UK to open first stem cell bank
The UK is due to announce plans to establish the world's first stem cell bank, it is reported. The cells will be used for scientific research, which could lead to treatment for conditions such as Alzheimer's and diabetes. The bank will be run by the Medical research council (MRC). Many scientists believe that by controlling the development of cells in a laboratory, they will be able to create a range of tissues that could be used to restore or replace diseased areas of the body. A compromise on stem cell research still needs to be found by the EU's Research Council so that they can go on to adopt the Commission's proposal on the specific programmes for the Sixth Framework programme. This remains the only section of Framework programme package not yet formally adopted.