Stem Cell Breakthrough

Professor Malcolm Alison, a stem cell expert from the University of London, said the researchers had found a new, ethically-acceptable source of stem cells that are at least as versatile as the much-feted embryonic stem cells.

'It is a readily available source and an attractive source that would otherwise be thrown away,' said Prof Alison. 'They appear to be at least as malleable as embryonic stem cells but without all the ethical baggage' [Emphasis mine].

The source? Amniotic fluid.

The stem cells are "easily obtainable, ... can be grown quickly in large quantities," ... they have "broad potential" and "are capable of extensive self-renewal."