Even though embryonic stem cells are still crucial, researchers in Michigan are striving to convert adult skin cells into "pluripotent" stem cells which are similar to embryonic stem cells.
This research could eventually sidestep the need for embryos, the university contends.
Such strides should not be impeded.
Research into induced pluripotent cells (cells with the same properties as embryonic stem cells but created from adult cells) isn't affected by Judge Royce Lamberth's ruling. His ruling prevents federal funds from being used in research where a human embryo is killed.
One of the reasons researchers are so excited about induced pluripotent cells is that human embryos don't need to be killed in order to obtain them.
