Home | China | World | Business Embryo Stem Cell Research Given Go-Ahead in Britain THU, FEB 28, 2002     The controversial stem cell research on cloned human embryos which is banned in the U.S. was given the go-ahead in Britain by an influential committee of the House of Lords, SKY News reported on Wednesday. The House of Lords Select Committee on Stem Cell Research, which was set up last year to examine claims that making the clones was unnecessary, ruled that studies into the area were in the interests of scientific research. The decision allows British scientists to continue research on stem cells from cloned human embryos in a short period after creation. Stem cells are "master" cells that have the potential to develop into different cells of human body. Supporters of the research believe it is necessary to find ways of regenerating cells, tissues and even organs to cure a variety of diseases. But anti-abortion campaigners believe equally effective treatments could be developed using adult cells. The Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the body that regulates embryology research in Britain, is likely to issue licenses to begin experimenting with human embryonic material almost immediately. Reproductive cloning -- creating a child copy of a human being -- is still banned. Editor:Liu Hongji Source:Xinhua Recommend to your friend email:    China Central Television,All Rights Reserved