The upcoming 42nd Ward's election ballot has this question (proposed by Burt Natarus, PDF here):
“Shall the Government of the United States fully fund research for medical technologies that utilize stem cells solely for regenerative cures?”
At first glance, fully funding stem cell research seems like a no-brainer, but what exactly does the weasel phrase at the end mean? “Solely for regenerative cures?”. What else could stem cells be used for? Sounds limiting, and fundamentalist-friendly. Who paid Alderman Natarus for including this resolution? Am I misreading the intent? Not like the 42nd Ward could force the Federal Government to do anything anyway, but isn't it odd?
like for instance:
Stem cells for bigger breasts :
Japanese scientists are apparently using stem cells and fat to boost cup sizes in a new breast enlargement procedure. According to Tokyo University surgeon Kotaro Yoshimura, more than 40 women have been treated using the procedure. The result is apparently “more natural” looking that traditional saline or silicone implants. As my IFTF colleague Mike Love says, “It's interesting that in the US we can't use stem cells to treat diseases but other nations are already moving on to stem cell-based breast implants.”
