Free Republic

Researchers have announced a breakthrough that could end the ethical debate surrounding stem-cell research. The groundbreaking technique would allow the conversion of adult cells into an embryonic-like state. Researchers have been competing in recent years to reach just such a discovery, which would allow them to perform their work without using the controversial embryonic stem cell lines. Scientists at the the Scripps Research Institute in San Diego believe the key to their success is converting the cells by using recombinant proteins, which eliminates subsequent genetic alterations that typically occur during later stages. "Instead of inserting the four genes into the...

A VISITING US scientist has accused fellow scientists of misleading the public about the potential value of embryonic cloning and putting ambition ahead of human life... "The issue is that in order to make embryonic stem cells currently there's a requirement to destroy a human life," Professor Sherley told The Australian… Speaking exclusively to The Australian, he said supporters of embryonic stem cell research ignored evidence that adult stem cells had far greater potential, if they could be produced in large quantities. He said his concern about scientific dishonesty had driven him out of his Massachusetts Institute of Technology laboratory...

South Korean cloning pioneer Hwang Woo-Suk said that the cloning of human beings would remain an impossible and dangerous fantasy for decades to come. "Human cloning is not only ethically outrageous and medically dangerous, but technically impossible as well," said Hwang, who last year created the world's first cloned human embryonic stem cells. "Cloned human beings are merely a science fiction fantasy. I can assure you that on this globe, you'll never bump into a cloned human being at least within 100 years." Hwang and his colleagues at Seoul National University made international headlines in February 2004 when they announced...