Scientists ready to resume cloning studies
At least two U.S. research teams are reportedly planning to resume efforts to clone human embryos despite opposition from the federal government.
University of California-San Francisco scientists announced Friday the resumption of a program to create new stem-cell lines that can be used to model genetic diseases.
In addition, a California company -- Advanced Cell Technology Inc. -- says it plans to recruit female egg donors and is interested in creating tailored transplant treatments, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday.
The cloning of embryos is controversial, but advocates say cloning may provide a method to make customized stem cells useful in medical research.
Additionally, some universities are also considering starting or resuming such research, the Journal said.
Although President George W. Bush has outlawed the use of all but a limited number of stem-cell lines, several states have enacted laws encouraging and regulating such research. Californians have voted to provide up to $3 billion in stem-cell research funding during the next decade.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International
