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Science Friday > Archives > 2003 > August
> August 8, 2003:
Hour Two: Stem Cell
Research / Ebola /Shirley Ann Jackson - Graying of Science
Two years ago this week, President Bush announced his decision on
federal funding for certain types of stem cell research. Trying to
balance the powerful moral and ethical concerns of some with what
others say is crucial research that could mean new cures, a policy
was established that limited federally-funded research to the use
of certain established stem cell lines. "As a result of private
research, more than 60 genetically diverse stem cell lines already
exist," said the President. "They were created from embryos
that have already been destroyed, and they have the ability to regenerate
themselves indefinitely, creating ongoing opportunities for research.
I have concluded that we should allow federal funds to be used for
research on these existing stem-cell lines, where the life-and-death
decision has already been made. Leading scientists tell me research
on these 60 lines has great promise that could lead to breakthrough
therapies and cures. "
Two years later, where does that research stand? And have the stem
cell lines made available for use under the federal guidelines proved
useful? While the NIH reports 78 lines as being available for research,
some researchers say that the real number is much lower. We'll talk
about it.
Then, Anthony Fauci of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases joins us to talk about the Ebola virus. Researchers reported
this week that a single shot of a fast-acting, experimental Ebola
vaccine successfully protects monkeys from the deadly virus after
only one month.
Plus, Ira talks with Shirley Ann Jackson, AAAS President-Elect and
President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. They'll talk about
science policy, science education, and 'the graying of science.' Call
in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (3-4 Eastern),
and share your opinions online in our Listeners' Lounge (registration required).
Guests:
Christopher Scott
Executive Editor
Acumen Journal of Sciences
San Francisco, CA
Anthony Fauci
Director, National Institute of Allergy
and Infectious Diseases
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, Maryland
Shirley Ann Jackson
President, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
President Elect, American Association
for the Advancement of Science
Former Chairman, U.S Nuclear Regulatory
Commission
Troy, New York
Books/Articles Discussed:
'The Consequences of Restrictions on Human Stem Cell Research,'
Christopher Scott and Tom Maeder. Acumen Journal of Sciences,
Issue 1 No 1.
Nabel, G. J. et al. 'Accelerated vaccination for Ebola virus
haemorrhagic fever in non-human primates.' Nature, 424, 681
- 684, (2003).
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Related Links:
Stem
Cell Fact Sheet
Stem
Cell Information
Stem
Cell Information
AAAS:
Stem Cell Main
CNN.com
Specials: Stem Cells
Nature:
Focus on stem cells
Fast
vaccine offers hope in battle with Ebola : Similar vaccines could
form part of future emergency strategy.
Fast-Acting
Ebola Vaccine Protects Monkeys
Special
Pathogens Branch: Diseases- Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever
Ebola
Haemorrhagic Fever
- Office
of the President: Profile of Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson
American
Association for the Advancement of Science
This segment produced by Annette
Heist
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