Editor's Corner

A dose of realism
There's news out of California that the state's Institute for Regenerative Medicine is planning to take a methodical approach to stem cell research. In a new strategic plan, they say it will likely take 10 years to produce new therapies based on stem cell research. They do not want to push the science too fast, risking the safety of patients. While some patient advocates have expressed an understandable frustration at the go-steady approach, the institute deserves support. Stem cell research shows amazing promise, but much of the work is still in its infancy. No doubt researchers will push this field as fast as they can with the money they have available. But the institute has a responsibility to avoid promoting unrealistic hopes for overnight miracles. The U.S. is an impatient country and likely to celebrate advances that eventually turn out to be ephemeral. Stem cell research will consume years of lab time--and 10 years is not excessive in the development of new therapies. A dose of realism right now would do everyone a lot of good. - John