while revising through stem cells just now, i realised there's an irony underlying the use of embyronic stems. for those who do not take bio, here's a short intro to 2 types of stem cells:

totipotent stem cells: i.e a fertilised egg + its first few divisions. these stem cells can differentiate into ANY type of cells, including forming a fetus.

embryonic stem cells: derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst on the 4th/5th day after fertilisation, these stem cells are pluripotent (can differentiate into any type of cells excluding placenta and other supporting tissue), and they cannot develop into a fetus because its only the inner cell mass that's extracted, lacking the trophoblast which provides placenta and supporting tissue for development.

hence scientists base their ethical ground on the argument that extracting embryonic stem cells is LESS UNETHICAL than extracting the fertilised egg itself or its first few divisions.

i find this quite an irony because when they extract the inner cell mass, they are indirectly disrupting the formation of a fetus as well, and how is that in anyway less unethical than extracting a fertilised egg in its whole form?

ok so that's some food for thought.

on a separate note, yesterday grace brought her friend, daniel leung to cell group. we had quite a lot of fun playing jungle snap and bang in the foodcourt after cell itself. i got to know him a bit better as well, that he's an ex bone cancer patient, and now he's visiting various churches to see how God is exalted differently. 3 hours later back at home i found myself reading the blog of this new friend. it was quite inspiring reading about his battle with cancer, and other entries as well. it touched me in a different way i guess, seeing how God's love and glory is reflected through suffering and pain..and that perhaps my trials and burdens pale much in comparison.

anyhow, it was nice meeting you, daniel :) here's cheers to your future.