September 8, 2010WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal judge has turned down the Justice Department's request to temporarily delay his order that could shut down federal funding for some stem cell research.
U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth on Tuesday turned down federal officials' request for a stay.
Lamberth blocked federal dollars from going to certain stem cell research on grounds the research could violate a law prohibiting use of taxpayer dollars in work that destroys a human embryo.
The Justice Department wanted to keep the money flowing until an appeal could be heard of Lamberth's ruling. But Lamberth turned down the request.
Some scientists believe stem cell research could eventually lead to cures for spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's disease and other ailments.
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