Stem Cell Research in Northeast Ohio

President Obama decided this week to remove federal restrictions on embryonic stem cell research and that just may give a boost to the biomedical industry in NE Ohio. For 20 years Ohio has been a leader in developing medical applications for stems cells, not the kind that come from human embryos but stem cells obtained from adults, children and umbilical cords. Unlike embryonic stem cells, these so-called “adult” stem cells have already resulted in beneficial treatments for patients with Parkinson’s disease, cancer, stroke and other ailments. Now those researchers plan to expand their work to include stem cells from embryos. They expect to be among the first institutions and businesses to get federal grants. So, what are the differences between adult and embryonic stem cells; what additional benefits could come from research on embryonic ones; and how exactly might this looming industry help the regional economy? Getting to the stem of stem cell research, Friday morning at 9 on 90.3.