Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

October 7, 2008 10:48:19 PM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Dolly Scientist Dumps Embryo Cloning Method

Posted Nov 18, 07 7:18 AM CST in Science & Health 

(Newser) – The scientist who created the cloned sheep Dolly is now abandoning the technique he pioneered in favor of a rival method of cell modification developed in Japan. The Japanese approach, which genetically manipulates adult human cells, has proven less controversial than embryonic stem cell research. But scientist Ian Wilmut insists he was motivated to change his method because the Japanese technique is more effective.

"We've not made this decision because it's ethically better," said Wilmut, who conceded that the Japanese approach is "easier to accept socially." So convinced is Wilmut of the Japanese method's potential for fighting strokes, heart attacks, and Parkinson's disease that he has decided not to utilize his license to clone human embryos.

Sources BBC, Daily Telegraph (UK)

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Cloned Stem Cells Best for Parkinson's

    Mar 24, 08 9:00 AM CDT
    Cloned Stem Cells Best for Parkinson's Scientists have found that embryonic stem cells effectively treat Parkinson's disease in lab mice, but only when the cells come from the sick mouse's own clones, Reuters reports. The study, published in Nature Medicine, created "therapeutic clones" by transferring cell nuclei into mouse egg cells and growing them into the type of brain cells Parkinson's destroys. More »

  • Embryonic Stem-Cell Issue Still Dogs GOP

    Dec 2, 07 9:02 AM CST
    Embryonic Stem-Cell Issue Still Dogs GOP Last week's breakthrough in stem-cell research—the creation of cells from skin rather than embryos—is a tremendous scientific advance, writes Michael Kinsley in Time magazine. But the new science doesn't let hypocritical GOP politicians dodge the controversy over embryonic stem cells: They will still be risking human lives with inconsistent objections, he writes. More »

  • Brits Approve Experiments on Human-Animal Embryos

    Sep 4, 07 4:19 AM CDT
    Controversial experiments with embryos that are part human, part animal will be approved by a British commission tomorrow, the Guardian reports. Researchers hope to create the hybrid embryos to extract stem cells for use in potential treatments of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, and possibly motor neuron problems and spinal cord injuries. More »

  • Fake Cloner Stumbled Onto Major Stem Cell Find

    Aug 3, 07 7:22 AM CDT
    Fake Cloner Stumbled Onto Major Stem Cell Find The South Korean stem cell researcher who faked cloning a human egg and forged research results actually made a huge discovery without realizing it. Scientists reviewing his work have discovered that his team's embryonic stem cells were the product of unfertilized eggs that underwent parthenogenesis, or divided on their own, the Times reports. More »

  • Mouse Stem Cell Discovery Speeds Cures

    Jun 28, 07 4:29 AM CDT
    Mouse Stem Cell Discovery Speeds Cures British scientists have discovered a new type of stem cell in mice that's much closer to human embryonic stem cells, making them invaluable in the search for cures for diseases like Parkinson's and diabetes. Two independent teams from Oxford and Cambridge today revealed the "missing link" cells, which can speed research without the use of discarded human embryos. More »

Ian Wilmut, creator of cloned Dolly the sheep.   (Getty Images)
Graphic shows the process of cloning monkey embryos; 2c x 5 inches; 96.3 mm x 127 mm   (Associated Press)
Dolly (AP).
Ian Wilmut. (PAR161775)   (Magnum Photos)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

Tags

Japan  • heart attack  • stem cells  • stem cell research  • stroke  • Parkinson's disease  • cloning


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other Science & Health Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »