Stem cell supporters await their Obama moment

[babylonsister]

Stem cell supporters await their Obama moment

By Maggie Fox, Health and Science Editor

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Stem cell advocates and researchers are eagerly awaiting the moment next year when president-elect Barack Obama rescinds a directive that limits federal funding of human embryonic stem-cell research.

The directive was one of President George W. Bush's first major acts after taking office in 2001, and Obama plans to reverse it quickly, according to the co-chair of his transition team, John Podesta.

The result should be a surge of funding and interest, said David Greenwood of Geron Corp., whose shares were up more than 10 percent on Monday along with those of other companies with a heavy interest in the field.

"We have been waiting for the day," Greenwood said in a telephone interview.

"Hallelujah -- at last!" agreed Dr. Robert Lanza of Massachusetts-based Advanced Cell Technology, which has been struggling to find funding.

more...

http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE4A97JJ20081110?feedType=RSS&feedName=politicsNews&rpc=22&sp=true

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

1. I'm very excited about a pro-science administration.

Which is why the Kennedy rumor has me non-plussed.

[babylonsister]

3. Me, too, especially the idea of stem cell research.

Are you non-plussed because of Kennedy's reputation for not being so inquisitive? I have read that he often gets his facts wrong, but others seem to love him.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

4. He does a little more then gets the facts wrong.

He's gotten his facts wrong, ignored all contradictory evidence, invented conspiracy theories, and viciously attacked his opponents.

"Are you non-plussed because of Kennedy's reputation for not being so inquisitive?"

Kennedy's not non-inquisitive. He's anti-science. As bad as any Creationist, IMO.

[babylonsister]

5. Really. Good to know. I know

David Swanson recently had an article up promoting Kennedy. Puzzling.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=4393022

I'll be reading through these threads. Thanks for the heads-up.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

6. This is a big issue in the Science and Skeptics forums.

And among noted scientists:

http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2008/11/say_it_aint_so_barack_say_you_aint_serio.php

[babylonsister]

8. Skeptic-at times, scientist-never! I've not paid much attention to

names floating around because I believe no one knows nada til it's announced.
I imagine Obama's transition team is aware of his background, or at least hope so.

[proud2BlibKansan]

7. He is an activist, not a scientist

And his theory on vaccines is way out in left field.

[babylonsister]

9. Any idea who started floating his name to begin with? nt

[proud2BlibKansan]

10. No and I don't think he is seriously being considered

[winggirle]

2. awesome....

I have to agree...Pres. Obama may bring a few things back that were of major importants...we shall see...

taff

[LynzM]

11. I can't wait for this research to get going!

As a Type 1 diabetic, this hits *really* close to home. Am thrilled that we will finally be joining Europe in this...

[CPschem]

12. Same here LynzM!

As another Type 1 I've been waiting a really long time for real research to be done in this country. I'm looking forward to January when I'll finally remove the "I Support Stem Cell Research" sticker from my car. :)