A report out of Washington D.C. yesterday acknowledged that less than half of the stem cell lines previously approved for federal funding are not, in fact, ready to shift into the hands of researchers. Not just yet, anyways.

The announcement came as a surprise to few, though, as most experts have been questioning the number of developed cell lines since President Bush decided to move ahead with restricted exploration on August 9th of this year.

On that date, Bush announced that there were “more than 60 genetically diverse stem cell lines” in existence, taken from embryos that had already been destroyed, and voiced his support of research that could take the cell lines and discover potentially life-saving therapies and cures.

While not a complete surprise to most, the fact that only some 25 of the 60 reported cell lines are ready to go has helped to further cloud an already hot issue, and the executive decision that set it into motion.

Support for stem cell research has poured in heavily from all sides; those in favor of the possibly endless benefits we could cull from it, and those faced with a moral dilemma, of compromising a form of human life for scientific research. Bush tried to dodge that bullet by announcing all samples would have been destroyed anyways, thus wiping his hands of the life-decision that many people had been focusing on.

From certain perspectives, both sides have legitimate arguments and, often enough, evidence to back their respective claims. However, in the end, it becomes increasingly difficult for the naysayers to argue what was ultimately the deciding factor: the potential here is simply too great to ignore.

Although it remains in a very early infancy, which brings with it the real possibility of failure, stem cell research is a sign of hope for some people, the “next big thing” that we’ve been waiting for. With the potential to aid a wide array of ailments, such as juvenile diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, the small but real chance of finding cures is motivating factor enough.

Bush also announced that while embryos are the best source for gathering the stem cells, they are far from the only one. By his account, scientists say there is some potential in those cells taken from adult cells, umbilical cords and placentas.

Granted, Bush has made his share of missteps in this decidedly sensitive issue, but his actions, influenced heavily by the people he has surrounded himself with, have generally been taken in an appropriate direction. A potential cure is out there somewhere; his decision, the first of what will ultimately be many, has started us down the road of finding it.

Information from Boston.com was used in this column.

Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the Collegian editorial board.