Stem cells

March 9, 2009 -- "I thank you for your executive order on federal support for human embryonic stem cell research, and applaud your decision to issue presidential guidance on scientific integrity," AAAS CEO Alan I. Leshner, executive publisher of Science, wrote in a letter to U.S. President Barack Obama. It was the association's first letter to Obama since his 20 January 2009 inauguration as president of the United States.

Read the full text of AAAS's letter to President Barack Obama (pdf).    » read more »

March 09, 2009 -- MADISON – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s plans to sign an Executive Order that lifts restrictions on federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research.

“President Obama’s commitment to lifting the restrictions on stem cell science is a great step forward, and I want to thank him for his decision.

"The ultimate goal of stem cell research is curing illness, alleviating suffering and saving lives. It is in the best interest of patients and families that we pursue all the promising avenues of stem cell research, and studying embryonic stem cells is essential to scientific discovery and future breakthroughs.    » read more »

Announces $101.8 Million in New State Funding for Stem Cell Research

March 9, 2009 -- “Today, President Obama demonstrated admirable leadership in reversing a Bush administration initiative that for years has placed limits on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.

"The President’s Executive Order will expand opportunities for medical researchers to study new treatments and potentially find cures for some of the most debilitating and life-threatening conditions, including spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease and juvenile diabetes.    » read more »

March 9, 2009 -- Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm issued the following statement on President's Obama's announcement on federal funding for stem cell research :

"I applaud President Obama for lifting the restrictions on federal funding for stem cell research. Last fall, Michigan citizens voted to lift state restrictions, because they believe stem cell research has the potential to save lives and prevent disease.

"Today's announcement is particularly important to the University of Michigan, a world leader in adult stem cell research, which announced it is launching a major new embryonic stem cell initiative in its effort to find cures for spinal cord injuries and diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, juvenile diabetes, and even some forms of cancer."    » read more »

03/09/2009 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s executive order that rolls back restrictions on federal funding of human embryonic stem cell research:    » read more »

Funds Represent Next Round in 11-Year, $600-Million Stem Cell Research Initiative; Requests for Applications (RFAs) to Access the Funding will be Issued Today

May 8, 2008 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson today announced that nearly $109 million in new state funding is being made available to support stem cell research initiatives in New York. The nearly $109 million represents the second round of available funding from the state’s 11-year, $600 million stem cell research initiative that was approved as part of last year’s state budget.    » read more »

04/07/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the announcement by University of California, San Diego researchers about a new drug to treat a rare blood disorder that can lead to leukemia. Stem cell research, funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), led to the discovery of this new treatment.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger: Photo by Andrew (CC)    » read more »

April 3, 2008 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the state’s Stem Cell Research Advisory Committee has directed the allocation of $9.84 million in stem cell research funds to scientists based in Storrs, Farmington and New Haven.

Photo by tigerweet (CC)    » read more »

March 12, 2008 -- MADISON -- Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle announced today that Madison will host the World Stem Cell Summit on September 22 - 23, 2008, bringing together premier researchers, advocates, investors, and other industry leaders to advance stem cell research and the promising technologies that will save lives.    » read more »

02/28/2008 -- California Governor Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the announcement that the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine Major Facilities Grants program is expected to generate approximately $750 million for new stem cell research facilities throughout California:    » read more »

January 29th, 2008 -- SANTA FE - New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today applauded Senate passage of the Biomedical Research Act by a vote of (20-18). Senate Bill 23 sponsored by Senator John Ryan, will allow research universities such as UNM to conduct embryonic stem cell research.    » read more »

January 18, 2008 -- Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today called for passage of legislation they have sponsored to develop ethical stem cell research and prohibiting the cloning of a human being.    » read more »

13 January 2008 -- Researchers at the University of Minnesota seeking new treatments for heart disease have grown a beating rat heart in the lab by using stem cells. The research reported by the journal Nature Medicine is laying the groundwork for the transplant of what the scientists are calling bio-artificial organs in humans.    » read more »

$14.5 Million in Awards Granted Today

January 7, 2008 -- New York Governor Eliot Spitzer and Lieutenant Governor David A. Paterson today announced the first grant awards of New York State's new $600 million multi-year stem cell research program, offering new hope to people who suffer from debilitating and life threatening diseases and ailments such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and cancer. The awards -- totaling $14.5 million -- were approved today at a meeting in New York City of the Funding Committee of the Empire State Stem Cell Board.    » read more »

17 December 2007 -- 2007 was a year notable for breakthroughs in medicine. VOA's Carol Pearson looks back at some of the top medical stories of the year.

One of the most promising developments in health in 2007 was the discovery that adult skin can be made into cells like embryonic cells.

The major ethical advantage: no embryo has to be destroyed.    » read more »