The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced last week that it will begin implementation of President Bush's Executive Order to conduct research leading to the expansion of the number of approved "pluripotent" stem cells collected "without creating a human embryo for research purposes or destroying, discarding, or subjecting to harm a human embryo or fetus." Pluripotent stem cells are cells capable of producing all or a most of the cell types found in human beings.

In response to the Executive Order, the NIH has prepared an implementation plan calling for accelerated stem cell research activities and offering expanded funding opportunities for researchers.

"The NIH has developed a sound, ambitious strategy to advance pluripotent stem cell research and generate more opportunities in this critical area," said Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt in a press release. "I sincerely hope that these steps will accelerate the discovery of new cures and treatments."

Also See:
President Bush’s Executive Order on Stem Cell Expansion
Senate Passes Stem Cell Bills, Bush to Veto One
President Bush's 2006 Stem Cell Veto Message
What are "Executive Orders?"