Scientists make strides in stem cell lab research

SCIENTISTS have made strides in lab research in personalised stem cells, reviving interest in a goal clouded by fraud and ethical storms.

Stem cells are primitive cells that differentiate into the various tissues of the body and are touted as future replacements for diseased or damaged organs.

The idea is to take versatile stem cells from early-stage embryos that have been “cloned” to the same DNA as the patient. That way, any cells are recognised as friendly by the patient’s immune system and are not attacked after being transplanted.