A US district judge’s recent decision to block federal funding for stem cell research has the scientific community up in arms. Researchers believe stem cell research could advance treatments of various conditions, including celiac disease.

Issued on August 23, the block countered President Obama’s decision to authorize federal funding for stem cell research, which overturned a ban imposed by Former President George W. Bush. US District Judge Royce Lambert cited a 1995 amendment that bars any research involving the destruction of human embryos from receiving federal funds.

White House spokesman Bill Burton said the President believes stem cell funding could provide “important, life-saving research.”

“Aside from cancer, diseases that stem cells treatments are said to have the potential to cure include:  Type 1 diabetes mellitus, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, celiac disease, cardiac failure, muscle damage and neurological disorders,” according to All247News.