Bush (hswib) stem cell lines are dead ends

All the stem cell lines permitted by the Bush policy are contaminated dead ends.

But because Bush-approved research is limited to the older lines, federally-funded scientists cannot take advantage of newer stem cells grown on alternative scaffoldings.

This “significantly” limits the value of the federally-funded research, says Snyder. “It renders [the government-approved cells] incredibly suspect. All work should be done with fresh lines,” he says.

New stem cell lines could be developed from embryoes that are just headed for the dumpster otherwise. Ethical dilemma: toss it in the garbage or use it to improve medical research? That's a tough one all right.