Health

Scientists Discuss Local Progress on Stem Cell Research

By Maureen Cavanaugh / KPBS Midday Edition Co-Host

Published May 4, 2009 at 9:46 AM PDT

This story was published more than 14 years ago.

Embryologist Ric Ross pulls out vials of human embryos from a liquid Nitrogen storage container at the La Jolla IVF Clinic February 28, 2007 in La Jolla, California. The clinic accepts donated embryos from around the country through The Stem Cell resource which are then given to stem cell research labs for research.

Scientists Discuss Local Progress on Stem Cell Research

Nearly five years ago, California voters decided to provide $3 billion for human embryonic stem cell research. Despite continued debate over using human embryos, the progress and promise of stem cell research to treat disease marches forward.

Maureen Cavanaugh: As the saying goes, President Obama, "with a stroke of his pen," ushered in a new era in stem cell research. In March, the president lifted restrictions against the use of federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. That one act removed a huge barrier to what is a very promising area of medical science. Researchers have been telling us for several years now that stem cells may provide therapies and even cures for a variety of terrible illnesses including Parkinsons and Alzheimer's disease.

In this installment of our monthly series on Science and Ethics, we'll get an update on stem cell research - and hear about both the old and new ethical questions about that research.

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Guests

Michael Kalichman, neuroscientist at UCSD, and co-director of the Center for Ethics in Science and Technology.

Catriona Jamieson, professor of medicine at UCSD and director of the Stem Cell Research Program at Moores UCSD Cancer Center.