MPs to investigate stem cell funding row

Two recent reports, Funding Halted for Stem Cell Research and MPs to Investigate Stem Cell Funding Row published in the UK Independent newspaper report that British MPs are to investigate the mysterious denial of grants to two out of three licensed scientists licensed to produce hybrid embryos for creating and researching stem cells. The lack of funding threatens the UK’s stand as a leader in stem cell research. The Medical Research Council, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council have not stated a reason for denying the funding to the scientists. The denial of funding aroused suspicion among researchers about the motives behind the lack of funding suggesting a “moral” nature rather than a scientific basis for the organizations’ denials. The lack of funding is curious in light of the fact that Prime Minister Gordon Brown and David Cameron heavily supported the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill in May 2008. It will be interesting to see what the investigation reveals.