Embryonic stem cell research can once again go ahead

The government

announced Friday that funding for embryonic stem cell research can once again go ahead, at least for the time being. Although research can continue, the fate of human embryonic stem cell research is still very much in limbo.

The three-judge panel said in a brief they would lift the ban while they consider the initial, temporary injunction handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth on August 23. The federal judge last month stopped the use of taxpayer money for the stem cell research. That led the National Institutes of Health to suspend its work to fund new projects and to warn that 22 projects due to get yearly checks in September would have to find other money

to continue.

The temporary ban will allow the National Institute of Health to provide $78 million to 44 scientists awaiting previously approved funds while the agency evaluates new applications from scientists seeking federal funding for stem cell research.

Removing the ban lets the government continue to givie tens of millions of dollars to researchers looking for cures for diseases such as Parkinson’s, spinal cord injuries and genetic conditions. The decision, which has met strong criticism, has given Congress some time to consider whether the ban is needed or not.

Embryonic stem cells can grow into any kind of tissue and could have the potential to speed up an array of research.