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http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/local/ci_3052359

BOSTON -- Although there was little action at the first meeting of the state's newly-appointed Biomedical Research Advisory Council, members of the stem cell research watchdog group were already talking about the prospects for the future.

The council was established July 30 by Gov. Mitt Romney and the legislature's leadership, following several months of controversial debate regarding the use of embryonic stem cell research.

"I'm excited about the board's potential," said George Annas, professor of health law at Boston University's College of Public Health.

"It's very important to have a public board to focus on embryonic stem cell research so we can forge ahead."

The 15-member council consists of local biomedical and legal experts and will operate under the Department of Public Health. It will meet at least twice a year.

The bill that called for the establishment of the council also sanctioned embryonic stem cell research and prohibited human cloning, which has board members anticipating great strides in stem cell research.

Annas said the council will monitor stem cell research at biomedical institutions, using the Institute of Medicine's Guidelines...

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