President Obama is expected to lift the ban on federal funding for research on stem cells.it should be official by Monday.
President Bush blocked the use of government monies to fund research on human embryonic stem cell lines created after August 09/2001.
Scientists say stem cell research will definitely lead to medical breakthroughs.
Some religious groups still oppose the research .We'll have to drag them,kicking and screaming into the 21st century.
The stem cells used in the research are harvested from unused embryos created as a result of in vitro fertilization at fertility clinics.These embryos would normally have been destroyed after a certain period of time.What a waste of viable cells.The stem cell is a chameleon like cell that can transform itself into any other type of human cell,be it bone,muscle or nerve.One embryo can provide a limitless supply,because the cell lines can be grown indefinitely.Researchers have also been developing techniques to create stem cells without using embryos,by modifying other types of cells.Some of the first people to benefit from this research will probably be those paralyized by spinal chord injuries.
Dr.George Daley of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute,said,"I feel vindicated after eight years of struggle.I know it's going to energize my team."
President Obama said,"The restrictions placed on funding of 'human embryonic stem cell research'have handcuffed our scientists."He also indicated,we need to keep pace with the rest of the scientific world....Kudos Mr.Pres.
