Adult Cells Reverted to Embryonic

This research is potentially exciting, but is still very early. Japanese researchers have apparently reverted mouse adult cells into an embryonic state. The research is one area of “alternative methods” that offer a way to heal the current breach (as some see it) between ethics and morality and certain areas of biotechnology. Another is funding animal research with altered nuclear transfer (ANT).

The Senate passed a bill 100-0 to fund such research. In a cynical political ploy, a minority of the House blocked it. Now, President Bush has promised to issue an executive order to permit funding. I hope he is able to do so soon.