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Scientists devise new stem cell technique

Ian Sample

The technique to extract stem cells without impairing the embryos could remove a major hurdle in developing treatments for diabetes and motor neuron disease

MONTREAL: Scientists have perfected a way of making embryonic stem cells without destroying the embryos from which they derive, a breakthrough that will challenge U.S. President George W. Bush's opposition to the research.

The discovery of a technique to extract stem cells without impairing the embryos could remove a major hurdle facing scientists who are trying to develop treatments for diseases such as diabetes and motor neuron disease. Religious and rightwing groups claim embryonic stem cell research is unethical because the cells are produced by creating embryos which are later destroyed.

The new research, carried out by Robert Lanza at the Massachusetts-based stem cell company Advanced Cell Technology, shows embryonic stem cells can be created without resorting to the creation of embryos themselves — a process known as therapeutic cloning.

- Guardian Newspapers Limited 2005

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