A recent study finds that Michigan holds a potential to emerge as the next big capital in embryonic stem cell research. The study looked at seven common illnesses that embryonic stem cells could potentially treat: Type I diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, acute heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, spinal cord injury and Lou Gehrig’s disease.

More than 770,000 people in Michigan had those illnesses in 2006, said lead author Allen Goodman, Wayne State University economics professor. Advances derived from the research could shave an estimated $80 million off the $8-billion annual treatment costs.

The study is based on research that would be funded privately or through institutional funds. The state is expected to do better in stem cell research if the state invested in the research, as is done in New Jersey and California.
Researchers have said Michigan’s restrictions make it difficult to attract top biomedical talent.

Michigan’s bio-industry fuels 44,298 jobs, according to the federal government’s North American Industry Classification System. Relaxed restrictions on embryonic stem cell research would create about 443 well-paying jobs.

The lead author of the study Allen Goodman, from the Wayne State University, said,

“Because we are one of five states, the largest of five states that make this research difficult, 1% is a conservative estimate. It’s a small, but positive impact, here in Michigan.”

Source: Freep.com