Scientists announced in November 2007 that they had found a way to convert ordinary human skin cells into cells behaving like embryonic stem cells, using four genes delivered via a retrovirus. The technique could theoretically provide a source of stem cells without destroying human embryos, a prospect welcomed by President George W. Bush and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Embryonic stem cell research has long promised treatments for serious diseases and even lab-grown organs, but has drawn fierce opposition because viable embryos must be destroyed in the process. The new method was seen by some as a way to sidestep that controversy.
Researchers urged strongly against treating the discovery as a substitute for existing embryonic stem cell work. James Thomson of the University of Wisconsin at Madison, who co-led the effort, said the new cells are not yet understood well enough to replace the embryonic variety. Concerns remain about cancer risk and long-term cellular stability.
Bioethics scholar Alta Charo warned the breakthrough would give ammunition to those seeking to cut or redirect federal funding away from embryonic stem cell research, while experts stressed that banning such research remained unjustified regardless of the new findings.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in November 2007, in its own words.