Stanford Report, July 26, 2006

Media monitor

"I'm not willing to live with statements that are misleading."—Michael Clarke, MD, associate director of the Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, debunking White House adviser Karl Rove's remarks that adult stem cells have "far more promise" than embryonic stem cells. President Bush last week vetoed a bill to loosen the constraints on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Chicago Tribune, July 19.

"What many people don't understand is it is not just the money." —Paul Berg, PhD, the Robert W. and Vivian K. Cahill Professor of Cancer Research, emeritus, explaining how the Bush administration's restrictions on stem cell work is forcing scientists to devote time and energy to creating a second set of research facilities free of federal funds. San Jose Mercury News, July 20.

"Even if I don't want to have kids, at least I've preserved the option."—David Bloch, a 23-year-old patient who had been diagnosed with bone cancer, on saving sperm samples before undergoing chemotherapy. Packard Children's is one of the first hospitals in the nation to promote fertility education for young cancer patients. San Francisco Chronicle, July 9.