Oklahoma banking on adult stem cell research

This year's Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine was given to a pair of scientists whose work showed cells taken from adults could be refashioned to duplicate embryonic cells that can then be developed into any type of cell. Such discoveries are kicking open the doors for potential medical treatments. They also show the wisdom of the Legislature in funding such research here in Oklahoma.

Thanks to the 2009 efforts of state Rep. John Enns, R-Enid, the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust committed $5.5 million over several years for adult stem cell research; the Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research exists as a result. The center's scientific director, Paul Kincade, notes OCASCR has already awarded 26 research grants and will soon present 10 more. Those grants have funded research to repair lungs injured by smoking, strengthen bones softened by osteoporosis, and reverse conditions like atherosclerosis, dementia, blindness and diabetes.