Embryonic Stem Cell Therapies to Cure Disease is “Pure Folly”, Says MIT Prof
Reveals Some Scientists Don’t Oppose Embryonic Research Out of Fear of Reprisals
By Terry Vanderheyden

CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, December 12, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A Massachusetts Institute of Technology associate professor has revealed in an interview that many scientists are afraid to criticize embryonic stem-cell research out of fear of reprisals.

“Many scientists who do not support human embryo research are afraid to speak out because of possible reprisals from powerful scientists who can affect grant success, publication acceptances, tenure promotion, and employment,” said Dr. James Sherley, an associate professor of biological engineering at MIT, in an exclusive interview with the web magazine, MercatorNet.

A researcher and proponent of adult stem cells, Professor Sherley said placing hope in embryonic stem cell research for disease cure is “pure folly.” “Embryonic stem cells cannot be used directly [because] they form tumours when transplanted into mature tissues,” he explained. The rest