NJ will give $5M to stem-cell projects (NJ would become the first state to fund embryonic stem cell)

NorthJersey.com ^ | 12.17.05 | JEFFREY GOLD

[Coleus]

TRENTON - A New Jersey panel on Friday awarded $5 million in grants for stem cell research, including what is expected to be the first disbursements from a state for experiments on human embryonic stem cells. Three of the 17 awards involve human embryonic cells, a controversial area of an emerging science, although existing "lines" of human embryonic stem cells would be utilized by the three recipients.  All 17 projects were approved for about $300,000 over the next two years by the New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology.

Supporters believe stem cell research could bring cures for a variety of disorders, from paralysis to Alzheimer's. Studies using embryonic cells are opposed by many conservatives, including President Bush, because embryos are destroyed during research. Bush in 2001 restricted the use of federal money for stem cell work. The state commission believes that once money is sent, New Jersey would become the first state to fund human embryonic stem cell research, according to information from the National Conference of State Legislatures and the International Society of Stem Cell Research, said commission spokeswoman Michelle Ruess.

California voters approved allocating $3 billion for such research in 2004, and some human embryonic projects were chosen, but lawsuits have blocked any money from being sent.  The New Jersey effort has been led by acting Governor Codey, who in August created the $5 million research grant program for New Jersey companies and institutions. The commission had the 71 applications rated by the American Institute of Biological Sciences and reviewed by the state Ethics Advisory Panel for Stem Cell Research.

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