Article on US Policy Toward Stem Cells

Article on US Policy Toward Stem Cells

The on-line, open access journal Stem Cells has published an article by Mahendra Rao about the effects of US policy on embryonic stem cell research. Rao recently left the NIH to work for a biotech company because of the limitations on federal funding. The article discusses some of the consequences of the policy, such as the limits on resources that would otherwise be available through federal funding, and raises a number of questions that highlight the ambiguity and poorly-thought out nature of the policy. There’s an accompanying editorial which lays out some of the concerns. The article is only a few pages, and is written in non-technical language; I encourage anyone who is interested in the embryonic stem cell debate to read it fully.

Connecticut Scientists Can Begin Grant Applications

Connecticut Scientists Can Begin Grant Applications

The Connecticut Stem Cell Research Advisory Committee yesterday approved guidelines for grants for stem cell research, and applications can begin today, according to the Hartford Courant. Up to $20 million of the $100 million allocated over 10 years will be distributed, some as early as September. Letters of intent are due within three weeks, and grant applications themselves by July 10.

Grants eligible for funding include those seeking money to construct separate laboratory facilities for embryonic stem cell research, up to $4 million for collaborative research (between scientists from different disciplines or different institutions), and up to $1 million for established researchers working alone. Young scientists can receive up to $250,000 to get their research started.

This program is one that I am really interested in, because it seems to be grounded in common sense. I also like the emphasis on collaboration across disciplines and institutions (won’t it be fun when the universities go to court for patent rights?) because I think that can really advance the science. And it reduces the chances of an environment where research fraud could occur.