<<As far I know, no proposed stem cell research will be used to replace the nucleus of every cell in the body, which is what is needed for a "cure" for Down's Syndrome. >>
You keep confusing research applications with basic research. Stem cell research aims at giving insight into processes, most obviously the process of cell differentiation. Cell differentiation is a complex of issues involving signals, metabolic pathways, protein assembly and probably others as well. Nobody can tell where the research leads to in terms of both further basic research and applications. The point is, without the basic research, we're left with a faulty foundation and building on a faulty foundation is never a good idea. Sometimes you have to do it, but no government should be in the position of holding back work which might create a sounder foundation for the research to proceed on.
<<Stem cell research is being done to study the replacement of damaged or degenerate tissue, especially nerve cells. This is not a cause of Down's Syndrome.>>
That's an application phase of stem cell research. Stem cell research can also proceed at the basic level, where the ultimate applications are unknown. However it's not at all implausible that the results of basic research into cell differentiation, necessarily involving cell division, will provide insights into the problems of missing or extra chromosomes arising out of faulty cell division.>>
<<Look up the diseases that are being researched for a possible treatment with stem cells - Down's Syndrome is not on the list. Nor will you find any other syndrome that is caused by base chromosomal errors. The research being done to correct these involves the use of retro viruses to "rewrite" the DNA and eliminate the problem.>>
I took up your suggestion, which was kind of interesting. According to the NIH "Stem Cell Information" page, "The Promise of Stem Cells:"
<<Studying stem cells will help us understand how they transform into the dazzling array of specialized cells that make us what we are. Some of the most serious medical conditions, such as
cancer and birth defects, are due to problems that occur somewhere in this process. A better understanding of normal cell development will allow us to understand and perhaps correct the errors that cause these medical conditions.
<<Another potential application of stem cells is making cells and tissues for medical therapies. Today, donated organs and tissues are often used to replace those that are diseased or destroyed. Unfortunately, the number of people needing a transplant far exceeds the number of organs available for transplantation. Pluripotent stem cells offer the possibility of
a renewable source of replacement cells and tissues to treat a myriad of diseases, conditions, and disabilities including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.>>
I think it's pretty self-evident that a lot of special-needs children, even according to this article, might be helped by the knowledge gained from stem-cell research, and that it's unconscionable for any government to deny funding for promising research solely on ideological or religious grounds.
