THERE is considerable debate in certain circles in the US over whether stem cells from adults will be as effective in treating disease as those from embryos. The White House, which opposes the use of human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) on ethical grounds, argues that we don’t need them since adult stem cells show great promise. This point has been central to the political discussions over whether to lift President George W. Bush’s restrictions on federal funding for research into human ESCs. The House of Representatives voted to lift them in January and the Senate will vote soon.
Among the…
