Japanese scientists want to develop applications of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells in regenerative medicine.
The cells are made from human skin cells by a Kyoto University professor and his team. The goal is to start research next year on producing brain cells to help treat Parkinson's disease.
Another professor of Tohoku University has succeeded in growing mouse iPS cells than can become corneas.
Yet another Tohoku University prof has begun research aimed at generating platelets used for blood clotting. Patients will be able to use their own blood for transfusions.
A Yokohama City University Professor and Kumamoto University professor wants to treat diabetes by transplanting pancreatic cells made from a patient's iPS cells.
Japan's Ministry of Science and Technology will not restrict the research except to prohibit creating ovum or sperm.
Embryonic stem cells are restricted, but iPS cells are not.
The difference - fewer ethical issues.
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