1. President Obama Loosens Restrictions on Embryonic Stem Cell Research Rachel Kyllo 3/11/09 Sources: msnbc.com, startribune.com

2. Overview Embryonic Stem Cells: pluripotent Embryonic Stem Cells: pluripotent Common source: fertility clinics Common source: fertility clinics

3. Previous Restrictions Federally-funded labs’ use of ES cells was limited Federally-funded labs’ use of ES cells was limited Privately-funded research continued Privately-funded research continued This involved establishment of 100s of new lines This involved establishment of 100s of new lines

4. The Proposed Bill Does NOT fund creation of new lines Does NOT fund creation of new lines Allows labs that work with new lines to apply for federal funding through NIH Allows labs that work with new lines to apply for federal funding through NIH

5. Critiques ES Cells = life? ES Cells = life? Histocompatibility issues Histocompatibility issues –Rejection –Graft-versus-host disease Significant advances with adult stem cells Significant advances with adult stem cells –Induced pluripotent stem cells