London (PTI): Scientists have created human stem cells from male semen, a breakthrough they claim could end the ethical dilemma over creating the same from embryos.

Until recently, it was thought that the best source of stem cells was actually a human embryo. Now, a team in Germany has developed a new method which can do away with the need to create and destroy embryos.

And, according to the scientists, the discovery could eventually be used to grow 'spare part' tissue to treat a host of diseases including diabetes, Parkinson's and heart disease, the 'Daily Mail' reported.

In their study, the scientists have shown that stem cells derived from a male's reproductive organs are as useful as those taken from embryos, but can be made without any of the ethical worries.

"The advantage these cells have in comparison to embryonic stem cells is that there is no ethical problem with these cells and that they are natural," lead researcher Thomas Skutella was quoted as saying.

Dr Skutella and colleagues, who carried out the study at Centre for Regenerative Biology and Medicine in Tuebingen, have published their findings in the latest edition of the 'Nature' journal.

However the benefits will only come to men. Scientists have yet to find an equivalent source of stem cells for women.

Last year, researchers found a way of turning adult skin cells into stem cells. Now they have a second source and Dr Skutella believes that a female equivalent could be found in women's eggs someday.