Missouri is missing out on stem-cell research

[proud2BlibKansan]

Opposition and uncertainty have caused scientists to locate elsewhere


Embryonic stem-cell science is moving forward. It’s maddening that narrow political opposition is restricting Missouri’s research facilities from sharing in the breakthroughs.

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Because some interest groups and politicians are determined to use their religious views to restrict science, Missouri has become a hotbed for opponents of the somatic cell method. They claim the ball of cells created and destroyed has the status of a human being.

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The lead researcher at the Harvard lab that produced one of the breakthroughs, Kevin Eggan, turned down a job offer several years ago from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. Eggan said he loved the Stowers’ facility and mission, but he couldn’t risk setting up a lab in a state where politicians threatened to criminalize stem-cell research.

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A scientist who worked with Jaenisch on his latest discovery turned down a recent offer from the Stowers Institute, also because of uncertainty.

Some politicians in Jefferson City want to overturn last year’s public vote protecting stem-cell research.

As the news makes clear, embryonic stem-cell research is moving ahead. Yet misguided political opposition threatens to keep Missouri out of the march.

http://www.kansascity.com/340/story/143796.html