Digital Media Center
Bryant-Denny Stadium, Gate 4
Box 870370
920 Paul Bryant Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0370
205-348-6644

© 2026 Alabama Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Join us for APR's Fall Pledge Drive through September 18th. Make a donation by clicking here!

Stem Cell Obstacle Solved, But to Limited Effect

Scientists in California have developed a method for growing human embryonic stem cells without relying on animal cells that could contaminate them with viruses. The new approach solves a major problem in a field that hopes to use the cells in medical therapies. But distributing the new lines to other researchers is a challenge; the government restricts federal funding on lines not created prior to 2001. NPR's Joe Palca reports.

Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Joe Palca is a science correspondent for NPR.
News from Alabama Public Radio is a public service in association with the University of Alabama. We depend on your help to keep our programming on the air and online. Please consider supporting the news you rely on with a donation today. Every contribution, no matter the size, propels our vital coverage. Thank you.