Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news
Cord blood may become source of stem cells
Singapore, Jul 11, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- The CellResearch Corp. in Singapore announced Monday it has discovered the outer lining of umbilical cords is a rich source of stem cells.
Stem cells are elementary cells and believed to have the potential to convert to various cells throughout the body and replace cells that fail through disease, accident or old age.
The corporation's chief scientist, Phan Toan Thang, said the most versatile stem cells have been found in embryos. But the process of harvesting embryonic stem cells has produced intense controversy since it involves the destruction of the embryo.
To avoid ethical objections, scientists and biotech companies have been looking for other stem-cell sources, leading to the discovery, among others, of stem cells in cord blood.
CellResearch said it is seeking patent protection for its discovery.