Stem cell research and economic development go hand-in-hand

March 17, 12:12 AMNewark Progressive ExaminerDawn Oro

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Recently President Obama over-turned the stem cell research policies instituted by George W. Bush in 2001. By eliminating Bush’s policies President Obama has lifted the ban on the federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research, and restored research based on the on analytical means, and rejecting ideological influence. At this time the full scope of stem cell research remains unknown, however the advantages of using public funding for research is significant.   

Federal involvement helps to create a more transparent research environment with more oversight, and exchange of ideas encouraging public engagements. Revoking the 2001 stem cell research policy will also help to increase the fiscal resources needed to expand the pool of talented investigators in academia, and increase the urgency for scientific discovery for the cure of some of the most aggressive illnesses impacting patients worldwide. The potential therapeutic applications for embryonic stem cells are limitless. 

Moving forward the outlook of stem cell research is very promising since lifting the fiscal ban will work as an economic stimulus, and will induce job creation, and the hiring of basic and advanced scientific experts in the field. As well as ensuring that the appropriate technology savvy support staff, and legal teams are used to manage the ethical and technical strategies for successful scientific investigation. New Jersey will especially benefit from this initiative along with other states such as Massachusetts, New York, and California - which have the most progressive biotechnology institutes in the country, along with the state provided funding, and local legislation that encourages state of art technical research standards. 

Although the therapeutic benefits of stem cell research may not be available for years, the flush of economic support may be felt rapidly in New Jersey. Since the state has the third highest concentration of life sciences employment in the nation (7%), and the field contributes a significant amount of dollars to the state’s GDP. New Jersey is the first state in the US to offer public funding for embryonic stem cell research to promote scientific research in the state. Public and private life science jobs in state are estimated to increase by 30, 000 as result of state’s initiatives - with the private sector adding 405 million dollars to the states annual GDP. 

Opponents of embryonic stem cell research debate saddles their anti-abortion argument. Although as a scientist, most of us prefer to not be lambasted or hindered with political legislative debate. As proponents of stem cell research we would like to do away with ideological references. Since these theories are not based on analytical fact but on social boundaries. As a scientist I can attest that we all would prefer to work outside of the political bubble, and work to simply support the goal of advancing safe and efficacious science that provide greater benefits to the sick and disabled. With this in mind federal funding is important to achieve this goal expeditiously.  

Overall the lack of scientific authority by opponents of stem cell research limits the dialogue of sound analytical debate. For example when David Prentice a senior fellow for life sciences at the Family Research Council, and adviser to Republican members of Congress, and then President Bush on stem cell research - clearly disregarded scientific data, and promoted conservative ideological values to inhibit progressive stem cell research legislation. Mr. Prentice effectively side stepped the  importance of using scientific fact, while reverting to ad hominem practices to further his conservative views. He pointedly stated that adult stem cells can effectively treat more than 65 diseases; however there is no evidence to support his claim. Consequently the difficulty with encouraging scientific dialogue with those that have conservative ideologies with limited scientific expertise only leads to the distortion of scientific fact.   

Scientific research and economic development go hand in hand. Recent studies have created a great deal of excitement because stem cells have an extraordinary power to grow, and divide indefinitely, and have infinite therapeutic applications. President Obama’s decision to reverse the stem cell policies of George W. Bush helped to put aside the restrictive legislative, and ideological barriers that hampered stem cell research to date. Since NJ has been an advocate of scientific research, and was the first state to devote public monies to stem cell research, benefits to the state are estimated to increase job, provide economic stimulus to the private and public sector, and add fiscal benefits to the states GDP.