Looming state and federal budgets may not only affect roads and infrastructure, but what goes on in the labs as well. An advocate says Wisconsin may be able to remain a leader in one area, stem cell research.
Ed Fallone of Wisconsin Stem Cell Now cites strong work being done at UW and the Medical College of Wisconsin and related private companies. He says the state has the "potential to be in the forefront" that could lead to drugs and cures. The non-profit president says, however, money is tight not only with government funding but in private enterprise. Wall Street woes have potential research start ups unable to obtain venture capital.
Fallone understands that the 100% of the public will never be on board with stem cell science that involves an embryo. He believes opposition to the science is waning.
Funding has often been an issue. President Bush would not allow federal money to be used to study future stem cells from discarded embryos.
