Less than a year after a Wisconsin team helped discover a major alternative to human embryonic stem cells, the Madison scientists say more than 800 labs have begun using the approach, suggesting that many stem-cell researchers are starting to move beyond controversial embryonic sources for their work.
Such shifts may reframe the emotionally fraught debate over stem cellsâ??an issue that has ignited passions across the political spectrum. Both presidential candidates have indicated they would lift President George W. Bush’s restrictions on research funding, though Sen. Barack Obama has been more adamant than Sen. John McCain.