title: Controversies over stem cell research.
abstract: Much interest and effort has focused on the therapeutic potential of stem cell technology to treat presently intractable diseases. However, this scientific promise has been accompanied by important issues, including ethical hurdles, political policies and dilemmas concerning cell-source selection (embryonic versus adult stem cells). Although the contribution of stem cells to medical research seems enormous, many countries now face complex ethical and regulatory questions, which could represent a significant limitation to medical progress and could take years to overcome.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country, Paseo de la Universidad no 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
authors.forename: Gorka
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Orive
authors.forename: Rosa M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Hernández
authors.forename: Alicia R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Gascón
authors.forename: Manoli
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Igartua
authors.forename: José Luis
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Pedraz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D033041:Embryo Research / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005060:Europe; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods; D033161:Government Regulation; D006801:Humans; D011639:Public Opinion; D011640:Public Policy; D012941:Social Responsibility; D013234:Stem Cells; D014481:United States