Thomson tops Time list

Stem-cell researcher James Thomson is on the cover of Time magazine this week as one of 18 leaders in science and medicine singled out by the editors as “America’s Best.”

Somewhat disappointed with President George W. Bush’s decision to limit federal funding for the creation of new stem cell lines — he’s cultivating five right now — Thomson tells Time he’s generally pleased.

“The field will go forward. It won’t be limited to just a few labs, even if there are only a few dozen cell lines,” he says. “That’s the most important thing.”

The story is part of a package developed by Time and Cable News Network.