By Jane Han
Staff Reporter
A team of local scientists claimed Sunday to have successfully plucked stem cells from scarred tissues that were eliminated after a cesarean section, an advance that could minimize the ethical and political debates that have long challenged the research.
The team, headed by professor Lee Hoon-taek of Konkuk University, divided the stem cells from patches of scarred skin and induced colonies of prized cells.
The findings were featured in Tissue Engineering's Oct. 12 online edition.
Recent research has shown that embryonic stem cells may be replicated from skin patches, but the low success rate has put limits on exploring the new area.
Human embryos have been the most obvious source of stem cells, but their use has sparked debate among activists who consider embryos as early-aged human lives.
The latest breakthrough using scarred skin is expected to help spur stem cell research using human skin instead of embryos, scientists say.
Lee's team is focusing on using the new technology to cure diabetes.