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‘Ethical’ stem cell creation hope
"It is a step towards the practical use of reprogrammed cells in medicine, perhaps even eliminating the need for human embryos as a source of stem cells"
- Dr Keisuke Kaji, study leader
A UK and Canadian team have manipulated human skin cells to act like embryonic stem cells without using viruses - making them safer for use in humans.
The cells are reprogrammed by the insertion of four genes which are then removed once the process is complete, they report in Nature.
While a significant step it is early days, the Edinburgh-based experts say.