|
Science Magazine tagged Seoul National University Professor Hwang Woo-suk and his research team's success in growing stem cells from a cloned human embryo as one of the ten biggest "Breakthroughs of the Year."
The cloning of a human embryo was voted the third-biggest scientific breakthrough, following the Mars rover mission and the discovery of fossilized remains of a dwarf-like ancient man. This is the first time an achievement by Korean researchers was selected by the magazine.
In its special edition Friday, Science explained that Professor Hwang proved for the first time that cloning human embryos was possible. Hwang claimed in his paper, which was published in the same magazine in February, that he created a human embryo by enucleating eggs from female volunteers and fused them with oocyte.
Science said Hwang's research was not directed at cloning a human being but extracting stem cells for medical purposes, adding that his discovery had stimulated the State of California to approve of spending US$3 billion (W3.17 trillion) on establishing a California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, a research institute for stem cells.
Ever since Dolly the sheep became the first successfully cloned mammal in 1997 by a group of UK scientists, researchers have tried to clone primates, but without success. This was due to the loss of a certain protein essential in the cell division process.
Science Magazine reported that, "Hwang's research team found a new, gentler method to coax the embryos to develop to the blastocyst stage," adding that the 242 eggs provided by female volunteers were also key to the team's success.
"As a Korean, I am happy that Korea's scientific accomplishments have been recognized and rewarded by Science Magazine," said Hwang. "Hopefully this will help the Korean government put more faith in our scientific development."
(Lee Young-wan, ywlee@chosun.com )
|
