Editorial: Stem cell research benefits UC, California

One of six new appointments to the new California stem cell
oversight commission is UCLA’s very own School of Medicine
Dean Gerald Levey. Eventually, the 29-member commission will
supervise billions of dollars marked for important research, much
of which could be conducted on UC campuses.

Stem cell research, while not a perfect silver bullet, has the
potential to help victims of diabetes, osteoarthritis and
Parkinson’s, among other diseases.

In the process, the money raised by Proposition 71 will attract
some of the best minds to California, many of whom will find their
way into UC labs.

In that sense, even if stem cell research does not immediately
yield results, Proposition 71 can be seen as an investment in
California, medical research and, most specifically, the UC
system.

Overseeing the $3 billion dollar project will not be easy
““ especially considering the sensitive nature of embryonic
stem cell research. But if any scientists are up to the task, UC
faculty members should be.