Federal dollars can now be used to fund embryonic stem cell research following the signing of an executive order Monday.

The move overturns an eight year restriction on federally funded stem cell research.

“I cannot guarantee that we will find the treatments and cures we seek,” President Barack Obama said just before signing the order. “But I can promise that we will seek them — actively, responsibly and with the urgency required to make up for lost ground.”

Obama also signed a presidential memorandum to ensure that his administration will, “make scientific decisions based on facts, not ideology.”

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