Alternative to embryo research found

SCIENTISTS have found a way of deriving stem cells from umbilical cords which may end the need to clone human embryos in an attempt to cure diseases.

The discovery of stem cells in umbilical cord blood with the potential to transform into a wide range of other cell types - in the same way as those in an embryo - could allow scientists to sidestep the ethical issues that surround the creation and destruction of embryos.

These cells appear to have the characteristics of embryonic stem cells, but they are derived from cells harvested from cord blood and collected at Cesarean Section births. The research was conducted at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. - LifeEthics

Key points

• UK scientists find new method of deriving stem cells from umbilical cord


• Discovery may end the need to clone human embryos to combat disease


• Alternative method sidesteps ethical dilemma over destruction of embryos

Sources: Scotsman; Forbes has more

Posted August 18, 2005 7:13 AM