Blair seeks link with Calif stem cell research

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Britain is seeking to promote links between stem cell researchers in Britain and California, two leaders in the field, during a visit to the state this week by British Prime Minister Tony Blair, 

In contrast to the United States, where a stem cell research bill provoked President George W. Bush's first veto, Britain has strongly encouraged such research. It set up the world's first stem cell bank in 2004 to store and supply the cells for research that could lead to new treatments for illnesses from Alzheimer's disease to diabetes.