Nation Issues Licenses for Stem Cell Experiments

Embryonic stem cell research in Britain moved into high gear when regulators in London granted the first licenses allowing scientists to extract the cells from donated spare embryos created through in vitro fertilization and experiment with them.

Several groups around the world have already started research on embryonic stem cells, but Britain has the most open laws governing the controversial field.

Doctors hope to cure or treat hundreds of diseases by extracting stem cells from embryos and directing them to develop into any type of tissue needed for transplant.

Britain is also setting up a national stem cell bank, similar to a blood bank, to store the cells and make them available to researchers.