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As you pointed out "adult stem cell research is the most promising." An important foundation for any scientific research is an unbiased inquiry into items we do not understand. It may well be true that "adult stem cell research is the most promising" but that does not mean we should conclude from that that other research is not needed. The history of science is full of surprising discoveries. Perhaps the most difficult decision a scientist has to make is which problem to pursue. Everybody likes success and to great extent that is what is rewarded by Nobel and other prizes. It seems, right now, the stem cell research is wide open and that the outcome of any research in this area is uncertain. But that is exactly the justification to pursue all directions. To ignore one area makes no sense at all. It should also be pointed out that most research is done on existing "lines" for which "killing" of embryos is not necessary. As for additional "lines" it can be justified to use a few which would be discarded anyway. There is also the question of competition. There is stem cell work going on around the world. If any of the work outside the US is successful do we forbid the use of the results (to US residents)? One of the principal causes for the success and power of the US is its scientific prowess. We should be in the forefront and not forbid or restrict this kind of research (subject to the proper ethical constraints). K. F. Etzold CG Carline ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn