Click to play videoNew Delhi: American scientists have a reason to smile with the end of an eight-year ban on stem cell research.
President Barack Obama's decision to lift the ban could lead to major advances in medical science.
Embryonic stem cells are master cells that can morph into any cell of the body. They can now be used to combat a variety of life threatening illnesses.
"When you start to use human eggs in their total form, they are the only ones that can get into stem cell banks, you should ensure that you are using them wisely and effectively," says UK Parliament Science Committee member, Phil Wills.
Stem cell research has been opposed by major religious groups, especially the Vatican, as extracting stem cells destroys embryos.
Supporters although had been concerned that a delay in lifting the ban would have forced stem cell scientists to miss new funds from Obama's stimulus package.
The National Institutes of Health may now increase funding for stem-cell research with an extra $10 billion from the package.
In anticipation, the NIH has started drafting guidelines that would address the many ethical issues that come with the research.
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