NIH posts stem cell registry

NIH has posted a registry of embryonic stem cell lines that meet the Bush administration's eligibility requirements for use by U.S. government-funded researchers. The criteria include derivation from an embryo that was created for reproductive purposes prior to Aug. 9, 2001 and informed consent for donation.

NIH originally announced the creation of the registry in August (see BioCentury Extra, Monday Aug. 27). The registry lists 72 cell lines at 11 institutions, but the list includes cells that have been isolated from embryos but have not been processed into viable cell lines and thus may never be available for research. ...