Get your opinion in shape and share it

There are more than enough versions of today’s announcement by Bill Frist that he has changed his mind and will now not only allow the Senate to discuss federal funding of stem cell research but will also support at least a change in President Bush’s restrictions on that funding. There are also plenty of responses to Frist’s announcement. So. while Congress is in August recess, it’s time for us to jump into the fray and 1) clarify our own opinions on stem cell research in general and federal funding in particular, 2) add to our knowledge based on developments and progress—or lack thereof—around the world, and 3) express ourselves.

If you haven’t yet added your opinion to our on-going poll (see the left side of the page), please do. Add comments, too.

I am currently expanding my knowledge of topics to discuss, such as 1) how long can embryos be stored and still produce viable and undamaged fetuses, 2) how long do stem cell lines survive and do they accumulate genetic changes, 3) what’s the success rate of stem cell transplants—the bone marrow transfers we hear about every week or so, 4) can cells be removed from developing embryos without affecting the potential development of that embryo, 5) how do adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells compare in potential?

Keep watching this space for further information. If you need information on the bills before Congress, please check earlier blog entries.