CGS-authored
IN AUGUST, Advanced Cell Technology reported in the journal Nature that it had created embryonic stem cells for the first time using a technique that avoids destroying an embryo. Journalists leapt on the news because it meant researchers might sidestep moral objections that had plagued the technology. Just the previous month, President Bush had vetoed Congress' modest extension of federal funding for the science.
But despite news of a breakthrough at the company's lab in Worcester, the work didn't live up to the buzz. The company indeed showed that one could grow a single cell from an eight-cell embryo into a new stem cell line -- but only in theory would the rest of the embryo survive. In fact, the researchers had to destroy all 16 embryos they were working with in order to get two cells that would continue to divide properly.
Journalists blamed their confusion on overblown statements in both the company press release and Nature's media advisory. But one might expect more skepticism about a field that has shown itself prone to hyperbole.
Politicians and voters need...
But despite news of a breakthrough at the company's lab in Worcester, the work didn't live up to the buzz. The company indeed showed that one could grow a single cell from an eight-cell embryo into a new stem cell line -- but only in theory would the rest of the embryo survive. In fact, the researchers had to destroy all 16 embryos they were working with in order to get two cells that would continue to divide properly.
Journalists blamed their confusion on overblown statements in both the company press release and Nature's media advisory. But one might expect more skepticism about a field that has shown itself prone to hyperbole.
Politicians and voters need...