Stem Cells Without the Use of Viruses or Human Embryos

Investigators from Kyoto University report today that they have been successful in coaxing non-embryonic cells into pluripotent stem cells without the use of viruses (which are thought to increase the risk of cancer). In other words, this emerging technology may open up an avenue to convert a patient's own cells, even easily obtainable skin cells, and transform them into versatile stem cells. Moreover, it is becoming readily apparent that destroying human embryos is no longer necessary unless you are a utilitarian dogmatist in need of a bludgeoning device to punish the rest of us who are reluctant to go along with a science at any moral cost agenda.