President Barack Obama asks court to keep stem cell cash flowing

President Barack Obama's administration has asked federal appeals court to lift an order blocking federal funding for some stem cell research, a day after being turned down by the judge who issued the order, the Associated Press reported.

From the AP: "The Obama administration told a federal appeals court in Washington on Wednesday that the order by U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth stops 'funding for embryonic stem cell research in its tracks.' "

Lamberth rejected the administration's request to let funding continue while it pursues an appeal of his order.

Medical researchers value stem cells because they are master cells that can turn into any tissue of the body. Research eventually could lead to cures for spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's disease and other ailments.

Smoking baby quits

The 2-year-old Indonesian baby who smoked up to 40 cigarettes a day has quit the habit, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Specialists in Jakarta were able to divert his addiction from cigarettes to playing following a month of therapy.

Study: Vitamin B helps slow Altzheimer's progression

Oxford University scientists have found that taking vitamin B slowed the rate at which the brain shrank in elderly people with memory problems. The study may guide further research into Alzheimer’s disease.

Juliana Keeping is a health and environment reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at julianakeeping@annarbor.com or 734-623-2528. Follow Juliana Keeping on Twitter

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