Dolly’s creator to clone humans
The British scientist who created Dolly the sheep will embark on an attempt to clone human embryos after securing a licence to use the technique to find a cure for motor neurone disease.
Ian Wilmut, of the Roslin Institute, near Edinburgh, has been awarded Britain’s second licence to conduct therapeutic cloning by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, clearing the way for experiments to begin within months.
His team, which includes researchers from King’s College, London, will use the procedure to study the devastating condition.
At present there is no cure for motor neurone disease (MND), in which the nerve cells that control the muscles degenerate and die. Patients die within two to five years of diagnosis.
The Australian: Dolly’s creator to clone humans [February 10, 2005]