The Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary), through the Director of NIH, may support and conduct responsible, scientifically worthy human stem cell research, including human embryonic stem cell research, to the extent permitted by law.

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Crichton is one of those increasingly rare individuals who is willing to go against raging conventional wisdom, including the hype surrounding stem cell research, which he persuasively confronts in this book, and that surrounding global warming, which he dealt with brilliantly in State of Fear.

FORBES: Fact and Comment

Within 120 days from the date of this order, the Secretary, through the Director of NIH, shall review existing NIH guidance and other widely recognized guidelines on human stem cell research, including provisions establishing appropriate safeguards, and issue new NIH guidance on such research that is consistent with this order.

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The Obama administration is appealing the judge's order, and said this week it would require the government to stop funding all embryonic stem-cell research, including that allowed under more-restrictive rules set by the Bush administration.

WSJ: Stem-Cell Plaintiffs Cite Ethical Motivation

Several state referendums were also passed, including California's initiative to fund stem-cell research.

ECONOMIST: Another four years

Scientists hope human embryonic stem cell research will lead to treatments and cures for many diseases, including diabetes, Alzheimer's and spinal cord injuries.

CNN: NIH announces owners of stem cells

For the past 8 years, the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to fund and conduct human embryonic stem cell research has been limited by Presidential actions.

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Drug giants including Roche, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca have taken their own steps toward embracing stem-cell-based research.

FORBES: Stem Cell Innovator James Thomson Says Geron Blazed Trail For Others To Follow