A Texas House panel is considering adult stem cell research and possibilities for boosting funding for research and treatment in the next legislative session.

"The Texas Medical Center has an amazing opportunity, in truth, to corner the market in this area," said Dr. Paul Simmons, who is the past president of the International Society for Stem Cell Research.

Simmons and others -- some who have received life-saving stem cell transplants -- testified about the latest advances in the treatments and the need for better funding of it in Texas.

Speaker Tom Craddick directed the panel to look at the potential for clinical and economic benefits of the use of more state funds for current and increased adult stem cell research. Adult cells aren't controversial like embryonic stem cells, because adult cells don't require the destruction of the donor in order to be harvested. They come from sources like umbilical cord blood.

"Today my son is standing here -- standing here today -- healed from sickle cell disease," said Darlene Davis, whose 8-year-old received an adult stem cell transplant from his little brother.

In the last legislative session, lawmakers appropriated about $5 million for treatment in research. Doctors testifying Wednesday asked for not only more funding, but the state to step in in helping to encourage and coordinate research going on around the state and country. They said a lack of funding could lead to "the disappearance of an entire generation of young scientists."

"I would like to alert the state to that real problem," said Simmons.

The subcommittee will make recommendations to the full appropriations committee or draft legislation in this area for the next legislation session.