"Resuming Research on Embryonic Stem Cell Cloning"

Having temporarily stopped its research after ethical controversy was raised following its successful cultivation of human embryonic stem cells for the first time in the world, the Seoul National University`s research team, led by professors Hwang Woo-suk and Moon Shin-yong, officially announced the resumption of its research on embryo cloning on October 20 (local time) at a conference of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

When professor Hwang Woo-suk`s team met with Korean journalists prior to the announcement, the members explained about the background of their resumption, "Although our team is ahead in human embryonic stem cell research, researchers from all over the world are concentrating on other research based on our results, and some of them may announce concrete results within the year."

By stating that "the road to practical use can be opened when cloning and cultivation techniques are applied to males and elderly patients, who make up more than 60 percent of patients suffering from intractable diseases," they hinted at the direction of its future research.

Professor Moon introduced, "There is news that the British government recently decided to approve New Castle University`s research team to conduct research, and will soon approve Dr. Wilmut, who produced the first cloned being, Dolly, of Roslin Institute`s research. Japan also decided to approve such research, and existing teams including that of China are stepping up their research efforts."

During the interruption of its research, professor Hwang`s team conducted experiments on several animals, and joint researcher Dr. Yoon Hyun-soo`s team at Mizmedi Hospital (Director Roh Sung-il) has been searching for ways to mass produce stem cells.

Kwon-Heui Hong konihong@donga.com