Edward Kennedy, D-Massachusetts, who heads the committee, requested the names of the research groups who have human embryonic stem cell lines, information on where their research has been published, and details about proprietary rights and what ethical standards were used when the stem cells were derived.

CNN: NIH announces owners of stem cells

Researchers also hope that stem cell research will provide them with more information about human development and the causes of disease, and lead to changes in the development and testing of drugs.

CNN: NIH publishes draft guidelines for stem cell research