For NU regents, no rush into stem cell research debate

LINCOLN The results of last week's election pose a new risk for embryonic stem cell research at the University of Nebraska, but the risk does not appear imminent.

Five of the eight members of the new board that takes office in January are on record opposing the use of such cells in medical research, but none has disclosed plans to stop it.

Opponents say the research is unethical because embryos were destroyed to provide the cells used for study.

Proponents say scientists need to study embryonic stem cells as part of their search for life-saving cures. They also note that scientists don't actually use embryos in their research. Rather, they purchase and use cells grown and replicated from an original embryonic sample.

Last week's election marked the most significant overhaul of the NU Board of Regents in more than 40 years. Since an expansion of the board to eight members in 1970, no more than two seats have changed hands in any election.

This year's three-seat turnover resulted from Regents Jim McClurg of Lincoln, Randy Ferlic of Omaha and Chuck Hassebrook of Lyons not seeking re-election.

Their replacements include Jim Pillen, 56, of Columbus, and LaVon Heidemann, 53, of Elk Creek, both endorsed by Nebraska Right to Life for their opposition to embryonic stem cell research. And both replace regents who supported the research.

The third new regent, former Omaha Mayor Hal Daub, ran without the support of Nebraska Right to Life because he did not pledge to vote to change the research policy. He said current state law and federal regulation answer the issue. Daub replaced an opponent of the research.

At the NU Medical Center, embryonic stem cell work represents a small but important part of the campus's wider research endeavor, said Jennifer Larsen, vice chancellor of research.

Four med center researchers are using embryonic stem cell lines, accounting for a total of about $4 million in research funding over multiple years. Total research funding for the med center in 2011-12, by comparison, was about $89 million.

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For NU regents, no rush into stem cell research debate