If we don’t do science, other countries will

I saw an article in CNN’s education section today: Stem cell scientists headed to Singapore to continue research

Copeland and Jenkins are famous for discovering a way to accelerate the identification of cancer-causing genes in mice. Scientists hope to advance this discovery by using embryonic stem-cell cultures to build models of leukemia, lymphoma and other cancers. If researchers can learn which genes are mutated in cancer, they could possibly develop drugs to block mutations.

At Singapore’s Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, any of the couple’s discoveries would first be patented and used in Singapore.

By stifling scientific research in this country, are we setting ourselves up to be leapfrogged by everyone else?

One Response to “If we don’t do science, other countries will”

  1. It’s more about two outstanding, empty nester scientists just a lick past their prime heading out to do something glamorous and exotic.

    Over the next several years you’ll see Singapore install a very American-like biomedical research enterprise, in much the same way you might have a landscaper come to your estate to install a garden.

    Why bother nurturing it and growing it over the years when you can have it finished by the end of the week?

    Look for more cherry picking