Biotechnology pundits have pointed out the similar views current major presidential candidates share on stem cell research even including embryonic stem cell research. So far, it appears the issue has not played quite the major role in politics as it did in 2004. Perhaps this has to do with the increased familiarity with the purpose and promises of stem cell work within medical research and development.

Public awareness has broadened and general opinions have noticeably shifted, thanks to several campaign efforts and announcements from research groups. (One of the most amazing is a recent University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study on turning human skin cells into insulin-producing cells.)

On the ten-year anniversary of James Thomson’s work to derive and prolong a culture of human embryonic stem cells, the World Stem Cell Summit this week in Wisconsin not only touched upon research breakthroughs but also discussed bioethics, law, regulations, and politics. Presenters, including Thomson, spoke of new opportunities in healthcare and in the fight against diseases such as cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s. 

In other parts of the world, new stem cell research centers are opening (such as one from Australia’s University of Adelaide, which employs nearly 200 research scientists).

Perhaps all of this (non)attention to the promises of stem cells in healthcare will finally release the federal restrictions on research.