The cells came from the fluid surrounding the developing foetus

Scientists, from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Harvard University, say they have discovered a new source of cells that could one day repair damaged human organs. This report from Science correspondent Matt McGrath:

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Scientists say the most useful types are derived from specially grown human embryos. Opponents say that because these embryos are destroyed in the process, this is tantamount to cannibalism.

Now scientists in the United States, after a seven year research effort, say they have found a ready source of useful stem cells in amniotic fluid, the liquid that surrounds a growing baby. The researchers say that these cells seem to have many of the qualities of embryonic stem cells. The team have managed to turn them 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 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 percent of the US population.

Matt McGrath, BBC

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stem cells
general cells which produce other specialised types of cells (e.g. blood cells)

tissue
a collection of cells with a similar structure and particular function in an animal/plant

hampered
hindered, affected the progress of

ethical concerns
moral problems, or worries relating to professional conduct

are derived from
are produced or developed from

embryos
young animals (here humans) in the earliest stage of development

tantamount
equivalent, equal in meaning

cannibalism
eating the flesh of your own species

versatility
flexibility, capable of many different uses

genetic match
very similar or identical set of genes

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