Science Debate 2008

The Women's Bioethics Project, as well as bioethicists Thomas H. Murray (Hastings Center), Arthur L. Caplan (University of Pennsylvania), and Harold Shapiro (Princeton University), have joined Science Debate 2008, a coalition of scientists and concerned citizens, to call for a presidential public debate on science and technology policy.

The grassroots initiative states:

Given the many urgent scientific and technological challenges facing America and the rest of the world, the increasing need for accurate scientific information in political decision making, and the vital role scientific innovation plays in spurring economic growth and competitiveness, we call for a public debate in which the U.S. presidential candidates share their views on the issues of The Environment, Health and Medicine, and Science and Technology Policy.

To date, most of the coalition supporters are men. Let’s be sure that women’s voices and concerns don’t get lost in this debate. You can sign the petition yourself here.

A Sneak Peak Inside a Stem Cell Lab

On several occasions, we've blogged about how stem cell research is not an 'either-or' proposition. Today, Kathryn Hinsch pens an article at Science Progress giving us a peek inside a privately funded stem cell lab and at the motivations of stem cell researchers. One of the researchers talks poignantly about the "work became an existential commitment, a chance to do battle with public health challenges.”

The crux of the article is that "To win the battle against disease, dysfunction, and injury, stem cell research must continue on all fronts: embryonic, IPS [induced pluripotent stem cells], placental, and adult." To get a bigger view inside the lab and read the rest of the article, click here.