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Stem Cell Stance Alarms Scientists WASHINGTON (AP) -- Scientists and universities are increasingly worried because the Bush administration apparently will block federal financing of promising medical research using certain master cells. ''It would be tragic for many patients who now are looking to this area of work to supply some type of therapy so their lives can be vastly improved,'' Dr. John Gearhart of Johns Hopkins University, a co-discoverer of some of the cells, told reporters Tuesday. ''If the funding is pulled back, I think it would be devastating for the patients.'' Stem cells are building blocks for all human tissue, and scientists say research with them could lead to revolutionary therapies for diseases from Alzheimer's to diabetes. They can be derived from aborted fetuses, fertility clinics' discarded embryos or adults. All are under study, but embryonic stem cells generate the most excitement because they appear the most flexible. Anti-abortion groups oppose fetal and embryonic stem cell research. Friday, President Bush said he prefers adult stem cell research, signaling he may move to block the other types. Federally funded scientists can't touch human embryos, but privately funded scientists have multiplied embryonic stem cells in laboratories. The National Institutes of Health is prepared to award this spring the first federal grants for studies with just those lab- grown stem cells. Universities awaiting that money say blocking it could force researchers to work abroad or to find private sources of financing,which would remove government oversight. ''Some of the most promising areas of research may suddenly become out of bounds,'' said Terry Hartle, a lobbyist for the American Council on Education, a coalition of universities. ''Given the huge federal investment in biomedical research, it would be a terrible mistake to restrict what could be done with proper scientific controls.'' Baltimore's Hopkins announced Tuesday it had received a $58.5 million anonymous donation for a new institute studying stem cells but said federal funding remains crucial for scientists nationwide. ------ On the Net: American Council on Education: http://www.acenet.edu/ National Institutes of Health: http://www.nih.gov/ Copyright © Newsday, Inc. Produced by Newsday Electronic Publishing. http://www.newsday.com/ap/healthscience/ap220.htm