. Cash donations can be used to buy the supplies, clothing and emergency items needed on the ground, without the delay of collecting, packing, shipping and distributing in-kind items, which may be inappropriate for the victims.

"Americans can help the most by donating cash to an established relief agency," says Suzanne H. Brooks, Director of CIDI. "Haitians have suffered greatly in recent years and desperately need Americans to respond appropriately. Helping the efforts of professional humanitarian relief agencies is the absolute best way to aid the victims in Haiti."

Those interested in making contributions to help the victims in Haiti can get more information by visiting CIDI's Web site at www.cidi.org. Additionally, interested donors can visit http://www.interaction.org/ to obtain a list of credible responding agencies for international emergencies and www.give.org to get valuable information on making informed decisions when supporting charities. In addition, donors can visit www.globalgiving.org.

Technology & Gay Marriage - Both on Trial

The trial challenging California's Proposition 8 begins today in San Francisco, which has been big news across the country. Equally on trial, though, is how technology will play into our legal system and especially in matters of major interest over a broad geographic and demographic spectrum.

Delayed broadcast of the trial was tentatively approved to be aired on YouTube, giving time to block any subject matter deemed inappropriate or potentially influential to jurors. However, a temporary block was established just two hours before the scheduled start time, giving the judges three days to further debate the issue and decide if broadcast should occur.

YouTube has become a medium of more than just entertainment and it's only natural it should morph into one of a more newsworthy nature. Use in our legal system, with appropriate censorship as necessary, seems only logical from my perspective. It gives equal access in near-real-time to any interested parties, no matter their location. I will be following both the trial and the secondary YouTube trial with great interest.

Ed Schultz, progressive radio and talk show host from Fargo, ND, has been "officially" asked to run for senate. The seat will be vacated by current democratic senator Byron Dorgan. Ed appeared on MSNBC this morning and gave the surprise announcement.

Not sure how I feel about this one. I think Ed can be polarizing, based on his talk show persona, but that same persona may not come with him into a traditional political role. If the people of North Dakota voted him into office based on the person they see in the media, would they even like him as a senator? Yet to be seen, since Ed hasn't even decided whether he will entertain the request.

We'll be watching!

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