Scientist to Continue Stem Cell Research
Posted on: Wednesday, 15 June 2005, 07:11 CDT
SEOUL, South Korea -- The world's leading stem-cell researcher, Hwang Woo-suk, said Wednesday he would push forward with his research while maintaining respect for human dignity after confronting Catholic critics who have condemned his work as unethical.
"I will take lessons from the great teachings and guidance," Hwang told reporters after a meeting with Seoul Archbishop Nicholas Cheong Jin-suk. "I will not fail to meet the Archbishop's expectations."
The debate over stem cell research was rekindled after Hwang's team created the first embryonic stem cells that genetically match injured or sick patients - a major step in the quest to grow replacement tissue to treat diseases. Last year, Hwang's team created the world's first cloned human embryos.
Cheong has previously called for an immediate halt to Hwang's research, which involves creating and destroying human embryos to extract stem cells - master cells that can develop into any body tissue. Cheong has likened manipulating cloned embryos to "murder," condemning the research as a "serious violation of human dignity."
However, Cheong said Wednesday he was somewhat relieved to find out Hwang's research would be "complementary" to research into adult stem cells - an area supported by many opponents of the use of embryonic stem cells as an alternative that doesn't involve destroying embryos. Researchers, however, say adult stem cells are less versatile and are sometimes damaged by the health problems of the adult.
"I will pray for God's blessing for his future research," Cheong said.
Ahn Curie, a doctor on Hwang's team, stressed that research into embryonic stem cells goes hand-in-hand with that into adult stem cells.
"We can stop, at any time, embryonic stem cell research into areas where adult stem cells have proven to provide cures," she told reporters.
The archbishop has also expressed fears Hwang and his researchers may have heightened the possibility of cloning humans. Hwang has repeatedly said human cloning is neither the aim of his research nor a possible venture.
Source: By BO-MI LIM/AP
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