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University presidents appeal to Bush to allow funds for stem cell research President has signaled he may block federal aid WASHINGTON - More than 100 university presidents have asked President Bush to maintain federal rules that permit funding for limited embryonic stem cell research. In a letter sent yesterday, 112 university leaders called discovery of such cells "one of the most promising biomedical developments in years." They said the research holds promise toward finding cures for Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, cancer, Parkinson's disease, heart disease and spinal cord injuries. At issue are stem cells, the building blocks for all human tissue. They can be derived from aborted fetuses, fertility clinics' discarded embryos or from adults. All types are under intense study, but embryonic stem cells have generated the most scientific excitement because they appear to be the most flexible. Many anti-abortion groups oppose such research, and Bush has signaled he may block federal money from financing it. He wants scientists to focus only on adult stem cells. Privately financed scientists have culled stem cells from embryos donated by parents, a process that destroys the embryo, and multiplied those cells in laboratories. Now the National Institutes of Health plan to pay for embryonic stem cell research using only those lab-grown cell lines since NIH scientists can't touch additional embryos. Copyright © 2001, The Baltimore Sun http://www.sunspot.net/news/health/bal-te.stemcell27mar27.story?coll=bal%2Dhealth%2Dheadlines ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn