What chance have ordinary mortals of finding out the status quo in stem cell research when powerful personalities have the ear of the media and science journals? Currently there are 3 stem cell candidates for cures, drug discovery and genetic research – human embryonic stem cells (hESC), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), and adult stem cells. Only hESCs are entangled in ethical controversy because they are obtained by dicing up human embryos. Some kinds of adult stem cells show clinical promise, although none is available for the public. Each kind has its champions, but more and more researchers are turning to iPS cells and adult stem cells. Even though sulphurous debates were held over the ethics of using hESCs and legislation was changed in many countries to allow scientists to use them, their star seems to be fading.

This month, hESC defenders have staged a bare-knuckle public relations fightback.

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