Stem Cell Research

I'm going slightly political and controversial this week, after reading a great article from Time, Stem Cell Research: The Quest Resumes. I don't have much to say about it, but I wanted to provide a few facts and encourage everyone to read the article and comment with their opinion, professional or personal, and questions.

The basic idea of the article is that a method has been developed that can artificially create stem cells without the use of embryonic stem cells, thus side stepping the issue of using early stage human embryo stem cells, which destroys the human embryo. Adult stem cells are also used, but are less flexible. Embryo stem cells have the ability to mutate into one of the body's 200 tissue types, whereas adult stem cells have already mutated and can only be used for certain tissue types. One of the goals of stem cell research is to develop new therapies for diseases, such as Type 1 Diabetes, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, MS, and various cancers, that currently have no treatment.

From the article, here is a timeline of major stem cell research:

• 1998: James Thomson, U of Wisconsin, isolates human embryonic stem cells

• 2001: President Bush restricts federal funding for research on human embryonic stem cells

• 2004: Douglas Melton of Harvard creates more than 70 embryonic-stem-cell lines using private funding and distributes free copies of the cells to researchers around the world

• 2006: Shinya Yamanaka, Kyoto University, turns back the clock on mouse skin cells to create the first induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, or stem cells made without the use of embryos. He uses only four genes, which are inserted into a skin cell's genome using retrovirus vectors

• 2007: Yamanaka and Thomson separately create the first human iPS cells

• 2008- July: Kevin Eggan at Harvard generates the first patient-specific cells from iPS cells — motor neurons from two elderly women with ALS

• 2008- August: Melton bypasses stem cells altogether and transforms a type of mouse pancreatic cell that does not produce insulin into one that does

• 2008- September: Konrad Hochedlinger at Harvard creates iPS cells in mice using the common-cold virus rather than retrovirus vectors — an important step in making the technology safer for human use

• 2008- October: Melton's team makes human iPS cells by replacing two of the four genes, known to cause cancer, with chemicals. All four must be swapped out before iPS-generated cells can be transplanted into people

• 2008- October: Yamanaka creates mouse iPS cells using safer plasmids of DNA instead of retrovirus vectors

• 2009: January: Food and Drug Administration approved the first trial of an embryonic- stem-cell therapy for a handful of patients paralyzed by spinal-cord injuries

Another piece of the puzzle is that President Obama has promised to reverse Bush's 2001 ban on providing federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. This hasn't happened yet, but it might not be as necessary as previously thought, due to the ongoing discoveries around iPS cells.

There are other controversies around stem cells besides the use of human embryos. You know it is a big deal when it has its own Wikipedia page (Stem Cell Controversy). Some say that cloning cells could lead to cloning humans and devaluing the worth of a human being. According to the Washington Post, the Catholic Church "condemns as immoral the destruction of human embryos to obtain stem cells or treat infertility, and denounces any attempts at more futuristic possibilities such as cloning people or using gene therapy to enhance the human race."

I'll be the first to admit that the I don't have the best understanding of all this, from the scientific, ethical, political, or religious perspective. I realize it is a very sensitive issue to people for varying reasons, but I think it is important to have logical, discussions about issues like this one. I think it is a fascinating discovery and am curious what the research will produce 1, 5, or 10 years from now.

Here's one last article I didn't get a chance to read, but its from The Economist, so it should be good!

Going to Prosser

(Again, I posted this message under Christy's name earlier, so I am reposting it)

Christy and I are just about to leave for Prosser today. Not only are we excited for you usual exceptional wining and dining and hospitality at Burrfield Manor, but we are watching the Super Bowl and celebrating my dad's birthday! So not much to report, but I wanted to make sure I kept to my resolution to write a post every week this year. Here's some other things going on:

• We finally finished all our Christmas cards! Our printer stopped working for awhile, which delayed us a few weeks, but they are signed, sealed, delivered (hopefully delivered by now). There is a link to this blog was in the Field Notes, so hopefully some of you all will come visit our blog.
• Taylor is coming home from Italy tomorrow! Caroline's boyfriend from Ellensburg and PLU has been studying in Italy this month and, speaking from personal experience when I got back from China my sophomore year, its sure nice to come home to an Olsen girlfriend.
• If you haven't heard yet, there was a tragic shooting in Portland last weekend that took the lives of an exchange student from Peru and a high school girl who was to be an exchange student starting this summer. They were in the same program that I was in with Rotary International when I went to Argentina. Please keep their friends and family in your thoughts and prayers. Read more here.
• Website of the week: WhatsTheRealCost.org is all about learning more about healthcare. It is a new website hosted by employer, Regence Blue Cros Blue Shield, and the goal is to shed some light on where the real costs are in the healthcare system. Check it out and let me know what you think (even if you don't agree with any of it).

Well, thats all for now. Time to hit the road. I hope our patched up Subaru can make it safely over the pass and back. The weather should be just fine...its sunny in Seattle now, but pretty cold. Have a great weekend everyone!

Favorite Seattle Restaurants that I've Never Been To

Christy and I have lived in Seattle for almost 7 months now and have had fun eating at some delicious restaurants. I have a growing list of restaurants that I've heard of and can't wait to try, but haven't been to yet. We love going to restaurants with our friends and family, so I hope you all get the chance to come visit us so we can create new memories at these fine establishments (and see you too I guess, but mostly as an excuse to eat good food).

Coffee

Tougo Coffee Co.: "It's our goal at Tougo Coffee Co. to embrace our neighborhood and the diversity within it. And we hope to achieve this by providing a comfortable, vibrant atmosphere for all to enjoy."




Seafood
Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar: "Seastar provides guests with an amazing array of freshly prepared seafood, great steaks, poultry, pastas and raw bar items." Located above Whole Foods and opens next week. Check out the review from South Lake Union Blog




German
Feierabend: "Here at Feierabend, our goal is to bring a taste of Germany to Seattle. All of our 18 biers on tap are imported from Germany and served in their appropriate glass. Our food is a pleasant combination of traditional German cuisine with a Northwest touch." Located a few blocks north of REI.


Spanish-esque
Tango Restaurant and Lounge: "The tango dance was flavored by ingredients of dance from Spain, Cuba and South America. At Tango Restaurant we use the history of the tango as a guide for our latin infused food and drink. Taste our Spanish tapas, Cuban mojitos or South American ceviche and enjoy!" Located between Capitol Hill and downtown Seattle.



Italian
Spinasse: "Our menu is directly inspired from the region of Piedmont. We encourage guests to enjoy our family style menus, or simply dine a la carte. We are true to the cooking techniques and traditions of the region. That said, we source as much local organic product as possible. We believe in the core simplicity and beauty of our ingredients. We also pride ourselves on continually honing artisan skills in the production of hand made pasta, butchery, salumi, vinegars, and other specialties." Located in Capitol Hill between Pike and Pine.




Wine Bar
Purple Café: "We are a multifaceted food and wine concept that merges casual sophistication with an upbeat metropolitan style. We feature a global wine selection coupled with a menu that blends classic American styles, seasonal northwest ingredients and Mediterranean themes. The atmosphere is often described as an urban retreat with rustic elements." Located downtown by Fairmont Olympic Hotel (Shuckers).



If you've been to any of these places, let me know what you think. Or, if you have any other suggestions, make a comment.

President OBAMA!

(Note: This was re-posted using my account. I accidentally used Christy's account the first time around)

Christy and I are watching the Inaugural Parade, recorded on our DVR from yesterday, enjoying watching history happen. Neither of us got to watch it live because I was on a business trip in Portland and Christy had to work. We watched the Inauguration last night after my train ride back from Portland and tonight are watching the parade and balls. There's not really much to say about the hole thing that hasn't already been said...but I'll try anyway.

Its weird to see Obama as President. For so many years, the public has seen him as a campaign man, selling himself as a great leader for our country. His job was to become President, other than the past few months of the transition after the election. Now that he is President Obama, its hard to see him in this new role. I think this was just a first time shock, and wears off as time goes on and he settles in. I think he and his family just look so normal. I'm not used to seeing the first family with young kids and with kind, warm smiles. I suppose that was part of the intrigue with Barack; he's not a Washington insider but rather he and his family could easily be your down the street.

It is so exciting to witness history happening, especially at a time when our country is such dire need of positive change. I am inspired by Barack's call to service; that he alone cannot change this country, but if everyone gives of their own time to serve in their community, our country will surely be a better place. While many things are out of our control, like Guantanamo, Iraq, Iran, banks, stimulus plans (although Christy and I claim we are enacting our own stimulus plan any time we go shopping), reforming healthcare (something I am growing more passionate about), national deficit, and not least of these is taking care of the environment and energy Independence; we can make a difference in the communities we live in. It can be as simple as giving blood, donating to a local food bank, build new homes with Habitat for Humanity, or just helping spending time with the elderly or disadvantaged. Its not easy, not comfortable, not convenient, but can make such a difference in other's lives. When all is said and done, that's what life is all about: building relationships and helping others. Borrowing the words of Martin Luther King Jr, we should not "judge others by the color of skin [or status in society], but by the content of their character." What do you want your legacy to be...

Well, that got a little heavy, so to end on a lighter note, today was a momentous day for the Seattle sports scene: The Seattle Sounders FC had their first practice. After months of planning and exciting announcements, it was exciting to see it all come together on the pitch. Their first game is on March 19 on ESPN2, so stay tuned for more details. I hope to go to a few of their games this year.

As for website of the week, check out this article about a new winery in Eastern Washington called Gard Vinters. If you like what you see, leave a comment on the blog. I know the writer would appreciate it.

Good night and God bless America!

¡Nuevo Televisión!

Thats right people...the Fields have a new TV! In the words of my newfound Scandinavian-ness: Woot Woot! We decided it was time to replace my 20" tv from the college days of long ago and upgrade to a sweet 42" LG LCD. We got a great deal at Video Only and thanks to Jonah for helping me pick it up (too big for our Subaru...speaking of which, thats a blog post just waiting to happen). It fits quite nicely in our little apartment. I can easily watch the ball game while I'm washing dishes...and now that we have Comcast HD-DVR, we can even pause, rewind and fast forward live tv! Christy thinks she'll use this to talk to me during the game because I could just pause it...sigh...we'll see.

So, if you wanna check out our new family member, I mean tv, then come on by and hang with the Fields. We'll cook good food, drink good wine, and ignore one another as we stare at the screen corner.

A new feature I'm starting this week is called Website of the Week. I think the title explains it well enough. So for this inaugural edition, I've gotta go with a shout out to my employer, Regence Bluecross Blueshield, and the 5 other groups they joined together with to create this tv ad promoting healthcare reform. Let me know what you think!

UPDATE 1/17
By special request, here's a picture of our old TV and the sweet new TV in our living room.