There was a great deal of hype in the 1950s over the nuclear discoveries of the 40s and 50s. Many great inventions came out of the nuclear era. Many more miracles were claimed to be possible but never materialized. I think that this is happening again with stem cell research.
Many miracles are claimed. Many have been proven true. Many more are probably fantasy. This is especially true with the embryonic vs. adult stem cells.
I just watched at senate hearing on C-SPAN. Many successes with adult stem cell research were presented. Not fanciful statements, but proof in the form of patient improvement.
Senator Wyden, D-Oregon, attempted to discredit the physical results of some scientists' research by digging into their personal beliefs. I got the impression that he believes, as an article of faith, that only embryonic stem cells are capable of helping people. He attempted to discredit the testimony of two of the presenters by dragging in their irrelevant personal beliefs. Those beliefs were obviously contrary to his own. He referenced NIH web pages that made statements contrary to those of the scientists. As if patient improvement is subject to the winds of politics.
Adult stem cells can heal patients. Embryonic stem cells can cause tumors. It is clear which approach is better for now.
Adult stem cell research is showing promising results. I'm concerned that it will be suppressed by those in favor of embryonic stem cell harvesting because it proves that you don't need to kill children to create miracles.