Vatican enters partnership with stem cell research firm

THE Vatican has entered into an unusual partnership with a small US biotech company to promote using adult stem cells for treating disease, rather than focusing research on embryonic stem cells.

The Vatican’s culture office and NeoStem yesterday provided details for today’s conference at the Vatican on adult stem cells, which will draw scientists, patients, biotech chiefs executive and cardinals.

Church teaching holds that life begins at conception. As a result, the Vatican opposes embryonic stem cell research because embryos are destroyed in the process.