Ethical Embryonic Stem Cell Research Proposed
Reports of "ethical" embryonic stem cells first caught my attention several weeks ago at the Evangelical Outpost. Here is one such method that claims to produce stem cells that are quasi-embryonic without destroying a life:
The human embryos created by a team from the University of Wales College of Medicine in Cardiff consist of clumps of human cells tricked into dividing into embryos, when in fact, they weren't fertilized by sperm. The embryos have two sets of female chromosomes but lack the male chromosomes that would allow them to develop into babies.
Akin to activated cells that are neither fully human nor un-human, alive but not in a traditional sense, the scientists say they aren't exactly sure what to call their tiny creations.
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"I don't see that as being a trite answer to the legislative restrictions in place," said Mr. Rudnicki. "Technically, they were still creating an embryo for research."
Posted December 19, 2004 1:05 AM
