Stem-cell law goes to the polls

If federal law changes after the election but state law does not, Rapundalo says, stem-cell scientists in the state will be at a distinct disadvantage. Many fear that leading researchers will leave Michigan for other states that support the work, such as California and New York. Sue O’Shea, director of the Michigan Center for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research in Ann Arbor, says she has seen many of her best students leave — especially those who want to work on embryonic rather than adult stem cells.

Morrison agrees. “We have already been at a disadvantage in recruiting faculty members who specialize in the area of human embryonic stem-cell research,” he says. “If the proposal does not pass, this will not improve.”

Vote yes on Proposition 2 and keep some talented researchers at U-M.