August 1, 2004: Stem Cell Research - Dr. Ronald Klatz

Dr. Ronald Klatz, physician founder and president of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, joins Art Bell to discuss stem cell research after cave explorer Bonnie Crystal reports from Lima, Peru. Crystal describes discovering thousands of unexplored caves in the Andes at elevations reaching 14,000 feet, ancient writing resembling Chinese kanji on cave walls, and a rock carving beneath Machu Picchu that bears a striking resemblance to the grey alien figure. She describes descending 600-foot ropes into pitch darkness where prehistoric bones litter the cave floors.

Klatz explains that stem cells are pluripotent cells capable of becoming any of the body's 200 cell types, and have already demonstrated the ability to regenerate damaged heart tissue, reverse diabetes in thousands of patients, and improve Parkinson's disease symptoms. Klatz emphasizes that embryonic stem cells can be produced in laboratory glassware without harming any woman or destroying any potential human life.

Klatz argues that the federal moratorium on embryonic stem cell research is driven by anti-abortion lobbying and pharmaceutical industry interests that profit from treating chronic disease rather than curing it. He notes that England, Singapore, and India are racing ahead with government-funded stem cell programs while American researchers remain restricted.