Harvard Scientists to Try and Clone Human Embryos to Create Stem Cells
Stepping into a research area marked by controversy and fraud, Harvard University scientists said Tuesday they are trying to clone human embryos to create stem cells they hope can be used one day to help conquer a host of diseases.
"We are convinced that work with embryonic stem cells holds enormous promise," said Harvard provost Dr. Steven Hyman.
The privately funded work is aimed at devising treatments for such ailments as diabetes, Lou Gehrig's disease, sickle-cell anemia and leukemia. Harvard is only the second American university to announce its venture into the challenging, politically charged research field.