British scientists say they have cloned the country’s first human embryo.

The Newcastle University team took eggs from 11 women, removed the genetic material and replaced it with DNA from embryonic stem cells.



The aim of this kind of work – the subject of fierce debate – is to make cloned embryos from which stem cells can be used to treat diseases.



Meanwhile South Korean scientists say they have created stem cells to match individuals for the first time.



Stem cell lines were created by taking genetic material from the patient and putting it into a donated egg.



The resultant cells were a perfect match for the individual and could mean treatments for diseases like diabetes without problems of rejection.



Therapeutic cloning – believed to have huge potential to treat disease and disability – is allowed in Britain.



Reproductive cloning – the cloning of human embryos with the intention of creating a baby – was made illegal in 2001.



More here.