MichiganRadio

U of M Takes Big Step In Embryonic Stem Cell Research ANN ARBOR, MI (Michigan Radio) -

Stem cell research at the University of Michigan is taking a major step forward.

The university announced today that its researchers will begin accepting donated human embryos. The embryos will be used to develop stem cell lines to study specific diseases.

"What we're saying is .instead of discarding those embryos, if you would like, donate them to the University of Michigan and we'll generate stem cell lines that are specific for those diseases," says Smith.

Michigan voters last year approved a change to state law that loosened restrictions on embryonic stem cells research.

A state senate committee will consider new restrictions on stem cell research tomorrow. Smith says the proposed regulations would not stop embryonic stem cell research at U of M, but it could slow down the research. © Copyright 2012, Michigan Radio