Newswise — It's test tube babies all over again.
The debate over embryonic stem cells sounds very much like the one about in vitro fertilization three decades ago. That argument faded away long ago, and a million babies worldwide have been conceived with the technique.
But with stem cells, the controversy just keeps growing. Is the ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research a necessary prohibition, to safeguard human life even in its earliest forms? Or will it simply shift this highly promising research overseas, delaying the potential for life-or-death medical advances? In "Life, death, and stem cells," http://wi.mit.edu/news/archives/2004/cpa_1110.html Whitehead Institute Media Relations Manager David Cameron dissects the issues, scientific and otherwise.
Another high-stakes discussion: Is the massive buildup in biodefense research safeguarding us from bioterrorism—or increasing our risks? How will it affect funding for studies in other areas, such as cancer or AIDS? And if you're studying highly infectious diseases with no cure, is the middle of Boston the best place to put your lab? Freelance science writer Barton Reppert analyzes the programs and politics in "Battle over biodefense." http://wi.mit.edu/news/archives/2004/cpa_1104b.html
And in our unending "war on terror," the hardest task is figuring out who's friend and who's foe. As the U.S. tightens its visa policies, it often bungles its treatment of legitimate foreign scientists working here. In "Visa denied," http://wi.mit.edu/news/archives/2004/cpa_1104c.html, Richard Saltus, science writer formerly with the Boston Globe, describes the troubling case of one scientist couple.
As these stories suggest, biological science is now caught under a political microscope—one that will continue no matter who sits in the White House in future years.
There are a number of researchers at Whitehead Institute who could provide invaluable context to reporters interested in investigating these topics further. Cloning researcher Rudolf Jaenisch http://wi.mit.edu/research/faculty/jaenisch.html, most widely known for creating the first transgenic mouse, is an advocate for stem cell research and deeply involved in the current anti-cloning debate. Harvey Lodish http://wi.mit.edu/research/faculty/lodish.html works with adult stem cells found in the blood and is investigating whether or not these cells can be coaxed into other cell types. And Gerald Fink http://wi.mit.edu/research/faculty/fink.html has worked extensively in the field of biodefense policy, recently chairing the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Research Standards and Practices to Prevent the Destructive Use Application of Biotechnology. Reporters wishing to speak with any of these scientists should contact the Whitehead newsroom at the above number.
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