Soundbites: Be wary of stem-cell clinics' claims

A bill in Washington's Legislature would require private stem-cell clinics to post signage warning prospective clients that the therapy offered therein lacks scientific evidence and FDA approval.

The clinics, which have proliferated nationally, are exploiting the bona fide advances made by researchers in stem-cell medicine, as well as people desperate to relieve musculoskeletal and other ailments, said UW Medicine scientist Charles Murry. He's a stem-cell researcher working to generate cardiac tissue in a way that one day might preclude some patients' need for surgery.

Downloadable video of Murry discussing the issue is available to web and broadcast journalists.