The Inverse Brain Drain

Cosmic Variance
By Mark Trodden
Dec 2, 2005 11:15 AMNov 5, 2019 8:05 AM

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Via Pharyngula. The Star Tribune has an inspired editorial about a couple of renowned biologists who are moving overseas. The headline and sub-headline are

Bush science policies hurt U.S. Loss of top geneticists is latest toll from religious corruption

I think the phrase "Religious Corruption" hits the nail right on the head. You can read more about it from PZ. I'll just give you the last paragraph here,

The United States is accustomed to being the beneficiary of brain drains, but in the biological sciences that has now been reversed because of the unreasonable restrictions imposed on the use of embryonic stem cells for research. The irony in this is staggering: To prevent researchers from using surplus embryos from fertility clinics -- already slated for destruction -- opponents will forgo willingly the promise of cures for cancers and assorted other diseases that afflict millions of human beings. There are ethical considerations in this research, but they can easily be answered, if opponents were willing to engage in a dialogue. But they're not; despite their self-identification as "prolife," they'd rather see the stem cells in surplus embryos killed than kept alive and used in scientific research that might help heal people in the future.

1 free article left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

1 free articleSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

More From Discover
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2025 LabX Media Group