Ceilidh

Michael Zey
futurist3000@aol.com

.c The Associated Press

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - A South Korean team of scientists who produced the first cloned human embryo last year were given government approval Wednesday to proceed with stem-cell research to find cures for diabetes, cerebral palsy and Parkinson's and other diseases - but not for work toward human cloning.

The scientists, led by Professor Hwang Woo-Seok of Seoul National University, must follow detailed guidelines set by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in December, one of which allows experimentation with unused eggs at fertility clinics.

The guidelines were issued after the South Korean Parliament in January 2004 banned human cloning but left room for stem-cell research for curing diseases.

Last February, Hwang's team successfully cloned a human embryo, from which they collected stem cells, the master cells that form during soon after conception and can turn into any tissue in the body.

While some people express concern that stem-cell research is unethical because it destroys an embryo that could develop into a human being, scientists hope this research will one day allow them to grow replacement tissue to treat spinal cord injuries as well as diabetes and other diseases.

``With today's action, Professor Hwang's team can spur their research under the government's supervision,'' the ministry said in a statement.

Hwang said his work is to benefit medicine only and not to clone human beings.       



01/12/05 04:22 EST
   

Copyright 2004 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.  All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.



Copyright © 2004 News World Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.