The University of Pittsburgh discovery of cells similar to embryonic stem cells in human placentas is important for reasons beyond the obvious -- its potential as a non-controversial source of stem cells for research on treatment of diseases.

Controversial or not, research on stem cells extracted from embryos should continue and expand, with ample federal funding. Congress should override President Bush's partial ban on federal funding because it hinders progress toward new treatments for diseases that afflict millions of people. Although state and private funding helps fill the gap, federal money will better enable the United States to keep pace with advances being made overseas.

Pitt researchers found evidence that human placentas could be an abundant source of cells with much the same potential to treat diseases as embryonic stem cells. That means cells gathered from placentas might grow into liver, pancreas, heart, nerve and other cells. The technology might be used to help patients with liver failure or diabetes, for instance, grow healthy new liver or pancreas tissue.

The scientists say placenta cells may have advantages over embryonic stem cells. They may be easier to use, for instance, and safer. With 4 million births in the United States annually, there would be an abundant supply. The placenta, the vascular organ that connects the fetus to the maternal uterus, usually is discarded after childbirth.

Despite the Pitt researchers' enthusiasm, it may take years to see if placenta cells really can treat diseases. Many universities publish news of promising research results at this early stage, before anyone knows if they will pan out. Evaluating such attention-grabbing news is more difficult for consumers because researchers mix science and business more today than ever before.

It's common for scientists to have financial interests in companies that commercialize their research. Drs. Stephen C. Strom and Toshio Miki, who did the placenta research, hold equity stakes in and serve as paid consultants to Stemnion, LLC, a local biotechnology company. Stemnion has licensed the rights to the discovery from Pitt, and the scientists' equity stakes are in accord with Pitt patent policies.

Scientists certainly have every right to benefit from their creativity and hard work. Those rewards fostered emergence of the American biotech industry and help sustain it as No. 1 in the world.

Consumers should be aware when scientists have a financial stake in research. Pitt is quite forthright in noting such connections in its announcements of new research discoveries, and should be commended for doing so.

While cynics may question whether scientists can be objective when financial rewards beckon, optimists say that the pot of gold encourages researchers to focus on the best projects and move them swiftly out of the laboratory and into the doctor's office.