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Stem Cell Research: An NPR Special Report July 18, 2001 -- The stem cell debate took an important leap forward Wednesday when surgeon-turned Sen. William Frist (R-TN) expressed support for federally funded embryonic stem cell research. At the same time, the National Institutes of Health report built a scientific case in favor of embryonic stem cell research, but did not make a specific recommendation regarding federal funding. The NIH report said embryonic stem cells have three important advantages over adult stem cells: they diversify into many more cell types, they proliferate in greater numbers in laboratory conditions and they produce groups of cells that are more consistently identical to each other. Many scientists support stem cell research because they are convinced that studying embryonic stem cells will reveal a wealth of knowledge about the basic biology of human beings, and could lead to treatments for a variety of diseases. This view is also gaining the support of doctors and other experts who see the great potential of stem cell research. One of these people is Frist, a key advisor to President Bush on health care issues and the only Senator who is also a physician. Speaking at the Senate hearing Wednesday, Frist said embryonic and adult stem cell research should receive federal funding with regulations because it can save lives. Opponents of stem cell research argue that any research involving the destruction of human embryos is unethical and should not receive government funding. The administration is weighing the arguments, and when Bush returns from Europe on Tuesday he will continue deliberations. On All Things Considered July 18, Steve Inskeep reports on surgeon-turned Senator Bill Frist's (R-TN) speech today before the Senate hearing in support of federally funded embryonic stem cell research. http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/atc/20010718.atc.10.ram On All Things Considered July 18, Daniel Schorr discusses how the debate over embryonic stem cell research is changing the ground rules for abortion. http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/atc/20010718.atc.03.ram On Morning Edition July 18, Joanne Silberner reports on the National Institutes of Health report released today citing important differences between embryonic and adult stem cells. http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/me/20010718.me.06.ram Read the NIH report, Stem Cells: Scientific Progress and Future Research Directions , released today. http://www.nih.gov/news/stemcell/scireport.htm Hear recent coverage of the issue from NPR's archives. http://www.npr.org/programs/specials/stemcells/background.html Learn about the science behind stem cell research http://www.npr.org/programs/specials/stemcells/science.html and read the NIH stem cell primer. http://www.nih.gov/news/stemcell/primer.htm Exclusively on NPR.org, read a "virtual roundtable" of scientists, ethicists and advocates explaining their stands on stem cell research. http://www.npr.org/programs/specials/stemcells/viewpoints.html Check out our online resource list to learn more about the scientific and ethical debates, and the organizations involved. http://www.npr.org/programs/specials/stemcells/resources.html SOURCE: National Public Radio (NPR) http://www.npr.org/programs/specials/stemcells/0718index.html * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn