[Cloning and stem cells]

Applied cloning technologies have become a great scientific advance. Many of their biotechnological applications (stem cells, transplants, tissue therapy) are improving medical fields to extents that we could not imagine a few years ago. Thus, for example, we are now able to produce cellular and tisular spares via differentiating stem cells in vitro. Yet the scientific community maintains a vibrant debate over technical aspects and applications of cloning technologies, with most scientists positioned against reproductive cloning while agreeing on its therapeutic use. This article summarizes the foremost applications and problems related to cloning and stem cells technologies, from an academic and health professionals' point of view.