South Korea - Hwang Downplays Stem Cell Ethics Debate

Seoul National University scientist Hwang Woo-suk said he expects significant progress in the study of human stem cells over the next few years, downplaying the intensifying ethical arguments over the issue.

"My belief is that the world will not see a cloned human being for at least a century from now," said Hwang at a news conference in Seoul two days ago.

Hwang was asked to respond to academics and religious figures- which released an official statement Monday condemning embryonic stem-cell research and all forms of human tissue cloning- who have called for tight restrictions on stem-cell research.

"Bioengineering, like any other subject in science technology, has the possibility to be interpreted and used in different ways. If not, it wouldn't be worth studying," Hwang said.

Hwang also expressed skepticism to the notion that research on adult stem cells could produce equal medical benefits to cloned embryonic stem cells.

"The potential benefits of research on adult stem cells are enormous but embryonic stem cells have properties that cannot be replaced. If we limit our studies to just one of the subjects, we could only go half-way"...

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