Rock Star Scientists

The Canadian Stem Cell Foundation has posted a video on their site in support of the Stem Cell Charter – a document designed to promote stem cell research into various human diseases. The “Rock Star Scientists” video features leading international stem cell researchers arguing in support of stem cell research – research which has proven contentious in some countries (eg. the United States). Both the video and the website are highly polished, and the video has some pretty good lines (“we’re not rock stars… we’re just scientists in white coats and nerdy sweaters”). The video makes some pretty strong promises about the potential of stem cells, promises which may lead to unrealistic expectations. Nonetheless, the video helps make a strong case in support of stem cell research (even though the existence of a “stem cell charter” implies that stem cell research might need to be controlled in some way against unscrupulous researchers). You can view the video, meet the researchers, and sign the charter at the Canadian Stem Cell Foundation’s website.