Stem cell breakthrough reawakens ethical concerns

FRANKENSTEIN science or the dawn of a world where deadly diseases can be cured, the creation of the first embryonic stem cells genetically tailored to match a group of patients has taken the debate to a dizzying new level.

The creation of the first "patient-specific" stem cell lines by South Korean scientist Professor Woo Suk Hwang involved the use of refined cloning techniques in a dazzling scientific leap.

Similar cells could in future be used to treat diseases and rebuild failing organs in patients without having to overcome the problem of immune system rejection.