'New stem cell source' discovered

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Scientists say they have discovered a new source of stem cells that could one day repair damaged human organs.

The Harvard University team say they have recovered functioning stem cells from amniotic fluid - the liquid that surrounds the baby in the womb.

The most useful types of stem cell have so far been derived from specially grown human embryos.

But this has created ethical concerns because the embryos are destroyed in the process.

Opponents say this is tantamount to cannibalism.

Supporters say stem cells offer real hope in treating illnesses like diabetes, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Versatility

The Harvard scientists say the stem cells they found in amniotic fluid seem to have many of the qualities of embryonic stem cells.

The scientists, from Wake Forest University School of Medicine, were writing in the journal Nature Biotechnology.

They say they have managed to turn the stem cells into functioning muscle, fat, blood vessel, nerve and liver cells.

In tests, these newly made cells seemed to restore some function in brain-damaged mice.

Although these amniotic-fluid-derived stem cells are small in number, their ability to renew themselves and their versatility gives the researchers great hope.

They say that a bank of 100,000 of these stem cells could supply a genetic match for 99% of the US population.