Ethics Newsline®

VARIOUS DATELINES
Despite widespread speculation that a new technique to cultivate stem cells from skin effectively could end the ethical quandaries hampering research in the field, several reports from the world press say embryonic research may still be on the table.

Shinya Yamanaka, the leader of the Japanese research team that made the groundbreaking discovery of skin-cell-to-stem-cell cultivation, told the Agence France-Presse that embryonic research must continue for now, as it will take time to put the newer technique to use.

An editorial in the San Francisco Chronicle maintains that while the recent developments offer “political relief” from opposition to embryonic stem cell research — from, among other sources, the White House and the Vatican — the skin-cell process lags behind embryonic research and is prone to causing cancers.

Meanwhile, scientists worldwide are ramping up research on both varieties of stem cell science. Australia’s Medical Research News reports that British research authorities have implemented a program of workshops across the United Kingdom to bring the public and scientists together to discuss the future of the science. The oversight group will be composed of scientists, social scientists, and ethicists.

And in Germany, the government plans to double research funding for stem cell technology, reports the Berlin-based news service Deutsche Welle. Some scientists also are hoping for the repeal of a government ban on use of cells from embryos imported into the country after January 1, 2002.