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Stem-cell pioneer does a reality check (MSNBC.com)

MADISON, Wis. � Seven years ago, when James Thomson became the first scientist to isolate and culture human embryonic stem cells, he knew he was stepping into a whirlwind of controversy.

He just didn’t expect the whirlwind to last this long.

In fact, the moral, ethical and political controversy is still revving up ââ?¬â? in Washington, where federal lawmakers are considering a bill to provide more federal support for embryonic stem-cell research; and in Madison, Thomson’s base of operations, where Wisconsin legislators are considering new limits on stem-cell research.