STEM CELL SEMINAR FOR PUBLIC IN D.C.

What: A one-day primer sponsored by The Johns Hopkins University for policymakers, journalists and citizens interested in stem cell research. Topics include the latest developments in both laboratories and legislatures and the debate over ethical issues.

When: Tuesday, Nov. 15; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. EST.

Where: Hilton Washington, 1919 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
Lincoln East and Monroe Rooms

Who:
* Researchers John Gearhart, Johns Hopkins; Howard Zucker, Columbia University
*Research leaders Chi Dang, Johns Hopkins; William B. Neaves, president, Stowers Institute for Medical Research
* Research funder Zach Hall, president, California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
* Bioethicists Hilary Bok, Kathy Hudson and Ruth Faden, Johns Hopkins; Alfonso Gomez-Lobo, Georgetown University
* Rep. Mike Castle, R-Del., co-sponsor of the Castle-DeGette Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, intended to accelerate progress toward medical breakthroughs by opening more stem cell lines to federally funded research.

Why: Stem cell research has opened the door to major advances in human health. Ethical and political concerns, however, greatly complicate the research. Stem Cell Research 101 will bring interested laypersons up to speed on the latest in the science and the debates about the science. It will bring frontline researchers, research policymakers, ethicists and political leaders together to discuss the issues from their perspectives.

Logistics: The cost, including lunch, is $125. Call 1-800-548-5481.

Further details are available on the release.