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STEM
CELL RESEARCH Update Embryonic Stem Cell Research has been an internationally hot topic for the past few years. It has received a massive amount of media play since 2002. This research is of particular interest to those living with Type 1 diabetes and their families who have been hoping for a cure since the day they were diagnosed. Needless to say, my favourite event at Reality Check Live was the presentation from leading stem cell advocate and researcher Dr. Martin Pera from Monash University. His speech had a unique style rarely found in academics. He was able to explain complex research with a sense of reality and humour and also did very well not to "dumb it down". At question time he gave realistic answers to people’s questions. When asked if this was the miracle everyone had been waiting for, he did not give the typical “there will be a cure in 5 years” spiel we have all heard too many times. The reality is that this research is the most promising hope for a cure at this point in time. The Australian government has passed a law to allow limited research to continue, however it is only the first step in the right direction on their part and everyone needs to keep pushing them until they go all the way. It is also true that money and resources do not grow on trees and therefore it will take a lot of time and persistence from researchers, the public and organisations like the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to make things happen Dr. Pera’s research gives us real hope that one day we will be free from diabetes. I personally found it amazing to meet someone who is dedicating his life’s work to helping people with diabetes. It made the cure seem real and within reach in our lifetime and that hope is what keeps me going. Sheena, Sydney |