CGS-authored

This week the National Academies released new guidelines for research involving human embryonic stem cells, the latest milestone in what has been an unusually eventful time for investigators in this field. Last November the voters of California approved $3 billion in funding for stem cell research, and earlier this month Massachusetts lawmakers approved powerful new legislation that defines and defends this exciting new area of science. Yet, unless proponents of stem cell research learn to preach patience as well as promise, their celebration will be short-lived.

Human embryonic stem cells were first identified less than a decade ago. They captured the attention of scientists because of two essential properties: They can duplicate themselves in a culture dish, and they can go on to form any cell type in the body. The therapeutic potential seems both apparent and unlimited: Convert these cells into neurons and treat Parkinson's disease, the reasoning goes; turn them into insulin cells and cure diabetes.


That's the plan, anyway. In fact, the deliberate conversion of human embryonic stem cells into any other type of cell remains a...