Posted on Wednesday, 25th August 2010 by Marcus Gollan
A federal judge’s ruling against government funding of embryonic stem cell research could cost a handful of research projects at the University of Minnesota millions of dollars in federal grants.
The director of the school’s Stem Cell Institute said eight projects could be affected by Monday’s ruling from U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth in Washington, D.C. He overturned President Obama’s 2009 executive order that eased limits on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.
“It’s a ridiculous ruling,” institute director Jonathan Slack told the Star Tribune in a story published Thursday. “This is actually going to harm adult stem cell research very seriously.”
That’s because, while the school’s experiments are aimed at using adult stem cells, scientists need embryonic cells as controls to measure progress. University researchers are hoping to find new treatments for cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other ailments.
Lamberth ruled that Obama’s policy violated a federal law against funding research on human embryos. The ruling was cheered by groups that oppose such research on moral grounds.
William Poehler, communications director of Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, praised the ruling in a press release. He called embryonic stem cell research “outdated” and said “we must not destroy human life for the possible benefit of others.”
The White House has vowed to appeal but scientists are bracing for fallout. Slack said he’s not certain if grants will be cut off immediately but if the ruling stands, he estimates the university stands to lose several million dollars in expected future grants.
Slack said if research under way at the University of Minnesota pans out, embryonic cells could be rendered unnecessary to research within a decade. But he said a cutoff now would “really be catastrophic.”
Similar Posts:
- Stem cell ruling huge blow to U.S. science
- Patients optimistic about successful stem cell transplant to cure HIV
- UCLA researchers develop new screening system to find brain cancer stem cell killers:
- Stem cells may show promise for people with rapidly progressing MS
- New Funding Opportunities to Assist Innovative Small Businesses Announced: NCI News Note
Tags: Cell Research, Ruling, Stem Cell, Stem Cell Research
Posted in Health Guide | No Comments »