Stem Cell Research

New Jersey has become the first state to use public money to fund human stem cell research. The state announced $5 million in grants Friday to be split among 17 projects, the New York Times reported. Only three involve human embryonic stem cells, with others studying animals or using adult stem cells...
"The grants we have awarded today are based on science, not politics, and have been conceived by some of the brightest minds and best institutions in our state," acting Gov. Richard J. Codey said in a statement. "This funding will hopefully set the stage for a new era in medical treatments that will ease the suffering of millions and ultimately save lives."

(from physorg)

I hate New Jersey, but I love medical research. The libertarian part of me would rather not see this funded by the state, but the scientist in me is much more excited by the fact that the state is not trying to block stem cell research. In fact, my soon-to-be-ex-governor Mark Warner was complaining about Congress's anti-research stance just last week.

Congress, Warner said, has put too much emphasis on issues like the Terri Schiavo case, while blocking stem-cell research and ignoring the challenge of 45 million Americans living without health insurance.

Hey, I'm stuck with statists in the government. I at least want some statists who are interested in scientific research.