From a long-term perspective, the most important outcome of embryonic stem cell research is a greater knowledge of cellular processes, genetics, biomechanics - and how to control them. This is the foundation of the next generation of medical science, progress far beyond near-future cures for age-related conditions. The Washington Post reports on progress towards creating embryonic stem cells without the use of embryos. "As cells mature during embryonic and fetal development, certain genes in those cells are switched either on or off. Depending on the new pattern of activity, each cell becomes skin, heart muscle, nerve or some other kind of specialized cell. Now scientists are exploring methods for resetting the genetic switches inside various cells to the positions that will make them embryonic again."
Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/05/AR2005060500872_pf.html