degette-dianaRepresentative Diana DeGette is among a handful of lawmakers expected to be at the White House with President Barack Obama today as he announces the reversal of a Bush administration policy that limited federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research, writes The New York Times, which reports that although Obama’s action isn’t surprising, it does highlight the intersection where science and moral beliefs collide.

Embryonic stem cells are able to develop into any kind of cell in the body, and scientists believe the cells could one day be used in the replacement of organs, offering great hope to people who have diabetes, heart disease, and other life-threatening problems.

For years, DeGette, a Denver Democrat, has been a passionate supporter of providing federal funding for the research. Opponents claim the embryos have souls, and that destroying them is essentially murder. Denver Post columnist Mike Littwin, who has diabetes, appreciates the intricacies of both sides, but in the end hails the move as a victory for science.

Meanwhile, ScienceDaily reports that researchers at the University of Colorado have made progress in using technology to replace diseased or aging muscle tissue in humans. This CBS4 video spotlights their research.