Editorial: Window dressing

Stem cell 'enhancements' won't do the job

As part of a closed-door deal with the state Senate, leaders of California's $3 billion stem cell institute have proposed some revisions to their weak policies on conflicts of interest, open meetings and public access to internal documents.

These proposals, while a step forward, are a mixed bag. On one hand, they don't go far enough in preventing $3 billion in public monies from being directed to interests with inside access at the Institute for Regenerative Medicine. On the other, they demonstrate that public pressure can prompt this agency to revisit how it does business.

The main issue centers on the out-of-state researchers and industry employees who will be recommending millions of dollars in stem cell research grants to California universities, nonprofits and industries.

Right now, the public knows the identities of these peer reviewers, but not whether they have side deals with biomedical firms or stock in Geron or other corporations interested in stem cell research. That's because the peer reviewers are not required to publicly disclose their economic interests, as do...