Stem-cell research arose as a controversy not long ago, because researchers were experimenting with embryonic stem cells, which required destroying embryos (which were usually surplus eggs fertilized through artificial insemination, and later donated by their parents). That furor has largely quieted down, mainly it turns out stem cells donated by consenting adults have a lot more promise than previously thought — nearly as much, in many cases, as embryonic ones. Now scientists are focusing on understanding and expanding the capabilities of adult stem cells; at some point they may seek to return to embryonic work, but that may be decades in the future.Or will there even be an Unholy Alliance to take on issues like this?
Fred Karger, a leader in the movement to expose the exact size of religious contributions to political campaigns, says he thinks the alliance "will unravel without any outside help," observing the Mormons' public retreat in the face of public outrage after the Prop 8 campaign. "The Catholic Church will be right behind them," Karger predicts, saying that even though their efforts succeeded in repealing same-sex marriage in Maine, the backlash did "tremendous damage to their reputation."
We should be so lucky.
Related:
I Am Iron Man (Sorta), Med school drug pushers, Weathering the weather, More 
- I Am Iron Man (Sorta)
Princeton, you can keep your Batman. (Frankly, his costume could use a little work, anyway.)
- Med school drug pushers
You may have heard of a little ongoing row about a Merck drug called Vioxx, which was pulled from the market in 2004 due to evidence that it caused serious heart problems in some users.
- Weathering the weather
Sweltering summer heat is finally upon us, along with how-to-keep-cool considerations.
- Dodging shots
In politics, and with the media, it's the outcome, and not the intention, that matters. That's fortunate for Senator Susan Collins, who got lucky twice in the same week.
- Cyberchondriacs
Last year, a co-worker (who shall remain nameless to save her from additional embarrassment) discovered a bug bite on her leg. It was slightly different than a typical mosquito bite; it was more bruise-like, and a bit painful to the touch. Not having any insect-bite specialists on hand, my colleague turned to the Internet for help identifying the source of her ailment.
- Review: Solitary Man
By the fourth time Michael Douglas wakes up hungover and shirtless on a sour double bed, we get it: he's old.
- Windshift
Harley Lee and I are not friends. The only time we’ve met was a couple of years ago in a Carrabassett Valley bar, where I told him the world would be a better place if somebody poisoned his drink.
- Climate Catastrophe
Lyme disease will spread, northern Europe could become encased in ice, and powerful hurricanes will ravage coastal areas unless dramatic steps are taken to slow global warming.
- Portland’s wishes for 2010
Ah, these fresh moments of the new year, when our hopes and resolutions are unsullied by the rough ravages of time, politics, and the Maine winter.
- State’s renewable energy effort goes into neutral
When it comes to advancing the cause of solar energy in Rhode Island, nothing is ever easy, or so it seems.
- Maine House candidates
As with the candidates for Maine Senate, we compiled some biographical information on each candidate and then asked each person what they would take action on right up front, if they were elected.
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