Stem cell researchers are calling it a momentous occasion.
OBAMA: Today, with the executive order I am about to sign, we will bring the change that so many scientists, and researchers ,doctors and innovators, patients and loved ones have hoped for and fought for these past eight years: we will lift the ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. (cheers)
But George Voinovich, Republican senator from Ohio is less pleased about the decision. He calls himself pro-life, and opposes expanding funding for embryonic stem cell research. He says he has religious and moral concerns about the use of embryonic cell lines and believes more support should be given to conduct research on stem cells derived from non-controversial sources like umbilical cord blood, bone marrow and fat.
VOINOVICH: We have probably one of the finest regenerative centers in the world in Cleveland – it's just amazing what's going on there and they've been really able to do a whole lot ---without the use of embryos.
Senator Voinovich is talking about the Center for Regenerative Medicine in Cleveland, where some of the worlds leading research on non-embryonic stem cells is conducted. Stanton Gerson is the center's director and a veteran stem cell researcher. He admits, that embryonic stem cells lag at least a decade behind their non-embryonic counterparts when it comes to being used as medical therapies. And that for the moment, they simply aren't safe for use in patients.
GERSON: If you lump embryonic stem cells together in the body they form a tumor.
Gerson says researchers still haven't figured out how to control embryonic stem cells – so not only do they grow unchecked and form tumors, they don't yet form heart, or liver or kidney cells on command. But that's not to say they won't - or that they won't lead to a better understanding of how a skin cell could be coaxed into a brain cell for a Parkinson's Disease patient. It may take 5, 10 or 20 years to realize their full potential says Gerson, but like most in his field, he believes embryonic stem cells have an important place in research.
GERSON: I think research in embryonic stem cells will be an explosion for our understanding in human development and it will ultimately lead to medical value and medical benefit
And what's more. He says, they may have an economic benefit for the growing biotechnology sector in Northeast Ohio
GERSON: We have been hamstrung by this restriction – we are very delighted with our emphasis on adult stem cells and the companies that we've spun out and are prospering in NE Ohio. But even those companies focused on adult stem cells would benefit from a broader expertise so that we can keep at the cutting edge.
Having the capability to work with embryonic cells says Gerson, will bolster existing biotechnology companies, attract new ones and ultimately help to grow the local economy.
Gretchen Cuda, 90.3