The university may get enough funds to start stem cell research on the campus if the Maryland General Assembly decides to pass either of two proposals that would allocate money for such research in the state.
University faculty are eagerly eyeing the debates in the General Assembly on whether to pass a bill that would devote $125 million for embryonic stem cell research in the state or pass Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich’s alternative to devote $20 million for researching adult stem cells.
If the university were to apply for and receive some of the funding – no matter which proposal passes – it could be enough to start research on the campus, a possibility assistant dean for research in the College of Chemical and Life Sciences Lawrence Sita says is very exciting.
“Stem cells are the greatest potential for biology in the next 25 years,” Sita said.
If stem cell research comes to the university in either adult or embryonic form, the cells researchers use may not even be from humans, Sita said. They are just as likely to come from plants or animals.
Embryonic stem cell research has only been accessible since 1998 and uses cells from embryos that have the potential to form a life. Scientists have worked with the less controversial adult stem cells for 40 years.
Embryonic stem cell research advocates say embryonic cells have the most potential to cure illnesses such as juvenile diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. Those embryos, if not used for research or fertility, would be thrown away.
“Embryos are being discarded every day,” said Susan O’Brien, executive director for Maryland Families for Stem Cell Research, an advocacy group that is trying to get the bill through the legislature.
A controversial issue in the General Assembly, stem cell research would be divisive on the campus as well, said Samuel Kerstein, a professor who teaches a class on contemporary moral issues.
Stem cell opponents believe state funding of embryonic-based research would make taxpayers responsible for destroying what they consider the embryo’s future life.
Doug Stiegler, executive director of the Association of Maryland Families, said embryonic stem cell research has been inconclusive and adult stem cell research has already had breakthroughs in medicine.
The university would be eligible to seek funding for stem cell research if the five-year bill passes or through Ehrlich’s proposal. They would have to apply for funding to the Maryland Technology and Development Corporation, which would allocate the money to scientists statewide.
Contact reporter Patrick Reaves at reavesdbk@gmail.com.
