NEWS: 112 University presidents appeal to Bush to allow funds for stem cell research

[Murray Charters <Murray_Charters@xxxxxxxxx>]

University presidents appeal to Bush to allow funds for stem
cell research
President has signaled he may block federal aid
WASHINGTON - More than 100 university presidents have
asked President Bush to maintain federal rules that permit funding
for limited embryonic stem cell research.

In a letter sent yesterday, 112 university leaders called discovery
of such cells "one of the most promising biomedical developments
in years." They said the research holds promise toward finding
cures for Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, cancer, Parkinson's
disease, heart disease and spinal cord injuries.

At issue are stem cells, the building blocks for all human tissue.
They can be derived from aborted fetuses, fertility clinics'
discarded embryos or from adults. All types are under intense
study, but embryonic stem cells have generated the most
scientific excitement because they appear to be the most flexible.

Many anti-abortion groups oppose such research, and Bush has
signaled he may block federal money from financing it. He wants
scientists to focus only on adult stem cells.

Privately financed scientists have culled stem cells from embryos
donated by parents, a process that destroys the embryo, and
multiplied those cells in laboratories. Now the National Institutes
of Health plan to pay for embryonic stem cell research using only
those lab-grown cell lines since NIH scientists can't touch
additional embryos.

Copyright © 2001, The Baltimore Sun



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