Had computer problems..so am resending. As a strong supporter for the NIH Guidelines for Stem Cell Research, I feel I must speak out, as I have some real concerns. One of these concerns is the lack of basic facts regarding the NIH guidelines./Keep in mind that human pluripotent cells are a unique scientific and medical resource in that they can divide for indefinite periods in culture and can develop into most of the specialized cells and tissues of the body,such as muscle. nerve,heart and blood cells. In an effort to help ensure that any research utilizing human pluripotent stem cells is appropriately and carefully conducted,the NIH convened a Working Group of the Advisory Committee to the Director(ACD).NIH to advise the ACD on guidelines and oversight for research involving human pluripotent stem cells.The working group was composed of scientists,patients,patient advocates,ethicists,clincians and lawyers. In developing the draft guidelines,NIH considered advice from the National Bioethics Advisory Commission(NBAC),the public and Congress. The guidelines apply to research applications or proposals for NIH funding or support that involve the utilization of human pluripotent stem cells derived(without NIH funding) from early hiuman embryos and the derivation or utilization of human pluripotent sten cells derived from human fetal tissue.HHS will fund research using human pluripotent stem cells derived from early human embryos only if investigators use cells derived from frozen embryuos that were created for the purposes of infertility treatment and were in excess of clinical need.In addition,there can be no offer of inducements,monetary or otherwise for the donations of the embryo and there must be a clear separation between the infertility treatment and the decision to donate embryos. With regard to deriving or using cells from fetal tissue,investigators will be expected to follow the NIH Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Guidelines and all laws and regulations governing human fetal tissue research.Because cells derived from fetal tissue may later be utilized in human fetal tissue transplantation research,NIH will fund this research only if investigators comply with the fetal tissue transplantation research statue.The guidelines specify what should be contained in the informed consent document for the donation of human embryos or human fetal tissue.In submittiting an application or proposal for funding investigators will be required to provide documentation showing compliance with the guidelines.This documentation will be submitted to a newly established Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Review Group(PSCRG).The review group will hold public meetings when a funding request proposes the use of a newly derived line of human pluripotent stem cells. The HPSCRG will also compile yearly titles of all awarded applications. The guidelines also address the other areas of research that are ineligible for funding,including studies in which human pluripotent stem cells are utilized to create or contribute to a human embryo:combined with an animal embryo:used for reproductive cloning of a human:derived using somatic cell nuclear transfer into a human or animal egg; or derived from human embryos created for research purposes. Thes guidelines could potentially impact the research for therapies or cure not only for PD but for other disease as well!!Needless to say this would be fantastic--a change of quality for many lives. It's important to be informed and focused.We have never done so well.There is more awareness of PD and the funding of the NIH Budget the highest. My next concern is that this is an election year.There is a lot of rhetoric and attempts to influence people.It's important to be discerning and stick to the facts and not be fooled.Too much is at stake---a lot of hard work has brouught us this far.Let's not blow it. My last concern is personal.Fortunately, I'm at the beginning stage of Parkinsons, but my older brother,who died 6 years ago, also had PD. I'm acutely aware of the devastation that PD can cause. I"m concerned also for those whose time is running out and those young people with PD who have had their hopes and dreams shattered by PD. This is important, so I fervently hope you,your friends and relatives will join me in supporting the NIH Guidelines for Stem Cell Research. The deadline is Feb.22. The time to be heard is now!!! Mail:Stem Cell Guidelines NIH Offfice of Science Policy 1 Center Drive Bl;dg. Room 218 Bethesda,Md. 20892 Fax:Stem Cell Guidelines 301-402-0280 E-mail: [log in to unmask] Lorraine Jeffe For verification e-mail me off line