So says Representative Phil Gingrey. No, he isn't talking about the war in Iraq or President Bush's alleged proposal for a "surge." He's talking about stem cell research.
The embryonic stem cell research (paid for by taxpayers) crowd got a punch in the gut a couple of days ago when scientists at Wake Forest University discovered a new, readily available source of stem cells: amniotic fluid.
Scientists have discovered a new source of stems cells and have used them to create muscle, bone, fat, blood vessel, nerve and liver cells in the laboratory. The first report showing the isolation of broad potential stem cells from the amniotic fluid that surrounds developing embryos was published today in Nature Biotechnology.
The announcement severely pissed off the pro-killing embryos crowd, because finding alternative sources for stem cells means there's less support for forcing taxpayers to pay for destroying embryos.
Just to make sure we all know that we should support killing embryos and ignore the findings of his research, scientist Anthony Atala tells us essentially to pay no attention to his ground-breaking findings.
"Some may be interpreting my research as a substitute for the need to pursue other forms of regenerative medicine therapies, such as those involving embryonic stem cells. I disagree with that assertion," wrote Anthony Atala of Wake Forest University, the author of a study published this week and widely seized upon by opponents of embryonic stem cell research as a more moral option.
I don't know who doesn't want scientists to pursue alternative forms of "regenerative medicine therapies." They just don't want taxpayers footing the bill for research they find morally reprehensible.
But here's the kicker:
(S)cientists aren't sure that stem cells shed by a fetus and extracted from the surrounding fluid carry the same possibility for treatments and cures of diseases as those culled from embryos.
Because "possibility" is more important than results, I suppose, considering that there are 72 successful applications for adult stem cells and zero for embryonic stem cells. But keep wishing and hoping for that ONE application for ESCs. And try to persuade some private businesses to fund the research, will ya?
Cross-posted at Common Sense Political Thought.
UPDATE: A senior fellow for life sciences says don't expect the news of amniotic fluid stem cells to quench pro-ESCRs' thirst for stem cells.
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