Meanwhile, the researchers and advocacy groups support use of federal funding for the research. "As a scientist, I think there is tremendous promise in studying embryonic stem cells, and I think the stem cell lines that are currently available clearly are not adequate to support the level of research that can be conducted," said Mary Beckerle, executive director of the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Researchers believe some cancers may originate in stem cells, making the research crucial to prevention and treatment efforts. Because embryonic stem cells can become any kind of cell, there's hope that they can be used to replace organs and tissues damaged by diseases such as cancer, stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Soler said type 1 diabetes results when the insulin-producing cells are killed off by the body through an autoimmune reaction. The hope is that stem cells could be coaxed to develop into insulin-producing cells.

Polls show 70 percent of Americans support funding for research using embryonic stem cells, said Soler, who noted that former Republican presidential candidate John McCain also favored lifting the ban.

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