| ■ California Gives $230 Million for Stem Cell Research | 2009.10.31 |
| Embryonic stem cells are the focus of only four of 14 projects that received $230 million in grants from California's stem cell research program. The other projects use less controversial adult stem cells or conventional drugs designed to kill cancer stem cells, which are believed to give rise to tumors. Wednesday's announcement about the funding to state universities and companies is seen as tacit acknowledgement that it will be a long time before the full potential of human embryonic stem cells in treating human diseases is achieved, The New York Times reported. Recipients of the grants are supposed to have a therapy ready for initial human testing within four years. |