MADISON, Wis. ââ?¬â? University of Wisconsin anatomy professor James Thomson attempted to ââ?¬Å?separate hype from realityââ?¬Â on Friday in the controversial field of stem cell research, which in some cases uses tissue from human embryos. The pioneer in stem cell research spoke to about 200 at the UW Memorial Union as part of the Plato discussion series for retired people.