Wonkette

Scientific researchers in Japan and Wisconsin yesterday announced the results of some very complex stem cell research that could eventually have a significant impact on disease once a variety of other research in conducted and results are peer-reviewed and the like. But, who cares about that crap when you can claim a political victory?

Anti-embryonic stem cell people, like the White House and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, applauded the results of the study, saying it validated their efforts to ban and/or eliminate all embryonic stem cell research in this country. Of course, whereas embryonic stem cell research is ongoing (at least in California, where the state is making up for the lack of federal government research grants), this research is researching the ability to create non-embryonic stem cells without cloning and, thus, actual research using the created stem cells is years off. Also, it, um, might cause cancer. But, whatever! It’s a victory for the “moral majority” just in time for Thanksgiving!

A stem cell ‘milestone’ [LA Times]
A Scientific Advance, a Political Question Mark [Washington Post]