A committee sponsored by the U.K. government has recommended easing...

A committee sponsored by the U.K. government has recommended easing restrictions on medical research that uses cloned embryonic stem cells as potential treatments for major diseases such as diabetes. If the proposals are approved by the British Parliament later this year, they would provide a big boost for European drug and biotechnology companies involved in regenerative medicine. Stem cells have two special qualities they can make unlimited copies of themselves, and they can develop all cells and tissues in the body. In recent years, scientists have made major advances in collecting stem cells and deciphering the complex chemical signals that control how the cells differentiate into specific cells and tissues. There is growing optimism that stem cells can generate replacement cells and tissues to treat afflictions ranging from diabetes and Parkinson's disease to severe burns and spinal injuries.

Wednesday, 16 August, 2000