S Korea to revive the stem cell work

S Korea to revive the stem cell work
South Korea to renew the stem cell research after scandal

Image of eight embryos cloned at Seoul National University in 2004 which later proved to be false
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The South Korean president has pledged $ 89 million (£ 56 million) in state funds to revive the country's reputation as a world leader in stem cell research.

In his regular radio, Lee Myung-bak, described the field as a "new growth engine" for the economy.

The announcement comes five years after a damaging scandal when it was discovered a pioneer in cloning research was fake.

Analysts say Mr. Lee contrasts with the promise of a concern that South Korea could fall very fast moving behind rival nations.

The president said that South Korea alongside the U.S. has been a world leader in stem cell research a decade ago.

"Unfortunately, there was an incident that damaged inevitable disappointment to the community all stem cell research in Korea," he said, referring to the conviction of Hwang Woo-suk.

Claims Hwang had created human embryonic stem cells by cloning the hopes of finding cures for diseases like Alzheimer's, until the revelations that his work was false.

Shock waves from the debate in South Korea, where the scientist had been considered a national hero.

As the program faltered stem cell Seoul, streamlined regulations, and other nations aggressively expanded funding for research, Mr. Lee.

"We have to regain our national reputation as a power of stem cells," he said, adding that the government streamline the rules and establish a stem cell bank in the state.

Scientists believe that stem cells could be used as a "repair kit" super for the body to generate healthy tissue to replace damaged by trauma or compromised by the disease.

Among the conditions which scientists believe can be treated with stem cell therapy are Parkinson's disease, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, burns and spinal cord damage.
S Korea to revive the stem cell work