Today the results of a study 7 years in the making have been released: scientists have confirmed an alternative source of stem cells -- from amniotic fluid and placental tissue. This is awesome news because it allows the research and use of stem cells without harming fetuses. Researchers at Wake Forest University and Harvard University hope that these newly discovered cells will hold the same promise as embryonic stem cells and provide continued hope for tissue repair and even engineered organs, but without the controversy. And they believe the amniotic and placental stem cells offer a couple things that embryonic stem cells don't: an almost unlimited supply (think of all the births in the U.S. every year) and, due to that availability, the ability to find a genetic match for practically any patient in need.

Obviously this concept is not completely new, with research having been done for many years. But I hadn't heard much about it before now, and I'm excited that this study has added confirmation to the idea and that the issue is now getting so much attention and publicity. Yay!