Although we are in a dreadful financial crisis, there is still light at the end of the tunnel. Help could be right around the corner, here in New Brunswick, New Jersey. This is the location where the State of New Jersey is working on building a stem cell institute that has promising benefits. The stem cell institute of New Jersey is proposed to generate $2.2 billion in revenue, creating 30,000 jobs, and bring in $15 million for instate revenues. The institute will help provide economic aid to the state of New Jersey in this tie of struggle. However, with all of these great benefits, it is astonishing to learn that the institute is not being built at all! In November 2007, the Stem Cell Research Bond Act was rejected by New Jersey voters, which Gov. Jon Corzine highly supported and campaigned for. For that reason, there is no new building being constructed in New Brunswick.

Stem cell research has amazing benefits to those suffering from life-threatening disease. Stem cells are totipotent, meaning that once generated, they have the ability to develop into any human cell possible. They can even generate into a fully functional organ, such as a heart or liver! This could be of great benefit to those needing organ transplants. Also, stem cells can help improve the conditions of those with serious conditions such as cerebral palsy, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries. XCell, a regenerative medicine research institute in Germany, has conducted all of the research for these diseases and conditions and the results have been successful. Now, why is it so hard for the United States — New Jersey nonetheless — to catch up with the technology and benefits of stem cell research? Instead, people are suffering every day when they could be living comfortably with their disease or condition.

Therefore, it is important that Gov. Jon Corzine continue to support the Stem Cell Research Bond Act and propose a revote to the New Jersey voters. Once the residents of New Jersey understand the benefits of such an institute, they can vote yes for the stem cell institute of New Jersey to be built and begin to help those who suffer physically and economically.

Katie Moore

Flemington Rutgers University