Stem Cell Research 101

The controversial issue of stem cell research has been in the news recently. Ronald Reagan's son Ronnie gave a speech on the benefits of stem cell research at the Democratic National Convention in Boston. Ronnie Jr.'s speech was interesting because of the way he concluded it, with something along of the lines of, "Whomever you vote for this election, support stem cell research." Clearly, Bush does not support stem cell research, and Kerry does, so I found the ambiguity he attempted a bit puzzling, but no matter. It's also in the news in California, particularly, because a combination of Silicon Valley capitalists, Hollywood actors and actresses, and Nobel laureates are being vocal about backing a measure on California's election ballot that would allot $3 billion to human embryonic stem cell experiments. If you're thinking that's a lot of money, it is; it would be the most money ever devoted to any scientific research program by a state in this country. Read on for more information regarding this measure and stem cell research in general.

The measure, Proposition 71, carefully navigates around the Bush administration's restrictions on the funding of stem cell research. If the measure passes, it would be the most extensive stem cell research program in the United States, bigger than all existent privately and publicly financed endeavors. If the measure passes, the state would disperse almost 300 million dollars a year for ten years to diverse research programs for human embryonic stem cell experiments. It would support cell cloning intended only for research but forbid cloning to create humans.

Stem cell research has become an extremely controversial issue, with opposing sides. The side that supports stem cell research encompasses scientists, victims of particular degenerative diseases, biotechnology companies, and sympathizers. Those who do not support stem cell research include the Roman Catholic Church and various conservative groups who view cloning of cells and destruction of day-old embryos as murder or a variant of abortion. In 2001, Bush effected a policy that restricts federal funding of stem cell research. Kerry has asserted that if he is elected he will nullify the existent policy and effectively reverse its restrictions.

Stem cells were first discovered in 1997 (remember when Dolly was cloned?). Stem cells are harvested from embryos. The embryos are destroyed in the harvesting process. Many scientists believe that stem cells, which can potentially evolve into any specific human tissue, could be used to treat people suffering from diseases ranging from diabetes to Alzheimer's to Parkinson's.

"Stem cell-based therapies have the potential to alleviate suffering for millions of Americans," said Leonard Zon, president of the International Society for Stem Cell Research. The people who are pro-Proposition 71 side have already raised over 12 million dollars for funding. Bill Gates has contributed to the fund, as well as other internet moguls and over 22 Nobel laureates. Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger has not yet spoken publicly of his position on the measure. He has said previously that he supports stem cell research, but has also committed to fiscal conservatism with California's budget.

This is the first of a number of articles on stem cell research. The next article will be about the advent and potential for treating arthritis with stem cell transplants.