Copyright 2001 The New York Times Company
The New York Times
July 18, 2001 Wednesday
Late Edition - Final
SECTION: Section A; Column 4; Editorial Desk; Pg. 22

LENGTH: 170 words

HEADLINE: Stem Cells and Delicate Questions

BODY:


To the Editor:

Re "The Alchemy of Stem Cell Research" (Op-Ed, July 15):

David J. Anderson, in arguing for federal financing of stem cell research, mentions that as the solutions to getting embryonic stem cells to differentiate are delayed, "people will die who might otherwise have been saved."

I would add that this type of work will undoubtedly generate a wealth of data about the inner workings of mammalian cells. This information will contribute to a greater understanding of basic cell and molecular biology, the foundations of all biomedical research. I believe that this is what most scientists involved in stem cell research are after.

Preventing federal financing of stem cell research would essentially remove these foundations and prevent scientists from building a large body of solutions to all sorts of human and animal diseases and disorders.

MICHAEL HADJIARGYROU
Stony Brook, N.Y., July 17, 2001

The writer is assistant professor of biomedical engineering, genetics and orthopedics at SUNY, Stony Brook.

URL: http://www.nytimes.com

LOAD-DATE: July 18, 2001