Why Stem Cells are the Future, and Why They Aren’t Going Away

            I take you back to a land ago, in 1953.  Watson and Crick make a great find, and discover the double helix of DNA.  Speed it up 50 years later, and we’ve compiled the complete sequence of the 3 billion DNA bases for the entire human body, and are now working to further understand these.  Why so long between the two for such a fast growing field?  The major factor for the growth was the invention of the computer, which could make things so much simpler in many ways.  It’s now an industry that’s growing exponentially, and is ready to make major breakthroughs. 

Genetics as we know it will be a key factor into our everyday lives in the very near future.  A week or so ago, a heart attack in an animal was successfully treated using stem cells, and other research is giving us the imagination to perceive what’s down the line, such as customized medicine geared to work toward your genetic structure, reversing many crippling diseases, and understanding what type of diet your specific body needs.  Imagine it, your child, once suffering severe mental retardation or having an amazing debilitating disease that will terminate your child within the next year, or even having a child with allergies.  Gone.  Amazing, isnt it?

And yet, people seem to dislike stem cells, which seem to be the mask on the face of genetics in general.  Firstly, stem cells are only a branch of genetics, and not a dominating factor in it.  Secondly, stem cells are as great a thing as the other cures that can be imagined, but have been given a wicked name, that 10% of something that brings down the other 90%.  Think, our very next leader could have died about....now, because some genetical defect destroyed him or her.  

Yes, stem cells have been taken from embryos, thereby ‘killing’ them.  However, you can also collect stem cells from the umbilical cord, and also take cells in the placenta that may function similarly to stem cells, both of which do nothing to damage any human.  The advances that will be done within the next ten years will astound you, and beyond twenty years, things that we’ve never dreamed of have become a daily lifesaver.  So yes, the science community has made their mistakes, but if you look closely, you’ll see that they are hard at work searching for an alternative.  So if you just look past the black mask you’ll see a bright future for you and me.  Please, support our scientists. 

-Andrew

O’Connor’s Retirement Seems Flighty 

Fruit. A food group that provides one with nourishment, but other than that, offers one no other gifts; unless, of course, you happen to be me on August 2, 2005.

I stood in a bustling supermarket, racking my brain for ideas concerning my next column, with a deadline quickly approaching. Under these circumstances, I would not even be in the store at all, but I had discovered that I was running low on the best food on the planet: tomatoes! As I carefully selected my fruit, I was distracted by a rather bizarre commotion behind me. There was a scream, followed by several bird-like squawks. Curious, I turned my head immediately to discover that my suspicions were confirmed. Only about thirty-five feet away from the tomato table emerged an interesting-looking woman, who was indeed draped in seagulls head to toe. Shocked shoppers gaped open-mouthed at her as she struggled with the automatic door.

I instantly ran to assist the woman out of pure empathy, for I, too, had once been stranded in a grocery store with A Flock of Seagulls. (Believe me: I ran. I ran so far away; I had to get away.) Frantically, I inquired about her health, for it looked as though all air paths were blocked by dozens of winged creatures at the moment. After several muffled cries, I comprehended the woman’s intended message and relieved her arms and face of their position as a perching area, taking a few birds for my own limbs.

I drew in my breath with a gasp the moment her face was revealed—at that moment, it was apparent that I was standing face-to-face with Sandra Day O’Connor. ...holding her birds.

After a few moments of pathetic begging and pleading proved unsuccessful to acquire an interview, I resorted to threats. (Never would I have guessed that I would be thanking the randomized ‘Connections Courses’ at my middle school. However, at this moment, “Violent Bird Handling for Dummies, Part 2” truly did come in handy!) 

The Blue Tomato: Thanks for being here today.

Sandra Day O’Connor: …sure.

TBT: Do tell us, how has life been since retirement? You publicly stated that you needed the time to spend with your ill husband.

SO: Well…yes, that’s what I said.

TBT: Is there more to the story?

SO: I really wasn’t planning on informing the nation of my real plans… but you’re so charming, and you have such a way with words! More Americans should be like you, Adrianna.

TBT: Thank you. I know. Please continue with your story.

SO: Right. Well, actually, I’ve pretty much been breeding birds this whole time.

TBT: You gave up your seat as a Supreme Court Justice for…birds?!?

SO: Is there a problem?

TBT: You were so important to the U.S.! As a semi-liberal republican, you acted as the swing vote on many controversial issues, like abortion! Being the first woman appointed to the position of Supreme Court Justice, you were an amazing help to Women’s and Minorities’ rights!

SO: Yes, but birds have always been a passion of mine.

TBT: …Right. So, John Roberts, your replacement- what are your thoughts?

SO:  I’m really not sure.  There’s a difference between what I can publicly state and what I really think, you know.  I wouldn’t want to lose my reputation.

TBT:  (Looking at birds) No….no, you certainly wouldn’t want to do that.  But honestly, can you tell The Tomato a little about what you’re thinking?

SO:  Well…Roberts is only 50…which is quite young for a Supreme Court Justice.  The youngest the U.S. has ever had, I believe.

TBT:  Then of course there is the issue of his party.

SO:  I’m aware that he is highly conservative… I suppose I wasn’t expecting Bush to appoint a liberal, but at least having some variation of ideas within the government would help.  Though that doesn’t seem to be happening, now does it?

TBT:  Certainly not. 

SO: Oh look! Petey is loosing his feathers again! I’ve decided that Petey and Pinky are my two favorite birds…they’re interesting to watch when—

TBT: No offense, but, can we please focus on important issues? 

SO: Well! Offense taken! I took precious time out of my bird food shopping for this impromptu interview, and you’re very ungrateful! I certainly hope there aren’t many Americans like you, Adrianna. 

Thus, the interview ends before it begins. Strange? I believe so. But at least now the public knows the real reason for O’Connor’s retirement. Ah, yes, I believe Sandra Day O’Connor has “left the nest” and “gone to the birds”.   

-Adrianna