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CORRECTED: Pentagon Bankrolls Swedish Stem Cell Study
Fri Mar 19, 2004 01:33 PM ET

(Deletes end of first paragraph to clarify that the study complies with U.S. policy)

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (Reuters) - The Pentagon has granted $240,000 to a Swedish team for embryonic stem-cell research
linked to Parkinson's disease, the researchers said Wednesday.

In a statement, Lund University in southern Sweden said the U.S. Department of Defense was supporting the Swedish
Parkinson's study because the findings could be used to treat similar neurological illnesses caused by battlefield
toxins.

The Swedish research, using human embryonic stem cells, will focus on ways to prompt the cells to develop into the type
of nerve cells deficient in the brains of patients with Parkinson's. The disease causes tremors, muscle rigidity and
slow movement in its sufferers and is currently incurable.

"The goal is to develop a line of human embryonic stem cells which can be transplanted to test animals with a disease
resembling Parkinson's," said Patrik Brundin, the research team leader.

Stem cells are a type of master cell. Embryonic stem cells, or blastocysts, can be directed to develop into any type of
cell or tissue when grown correctly.

President Bush has forbidden the use of federal funds to manipulate or create human embryos for research and limited
scientific research to a few existing batches of cells taken from fertility clinic leftovers.

Opponents, including Bush, say any use of a human embryo amounts to murder and is unethical. Critics are pushing for
legislation in the United States that would outlaw the practice completely.

Brundin's team sought research funding from the Michael J. Fox Foundation, founded by the Canadian actor who suffers
from Parkinson's disease. The foundation forwarded the application to the Pentagon, Lund University said.

SOURCE: Reuters, United States
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=scienceNews&storyID=4608710

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