Good News For Stem Cell Research

There is finally some good news in the area of stem cell research. This week, 13 additional lines of human embryonic stem cells became eligible for federal funding, according to the National Institutes of Health. Included in the funding is the most widely used line, H9.

Many people were concerned that the Obama administration was hindering research in stem cells. But now with the NHI’s announcement, concerns have been eased.

The approval by the NHI includes nine lines that have never before been eligible for federal funding. It also includes three other long-used lines that were originally researched at the University of Wisconsin, plus the aforementioned H9. The three included are the H7, H13 and H14.

Some scientists were having to put their research on hold because they didn’t have the funding. But now with the funding approved, the research can continue. Scientists from all over the United States are ecstatic with the news of the approved funding. There were worries that without it, they would have to repeat years of work or even stop the research altogether. But with the new funding scientists will be able to complete the projects they were working on.

Scientists believe that stem cells will treat, and maybe some day cure heart disease, diabetes, spinal chord injuries, cancer and other disorders such as birth defects. They could also treat Alzheimer’s, burns, strokes, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Scientists now have renewed hope that they can treat all of these maladies some day, and even more.