Stem cell statement/Thomson

Aug. 9, 2001

TO: Editors, science/medical writers, political reporters
FROM: UW–Madison University Communications

RE: JAMES THOMSON COMMENT ON STEM CELL ANNOUNCEMENT

University of Wisconsin–Madison developmental biologist James Thomson, who with a team of scientists became the first in the world to successfully isolate and culture human embryonic stem cells in late 1998, issued this statement to media following President Bush’s announcement Thursday, Aug. 9:

“I am very pleased that President Bush made a decision that will allow human embryonic stem cell research to go forward. The proposed compromise will slow the research, but the compromise is better than halting the research entirely. I want to personally thank Secretary Thompson for the role he played in this decision.”

If you are looking for details and background on the science of stem cells to support your coverage, go to UW–Madison University Communications’ updated and expanded stem cell media kit on the Web.

Visit: http://www.news.wisc.edu/packages/stemcells/

The site includes basics questions and answers on stem cell science; high-resolution photos suitable for publication; other illustrations and animations; links to resources; and archives of statements, media releases and news about stem cell research.

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