Financial Times: Scientists fear US research will fall behind

[seafan]

Scientists fear US research will fall behind

By Rebecca Knight in Boston
Updated: 11:13 p.m. ET July 19, 2006

The US scientific community expressed frustration and disappointment yesterday at the announcement that President George W. Bush would veto bipartisan legislation to ease restrictions on embryonic stem cell research.
"It's not surprising but it's very sad," said Terry Devitt, a director at the University of Wisconsin's stem cell research programme. "The president has affirmed a policy that is out of step with both science and public opinion. It means we may have to wait for a new president to move this type of research into the clinic."

The expected presidential veto also stoked fears among scientists that the US will fall behind in stem cell research, a trend already taking place in fields such as technology and engineering.
"It is certainly giving a leg up to our foreign competitors like Singapore, the UK and Korea. Science is a very competitive business to begin with and when there are policies in place that tie the hands of American scientists, our lead is a big risk," said Mr Devitt.

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"This is a science that could have tremendous impact on our population," said David Scadden, professor of medicine at Harvard University and a physician at Massachusetts General Hospital.
"We all have a stake in this and the stake is the diseases that we could find therapies for," said Dr Scadden. "It's a problem of lost opportunity."

snip

Another concern is that scientists will leave the US to work in other countries that have ramped up their embryonic stem cell projects.
Harvey Lodish, professor of biological engineering at MIT's Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, said he was worried about younger scientists choosing not to work in the US because of "uncertain funding and uncertain career prospects".

[Erika]

1. Yes, the U.S. it trailing in scientists and funding

W thinks Dobson and Falwell will provide needed info.

[DELUSIONAL]

2. Well Duh . . . .

[Joe Bacon]

3. Gee, Who needs science when you have Jesus?

We're well on our way to becoming a third rate nation thanks to Jesus Lysenkoism.

It's only a matter of time before China overtakes us. You can bet that the Chinese are LAUGHING their asses off at how stupid the Nazi Republican Party leadership is!