Stem Cells Made From Cloned Human Embryos

Scientists in the United States have hailed a major breakthrough after recovering stem cells from cloned human embryos for the first time.

Researchers described the use of skin to generate embryonic stem cells - which removes one of the obstacles to human cloning - as a "milestone".

The cells could potentially be used to make newbrain tissue for Parkinson's sufferers, new heart muscle for people with cardiovascularproblems or pancreatic tissue to treat diabetes.

But while the breakthrough will help the development of stem cell therapies that avoid fertilised human embryos, the cloning technique used in the process is expected to fuel controversy and claims of Brave New World-style science.

The scientists dismissed such criticism, saying they were not interested in cloning humans and did not believe their methods could successfully be used in this way.

Lead researcher Professor Shoukhrat Mitalipov said: "While nuclear transfer breakthroughs often lead to a public discussion about the ethics of human cloning, this is not our focus, nor do we believe our findings might be used by others to advance the possibility of human reproductive cloning.

"Our finding offers new ways of generating stem cells for patients with dysfunctional or damaged tissues and organs," he explained in the journal Cell.

"Such stem cells can regenerate and replace those damaged cells and tissues and alleviate diseases that affect millions of people."

The stem cells demonstrated an ability to convert into several different cell types, including nerve, liver and heart cells.

"While there is much work to be done in developing safe and effective stem cell treatments, we believe this is a significant step forward in developing the cells that could be used in regenerative medicine," MrMitalipovadded.

More here:
Stem Cells Made From Cloned Human Embryos