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Today: February 22, 2001 at 16:23:37 PST Scientists Lobby Bush on Research ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON (AP) -- In a highly unusual move by some of the nation's premier scientists, 80 Nobel laureates joined forces Thursday to urge President Bush not to block federal financing of promising medical research using certain master cells called stem cells. "It would be tragic to waste this opportunity to pursue the work that could potentially alleviate human suffering," the scientists, including DNA co-discoverer James Watson, wrote Bush. Stem cells are building blocks for all human tissue. 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 types 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, and Bush has signaled he may block federal money to pay for it. 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 lab-grown stem cells. "It is important to understand that the cells being used in this research were destined to be discarded in any case," the Nobel laureates wrote Thursday. Bush has asked Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson to review the NIH policy. Thompson spokesman Bill Hall said officials had not seen Thursday's letter, but the stem cell review is under way without a deadline for a decision. http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/nat-gen/2001/feb/22/022200523.html ***********