New Stem Cell Rules Expand Research Opportunities

New rules issued Monday will dramatically increase the number of embryonic stem cell lines scientists can study.

The rule changes come after President Barack Obama issued an executive order in March to overturn an eight year restriction on federally funded stem cell research.

Stem cells have shown promise in treating cerebral palsy, among other conditions.

Under the new regulations released by the National Institutes of Health, scientists will be able to research the approximately 700 stem cell lines which are already in existence provided they were derived using methods that meet ethical standards. That means the lines must be from embryos left over after in vitro fertilization and people cannot be paid for the embryos, reports The Washington Post. To read more click here.