All stem cell advances are welcome, but the door should be left open for embryonic stem cell research, advocates said Thursday.

Opponents of research on embryonic stem cells say there is more potential for finding cures in research on stem cells that do not require the destruction of human embryos, which they object to on ethical grounds. To bolster their argument, they point to recent research advances, including a recent study that found potential to treat disease in stem cells taken from amniotic fluid.

But those recent research advances using non-embryonic stem cells from bone marrow and amniotic fluid do not eliminate the need for continued investigation into the potential of embryonic stem cells, says, Rep. Mike Castle, R-Del., at the left-leaning Center for American Progress.

Researchers — even many who have made advances using non-embryonic cells — say limiting their use will limit scientific progress.

‘Adult stem cells are really useful to treat immunological disease,’ said Steven Teitelbaum, a professor of pathology at the Washington University School of Medicine.

But there is only so much adult stem cells can do, he said. ‘This is not a contest between different kinds of stem cells — this is a contest between society and disease.

‘Why not let 100 flowers bloom and use every tool we have to help patients with these devastating diseases?’

Federal support of embryonic stem cell research would actually make the process more ethical because government standards could be imposed, said Jeanne Loring, principal investigator at the Burnham Institute. Loring conducts research with embryonic stem cells.

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