Read this fascinating article about the research that lead to how messenger RNA (mRNA) was developed and then employed by Derrick Rossi to change adult stem cells to act like pluripotent embryonic cells. This is some of the research and development that has led to the development of the newly release COVID-19 vaccines. He wanted to find a source for these cells that did not include human embryonic cell lines.
“He wondered whether modified messenger RNA might hold the key to obtaining something else researchers desperately wanted: a new source of embryonic stem cells…
In a feat of biological alchemy, embryonic stem cells can turn into any type of cell in the body. That gives them the potential to treat a dizzying array of conditions, from Parkinson’s disease to spinal cord injuries.
But using those cells for research had created an ethical firestorm because they are harvested from discarded embryos.
Rossi thought he might be able to sidestep the controversy. He would use modified messenger molecules to reprogram adult cells so that they acted like embryonic stem cells.
He asked a postdoctoral fellow in his lab to explore the idea. In 2009, after more than a year of work, the postdoc waved Rossi over to a microscope. Rossi peered through the lens and saw something extraordinary: a plate full of the very cells he had hoped to create.”[i]
Read the whole article here:
The story of mRNA: How a once-dismissed idea became a leading technology in the Covid vaccine race
Looking for more information on the new COVID-19 vaccines?
Read the December 14, 2020 statement of the United Stated Conference of Catholic Bishops:
U.S. Bishop Chairmen for Pro-Life and Doctrine Address Ethical Concerns on the New COVID-19 Vaccines [ii] regarding the developing and recently FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines.
Read Pennsylvania Catholic Conferences has received the following updates and clarifications from the USCCB regarding developing Covid-19 vaccines[iii]
[i] Damian Garde — STAT @damiangarde and Jonathan Saltzman — Boston Globe, Damian Garde, Jonathan Saltzman — Boston Globe, About the Authors Reprints Damian Garde National Biotech Reporter Damian covers biotech and writes The Readout newsletter. damian.garde@statnews.com @damiangarde Jonathan Saltzman — Bost, Damian Garde National Biotech Reporter Damian covers biotech and writes The Readout newsletter. damian.garde@statnews.com @damiangarde, Robert J Walczak says: Arlete A M Coelho-Castelo says: et al. “The Story of MRNA: From a Loose Idea to a Tool That May Help Curb Covid.” STAT, November 11, 2020. https://www.statnews.com/2020/11/10/the-story-of-mrna-how-a-once-dismissed-idea-became-a-leading-technology-in-the-covid-vaccine-race/.
[ii] United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Office of Public Affairs. “U.S. Bishop Chairmen for Pro-Life and
Doctrine Address Ethical Concerns on the New COVID-19 Vaccines.” USCCB. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, December 14, 2020. https://www.usccb.org/news/2020/us-bishop-chairmen-pro-life-and-doctrine-address-ethical-concerns-new-covid-19-vaccines.
[iii] “Eric Failing from the Pennsylvania Catholic Conferences Has Received the Following Updates and Clarifications from the USCCB Regarding Developing Covid-19 Vaccines.” Office for Life and Family. Accessed December 14, 2020. http://phillycatholiclife.org/life-affirming-choices-3/covid-19-vaccines-explained/.
Posted December 17, 2020
