Stem cell treatment breakthrough
Published: May 20, 2005
Revolutionary new treatments from therapeutic cloning have come a “giant step” closer, scientists have claimed.
A Korean-led team announced the creation of the first embryonic stem cells genetically tailored to match a group of patients.
Similar cells could in future be used to treat diseases and rebuild failing organs in patients without having to overcome the problem of immune system rejection.
They also open up exciting new avenues for fundamental research into diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
The landmark research was hailed as a triumph by other scientists working in the field. But they also stressed that practical stem cell treatments were still many years away.
Professor Woo Suk Hwang, from Seoul National University, who led the team, said at a news conference in London marking publication of the paper in the journal Science: “This report brings science a giant step forward towards the day when some of humankind’s most devastating diseases and injuries can be effectively treated through the use of therapeutic stem cells.”
In another development, scientists from Newcastle announced the first cloning of a human embryo in Britain as part of a stem cell research programme.
Embryonic stem cells are “blank slate” cells, obtained from early-stage human embryos, which have the potential to become any kind of tissue in the body.
Scientists hope in future to use them to provide replacement cells as treatments for a host of diseases and conditions, many of which are incurable today.
But the research is controversial - not least because it involves the cloning of human embryos
If you enjoyed this good news Subscribe to Good News Blog
Share this
To share this simply copy and paste one of the below URL's: