More on Stem Cell Research

The New York Times has a good article on the history of the limitations on stem cell research in the United States. It concludes:

But scientists are still merely at the threshold of understanding how the body’s 200 different types of cell interact with one another. It seems likely to be years before biologists know all the settings that must be adjusted in a human cell’s chromosomes to make it become a well-behaved cone cell in the retina or a dopamine-making neuron of the type destroyed in Parkinson’s.

The Washington Post also has an article on stem cell research today, focusing on the possibility that Maryland's $18.4 million budget for stem cell research this year may be cut. The article stresses:

Even critics acknowledge that interest in Maryland's program -- which also funds other, less controversial types of stem cell research -- has been strong. During fiscal 2008, the program received 122 applications for funding, of which 58 were approved, including research related to prostate cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer, cartilage repair and liver regeneration.

Even recognizing that severe cuts are going to have to be made in the state budget, this is not the place to do so. First there is a considerable sunk cost which has gone into the preparation of 147 research proposals, and it would be wasted if none are funded. Moreover, scientists who have competed for funds in good faith tend to go elsewhere if the government reneges on the promise of funding.

The more important arguments are:

• Stem cell research is important, offering huge potential for biomedical applications as well as for the creation of knowledge:
• Maryland has a great potential in this field with Johns Hopkins, the NIH, and other research centers, and may well develop an important commercial hub with stable funding for the early stage research;
• Federal funding will not flow this year in adequate amounts, and indeed as other states are cutting back, it is an opportunity for Maryland to get a further lead.

The total needed is quite small in comparison with the Maryland budget and should be protected.