‘Virgin birth’ stem cells bypass ethical objections

July 4, 2006 | Source: NewScientist.com news service

“Virgin-birth” embryos have given rise to human embryonic stem cells capable of differentiating into neurons.

The embryos were produced by parthenogenesis, a form of asexual reproduction in which eggs can develop into embryos without being fertilised by sperm. The technique could lead to a source of embryonic stem cells that could be used therapeutically without having to destroy a viable embryo.