A South Korean team of scientists who produced the first cloned human embryo last year were given government approval Wednesday to proceed with stem-cell research to find cures for diabetes, cerebral palsy and Parkinson’s and other diseases — but not for work toward reproductive human cloning.
The scientists, led by Professor Hwang Woo-Seok of Seoul National University, must follow detailed guidelines set by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in December, one of which allows experimentation with unused eggs at fertility clinics.
The guidelines were issued after the South Korean Parliament in January 2004 banned human cloning but left room for stem-cell research for curing diseases.
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