Scientist clones himself

Scientist becomes first man to clone himself

A scientist has become the first man in the world to clone himself.

The breakthrough is sure to stir up ethical debate after Californian scientist Samuel Wood succeeded in creating an embryo of himself by injecting his skin cells into a woman's egg. It is the first time embryos have been created from cells taken from humans.

The cloned embryos only lasted a few day, however the development is seen as a landmark for treating illnesses such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Such cells could eventually be used to replace damaged tissue caused by diseases like diabetes.

Critics have already spoken of their fear the medical advancement could be abused by those wishing to clone babies.

Professor Robin Lovell-Badge, of the Medical Research Council's National Institute for Medical Research, said: 'This is another step along what has turned out to be a tortuous road.

'However, it is still a long way from the goal of achieving embryonic stem cells.'