Wired Science Issues Stem-Cell Challenge to Fred Thompson

Fred Thompson was the only republican presidential candidates to comment directly on last week's major stem-cell breakthrough on the same day. He had the cojones to issue the following statement, which made reference to a questionable list of 73 "treatments" derived from adult stem cells:

"There is exciting news for patients today. In yet another breakthrough for adult cell research, scientists have made normal human skin cells take on the relevant properties of embryonic stem cells. That is in addition to 73 breakthroughs for adult and cord blood research to date. There are still no embryonic stem cell breakthroughs. [...]

"We all want to find cures to help people with chronic illnesses. Adult cells have provided breakthroughs for many illnesses including ovarian and breast cancer, Juvenile Diabetes, Parkinson's Disease, and Sickle Cell Anemia. Today's announcement is just one more indication that our current policy in relying only on adult cells is working."

The Thompson campaign finally responded today to my repeated inquiries asking whether Thompson was referring to David Prentice's disputed list of 73 adult stem-cell treatments, including brain, ovarian and testicular cancer. Campaign spokesperson Darrel Ng confirmed that Thompson's statements were indeed a reference to this list.

We at Wired Science think that people suffering from these 73 conditions would love to know where they can receive these cord blood and adult stem-cell treatments. So to Thompson, we issue a challenge: Provide a list of locations where Americans can receive these treatments.

If you cannot, your pants are most definitely on fire.