Illinois awards $10 million for stem cell research

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http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-stemcell25.html

Illinois moved to the forefront of controversial stem cell research Monday, handing out $10 million to 10 research groups studying heart disease, cancer and other serious diseases.

But continued funding is in doubt. Opponents say they have the votes to block Gov. Blagojevich's proposal to spend an additional $100 million over five years, beginning with $15 million in 2007.

Stem cells are immature cells that, it's hoped, could be coaxed into becoming specialized cells to produce insulin for diabetics, regenerate heart muscle for cardiac patients and repair spinal cord injuries for paraplegics, among other treatments.

Embryonic research included

Some researchers receiving the new state funding say they will obtain stem cells from noncontroversial sources, such as blood, bone marrow and umbilical cord blood.

The state also is funding controversial research involving stem cells from human embryos. Supporters say fertility clinics are storing thousands of surplus frozen embryos that couples are willing to donate. But opponents say such research is unethical because the embryos would be destroyed in the process.