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"Accidental" Discovery
Canadian researcher's, Drs. Ernest McCulloch and James E. Till published their discovery in their scientific journal "Radiation Research." Their "accidental" discovery proved that stem cells have the ability to self-renew, divide, and become any type of cell in the body. -
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The History of Stem Cell Research
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Congress Bans All Federally Funded Fetal Tissue Research
The 93rd Congress bans nearly all federally funded fetal tissue research until the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research devises guidelines for it. -
Stem cells are discovered in human cord blood.
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President George H.W. Bush Vetos Bill Lifting Moratorium
Congress attempts to override the moratorium through legislation but President George H.W. Bush vetoes the measure. -
James Thomson Isolates Human Embryonic Stem Cells
University of Wisconsin scientist James Thomson isolates human embryonic stem cells. This discovery began the ethical debate on human embryonic stem cell research because his team derives the stem cells using a process that destroys human embryos. -
NIH Guidelines for Research Go Into Effect
NIH Guidelines for Research Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells are published and go into effect. These guidelines stipulate:
- human embryonic stem cells must be derived with private funds from frozen embryos from fertility clinics
-they must have been created for fertility treatment purposes
-be in excess of the donor’s clinical need
-are obtained with the donor's consent.
