Briefly: Panel OKs human embryo Cloning

A panel of experts at the education and science ministry on Tuesday approved a draft proposal to permit the cloning of human embryos for research into incurable diseases.

The guideline, under the cloning technology control law, could be revised by the end of the year, placing Japan, along with Britain, among the few countries to permit cloning of human embryos.

According to the draft, researchers will be allowed to clone human embryos only for use in basic studies into incurable diseases. The criteria are set high, however, and currently no research institutions in Japan meet the standards.

The development of induced pluripotent stem cells has made the use of human embryos less important in regenerative medicine.(IHT/Asahi: May 22,2008)