Lifeline for stem cell scientists
Jan 12 2007 By The Journal
Scientists in the North-East who fear they could be banned from creating hybrid human-animal embryos for vital stem cell research were thrown a lifeline yesterday.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) yesterday ruled it had the power to grant permission for the experiments.
But it said no individual decisions on research licences would be made.
The delay means Newcastle's Centre for Life must wait until the autumn to find out if it will be given the all-clear to create the hybrid embryos - which will be 99.9% human and 0.01% cow.
The centre's research leader Dr Lyle Armstrong and his team hope to use the embryos to extract stem cells and grow tissue, such as muscle or liver, which can be used to treat degenerative diseases.
Scientists were dismayed when a Government White Paper proposed outlawing the creation of hybrid embryos.
But HFEA officials say they want to wait until a full public debate and inquiry into the issues involved can be held.
Dr Armstrong, lecturer in stem cell biology at the Institute of Human Genetics at Newcastle University, linked to the Centre for Life, said: "At least the consultation will give us a chance to argue our case."
