Government Sientists ‘Stunned’ by Stem Cell Decision

Government scientists 'stunned' by stem cell decision

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced Tuesday that some research using stem cells would continue, but new studies would be suspended following a ruling made Monday by a federal judge. The decision blocks President Barack Obama's order in 2009 to increase funding for embryonic stem cell research.

“I was stunned, as was virtually everyone here at NIH,” director Francis Collins said.

U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth ruled that the executive order ran counter to an existing ban to destroy embryos using federal funds.

In a news conference, Collins said that “Stem cell research offers true potential for scientific discovery, and hope for families. This decision has just poured sand into that engine of discovery.”

Shortly after the judge's decision, Justice Department spokeswoman Tracy Schalmer said that the agency would appeal the ruling.

According to Collins, important research on spinal cord injury and diabetes and new drug screening would come to an abrupt end because of the ruling.

“Researchers who have been so energized by opportunities made available over last year may move on to other countries and other fields of research,” he said.

Jerome Zack, associate director of the UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research Center was “shocked, discouraged and confused” about the ruling.

Another stem cell researcher expressed uncertainty over future research. “We've basically emptied out our toolbox for human developmental studies,” said Renee Reijo Pera, director of the Stanford Center for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research.

She said the ruling may force stem cell researchers to find other alternative sources of funding like those sourced from the private sector, to continue their work.

Posted by George Daniels on Thursday August 26 2010, 10:08 AM EST. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0