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Stem Cell Research Moves Forward In The US

maniacdavid writes "President George Bush has finally made a clear and final decision on stem cell research. He will allow the existing 60 cell lines to continue their development in the hopes of curing a disease. He said the choice was difficult because of his stand on against stem cell funding during his campaign. But he allowed the 60 to continue because the choice between life and death was already made. This is good for both sides and many people are pleased. " Granted, there's the issue of these 60 lines viability, but at least it's not a total federal funding ban, as was widely expected. As well, there's increased funding on stem cells obtained from adults, umbilical cords, placentas and animals - 250$US million this year, which is still a pittance when you consider the potentials of stem cells.

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  1. Bush Says "Um, Okay" To Stem Cell Research by tenzig_112 · · Score: 5, Funny

    "I'm just a boy who can't say no," said George W. Bush as he announced his decision to allow public funding of stem cell research. The President then burst into a medley of other songs from Oklahoma before someone reminded him that he had a speech to finish.

    Some worry that in their push to get the funding approved, biologists have over-promised the potential of stem cells. Several scientists who testified on the issue have had to issue clarifications in recent days. For example, stem cell research will not one day lead to free trips to Disney World. And the field of study will likely never lead to the long-awaited vaccine for Cooties.

    Time will tell.

    Click here for the full story.

  2. Send in the clones! by joel_archer · · Score: 5, Funny

    I want my replacement body parts, and I want them at reasonable prices.

    1. Re:Send in the clones! by Microsift · · Score: 2, Funny

      They'll probably cost an arm and a leg.

      --
      My other sig is extremely clever...
  3. Reminds me of his father by WoWo · · Score: 1, Funny

    His father said "Read my lips no new taxes". W said "No federal funded embryonic stem cell research". Will this haunt him like his father's campaign pledge did?

  4. "Read My Lips... by Saeger · · Score: 1, Funny

    ...No New FrankenSpooge."

    --
    Power to the Peaceful
  5. A Step In The Right Direction by Dr_Cheeks · · Score: 3, Funny
    Well I, for one, am glad at this. I just hate it when a large predator attacks me, bites down on a limb, and I'm unable to shed it and grow a new one.

    This (or possibly having several extra limbs grafted on so I've got more to spare) looks like the most promising research to facilitate this defence mechanism. Hooray for George W!

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  6. Jennifer Lungs Hewitt by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

    Most of you probably know that the US Congress recently passed a bill prohibiting stem cell research. Prohibiting may not be the correct work, I don't know all the details. Frankly, I don't care. The point is, I think America desperately needs human cloning, and here's why: How else will we be able to transplant the organs of celebrities into our own bodies? It's not like they'll give up their own. What do you think would happen if you walked up to Alec Baldwin and said, "Hey, I really loved 'The Hunt For Red October'. Can I have your kidneys?" He would probably laugh. Or call the police. Or just kick your ass right there because he's a movie star and he can do whatever he wants. However, if we could clone Alec Baldwin and raise his kidneys from scratch in a test tube, anyone could have them! Even you and me! Think of the possibilities! Is 85 beats a minute too much for your circulation system? Supplement your own pulse with an inexpensive and ever-so-helpful Bob New-Heart. Talk about breathtaking! Who needs a respirator when you could have a brand new pair of Jennifer Lungs Hewitt? It wouldn't have to stop at just celebrities either. World leaders could donate their DNA to the cause. You could become a dermatologists dream with a Henry Hide, or finally get back your regularity with the increasingly popular Colon Powell. Feeling too small to get any action? Well, you won't anymore with your Dick Cheney (Or for the ladies, a George W. Bust). Sadly, however, Washington has made its decision. Goodbye Kathy Eye-reland! So long Brain Dennehy! Sure, outlawing celebrity organ transplants could have some positive effects, like preventing the occurence of Anthony Michael Gall Stones, but how could anyone digest food without their Pancreas-topher Reeves? Thanks, Congress, for destroying my dreams. Thanks a lot. Zeitgeist godmonkey.com

  7. Dan Rather by Ratbert42 · · Score: 2, Funny
    My favorite part of the coverage is when Dan Rather said something like:
    This is a very complicated subject. If you are really interested in it, I would suggest that you pick up one of the better newspapers tomorrow.
  8. Re:Animals... by Deskpoet · · Score: 1, Funny

    When you take stem cells from an animal, there is still the issue of life and death. Why is it different to kill an animal as opposed to a human EMBRYO?

    WHY indeed.

    The answer is that we hairless apes are BETTER than our fellow animals. We invented nuclear fission, spilled oil in Alaska, strip forests bear in South America, and heat up the planet with greenhouse gas emissions. See, we have the technology and the talent to keep the animals where they belong--where God told us to keep them--as vassals in our great corporate democracy.

    The great thing about stem cells research is that, if the industry's company flacks are correct, we'll be able to extend the lifespan of individuals of the most hateful species the planet has ever seen *indefinitely*. Think of the possibilities!

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    "The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws."--Tacitus, The Histories