ReZoom

Recent news about the discovery of a technique to transform mouse skin cells into cells nearly identical to embryonic stem cells has sent waves of excitement through the scientific community. The reason: if it works in humans, a simple skin biopsy could be “re-programmed” to create a cell equivalent to embryonic stem cells without cloning, using or destroying embryos. The scientific community is so enthusiastic about the possibility of overcoming ethical questions of surrounding stem cell research that even Ian Wilmut, the cloner of Dolly the sheep, announced he was abandoning his work on cloning to put his efforts toward this new research. Here is a good layman’s explanation of the new discovery.

No embryos…no cloning….the moral dilemma is solved. Science has provided a resolution to the ethical and political debate and all parties emerge victorious. Hooray and God bless America!

So how does this news play in the political arena? Will there be joy in Mudville?

In Washington, I would have to say that Mr. Bush has to feel pretty good about it. After all, he was vilified from both the right and the left by drawing a line and requiring that the imperative for scientific research be balanced by moral considerations. Whether he drew the line in the right place is another issue altogether, but seeing science seek and find a viable alternative has to be gratifying to him. Good for him. He needs all the brakes he can get.

The real test of the political metal of the presidential candidates will be in how quickly each of them lay down their swords on this issue and celebrate. There are plenty of other battles to fight. Few will end more peacefully than this one could. The question is whether the candidates are willing to admit victory.

Of course, the science must prove itself out. Every indication is that it will. I certainly hope so.