State governments have taken the unusual step of funding biomedical research â?? usually done with federal grants â?? because of federal political decisions to restrict funding for embryonic stem-cell research.
Stem-cell scientists are naturally delighted by the new avenues of support, but there could be complications if scientists in different states want to collaborate.
Whether they deserve it or not, embryonic stem cells have come to represent potential salvation for many people suffering from incurable diseases.