Following President Obama’s executive order last month overturning restrictions on federal funds for research on human embryonic stem cells, the National Institutes of Health released draft guidelines today governing the “ethically responsible, scientifically worthy” use of federal stem-cell dollars.

Under the guidelines, federal funds may be spent on research involving human embryonic stem cells created for reproductive purposes, in what Raynard S. Kington, acting director of the NIH, called an “incredible opportunity for the scientific community.” But research using stem cells derived through other methods — including somatic-cell nuclear transfer, parthenogenesis, and in vitro fertilization solely for research purposes — will not be eligible for federal money. (Research using adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells will continue to be eligible for NIH support.)

While explaining the decision to restrict funds for certain methods of deriving stem cells, Mr. Kington said this afternoon that although “strong, broad support” exists for research using human embryonic stem cells created through reproduction, similar support does not exist “for using the other sources.”

Final guidelines are expected to be issued on or before July 7. Comment from the public and from scientists will be solicited for 30 days following the publication of the draft guidelines in the Federal Register next week. —David Shieh