Bush hails skin cell-stem cell findings

U.S. President George Bush said Tuesday he was pleased to learn that scientists have reprogrammed skin cells into stem cells "within ethical boundaries."

"By avoiding techniques that destroy life, while vigorously supporting alternative approaches, President Bush is encouraging scientific advancement within ethical boundaries," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said in a statement.

Two separate scientific teams -- one from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the other from Japan -- reported they have reprogrammed skin cells to behave as stem cells by introducing four genes. The teams used different genetic cocktails.

Bush made available federal funds available for human embryonic stem cell research that did not destroy embryos, the statement read.

"The president believes medical problems can be solved without compromising either the high aims of science or the sanctity of human life," Perino said in the statement. "We will continue to encourage scientists to expand the frontiers of stem cell research and continue to advance the understanding of human biology in an ethically responsible way."

Copyright 2007 by United Press International