Senators Denounce Scientist's Stem Cell Claims

[cal04]

Confusion Over Harm to Embryos In Study at Issue
Two senators who strongly support human embryonic stem cell research lashed out yesterday at the scientist who recently reported the creation of those cells by a method that does not require the destruction of embryos, saying the scientist and his company have harmed the struggling field by overstating their results.

"It's a big black eye if scientists are making false and inaccurate representations," a combative Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) said during a hearing of the Labor, Health, Human Services and Education subcommittee, which he chairs.

Robert Lanza of Advanced Cell Technology (ACT) in Worcester, Mass., defended his work and the company's statements. "Our paper is 100 percent correct," said the visibly shaken scientist, referring to the highly publicized article that appeared in the Aug. 24 issue of the journal Nature.

"You're on the ropes!" Specter retorted, capping one of several exchanges in which he and Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), a fellow advocate of stem cell research, repeatedly interrupted and scolded Lanza.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/06/AR2006090601749.html

[flaminbats]

1. but these scientists just want to make money!!

who cares if stem cell research cures disease or can save lives?

using stem cells to cure disease isn't as American or Christian as only using it to boost profits!