While religious and moral viewpoints conflict with gaining sufficient funding, a University professor who recently reached a breakthrough in stem cell research said he hopes for a compromise in his field.

Steve Stice, director of the University’s Regenerative Bioscience Center, detailed his personal experiences and other facets of the stem cell debate Wednesday.

Members of the Young Democrats met with Stice to discuss scientific, ethical and political implications of stem cell research.

Stice said he wants to see “c”-grade embryos – embryos unlikely to produce pregnancy due to an insufficient mass of cells – used in research rather than being discarded as they commonly are now.

“That is something I would like to see changed,” he said.

Stice said he is advising U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson on a bill that would allow such a use of these embryos.

“It’s really been interesting to work with him,” he said.

Stice also said that moral and religious opinions are not the only thing standing in the way of the validity and future expansion of stem cell research.

Misinformation, he said, is hurting the argument for stem cells.

Stice said falsities such as likening stem cell researchers to “baby killers” and the claim that there are roughly 73 effective treatments that already have been derived from stem cells are a hindrance for scientists.

However, Stice said there are good signs, too.

A recent state poll found roughly 70 percent of Georgians believe stem cells should be used in research for finding cures to conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, he said.

He said he hopes our government officials take these numbers into consideration.

Students in attendance expressed their agreement and hopes for the future.

Payton Bradford, political director of the Young Democrats, said discussions such as these are invaluable.

“The first step is educating,” he said. “More knowledge is less resistance.”

Bradford also said he believes the momentum will shift toward the side of research in the near future, as political and scientific falsities are debunked and the debate becomes more personalized.

“There is nothing more pro-life than prolonging life,” he said.

Others present stressed the importance of having people like Stice at the University.

Keri Hochgertle, field director for the Young Democrats, said Stice’s research is of the highest importance in keeping our state and University progressive.

“We’re a lucky University to have such an important person in the field,” she said.