e pur si muove

More proof that science and politics don’t mix well:

Days after South Korean biologist Hwang Woo-Suk reported confirmation (see special feature in Science) of his previous controversial report (Science, 2004, 303:1669-1674) of successful cloning of embryonic human stem cells, Bush Jr. unilaterally condemned the achievement. So much for Prof. Hwang’s cautious optimism on favorable policies for stem cell research (see his review article on xenotransplantation in Yonsei Med. J., 45(6):1017-1024).

Earlier, Bush threatened to use (for the first time) his presidential veto to kill bill H. R. 810 (Rep. Mike Castle, R-Del.), which would allow research on embryonic stem cells from excess embryos donated from fertility clinics. However, the proposal to create a national umbilical-cord stem cell bank, Bill H. R. 596 (Rep. Christopher Smith, R-N.J.), appears to be tacitly supported by the White House. The NIH already maintains a strict list of approved cell lines; some researchers, naturally, are unhappy about the restricted choices.
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Otterman describes simple tests to test the authenticity of fatt choy. Ironically, the popular wishes of prosperity appear to have come at the expense of the sustenance of vast swathes of mainland China. But the prospect of fake fatt choy colored with hair dye making its way into restaurant dishes simply unnerves me. (Shudders at recollections of organic chemistry.)

1. Pack rice cooker, 2 lb. pandan leaves and 1 lb. lemongrass (香茅) from Scarborough’s Chinatown into the trunk of your car.
2. Allow Customs official at the Windsor-Detroit border to confiscate said leaves and deliver a stern lecture on how to be a doting mother without breaking US customs laws.
3. Drive to Champaign-Urbana and discover Far East grocery, which stocks lemongrass shoots and pandan essence.
4. Prepare the chicken stock with the “rule of 4″:
   • 4 pints water
   • 4 short lemongrass shoots
   • 4 drops Pandan essence
   • 4 Chicken drumsticks
   • ¼ Ginger root, sliced
   • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
   • 4″ spring onion, julienned
5. Discover the joys of garbage disposal when the ginger root skins disappear down the sink.
6. Pour the stock into a rice cooker with two washed cups of rice. Let the cooker do its thing.
7. Cringe in horror to discover when the only oils available were butter, cooking spray and extra-virgin olive oil. Run out to buy sesame oil, muttering, “这个孩子…”
8. Sear the chicken drumsticks with 2 tbsp. sesame oil and 1 tsp. light soy sauce.
9. Serve to ravenous homesick children.
10. Collect 6 months’ supply of hugs.
11. Stare in fascination at the machinations of a dishwasher.