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Private stem cell research widens By Dan Vergano, USA TODAY The creation of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, which was announced Friday, represents the latest privately financed entry into a controversial research arena. The institute will coordinate the work of nearly 100 researchers seeking cures for such ailments as diabetes, leukemia, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's and heart disease. Stem cells are master cells that become other kinds of tissue. This brings to nine the number of private stem cell research centers across the country. Researchers have been calling for the creation of more human embryonic stem cell lines since federal spending was restricted in 2001. Since then, federal money has gone toward an approved list of existing lines, now totaling 18. The research is controversial because embryos must be destroyed to harvest the cells. Harvard already is on the front line of stem cell research. In March, Doug Melton, co-director of the new institute, unveiled 17 new stem cell lines available at no cost. USA TODAY research has found that requests for these cells rival or exceed samples sent from National Institutes of Health-approved lines. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn