The case that halted all embryonic stem cell research was filed by James L. Sherley and Theresa Deisher, with the backing of anti-abortion groups. Sherley is at the Boston Biomedical Research Institute (BBRI), a small research institute in Boston, and Deisher is at a small startup company in Seattle called AVM Biotechnology. Both work on adult stem cells. Their main claim in the lawsuit is that the 2009 executive order by President Obama, which broadened the types of embryonic stem cell research permitted in the U.S., caused them "irreparable harm." Why? Because, they argued, this would allow other researchers to compete against them for federal funds, making it harder for them to obtain funding.

As a scientist, I have to say that this is a ridiculous argument.