17 years after Dolly the Sheep was cloned researchers from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in the US have achieved a landmark breakthrough in human cloning using the same technique.

The discovery could lead to a cure for a range of illnesses such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, heart disease and spinal cord injuries.

The research breakthrough was led by senior scientist at the University Shoukhrat Mitalipov. The OHSU say this follows previous success in transforming monkey skin cells into embryonic stem cells in 2007.

The technique used is a variation of a commonly used method called 'somatic cell nuclear transfer', or SCNT. It involves transplanting the nucleus of one cell, containing an individual's DNA, into an egg cell that has had its genetic material removed. The unfertilized egg cell then develops and eventually produces stem cells.

"A thorough examination of the stem cells derived through this technique demonstrated their ability to convert just like normal embryonic stem cells, into several different cell types, including nerve cells, liver cells and heart cells" explained Dr. Mitalipov.

No use of fertilized embryos

"Furthermore, because these reprogrammed cells can be generated with nuclear genetic material from a patient, there is no concern of transplant rejection,” explained Dr. Mitalipov. “While there is much work to be done in developing safe and effective stem cell treatments, we believe this is a significant step forward in developing the cells that could be used in regenerative medicine" he added.

Previous unsuccessful attempts by several labs showed that human egg cells appear to be more fragile than eggs from other species. Therefore, known reprogramming methods stalled before stem cells were produced.

To solve this problem the OHSU group studied various alternative approaches first developed in monkey cells and then applied to human cells. Through moving findings between monkey cells and human cells, the researchers were able to develop a successful method.

Another aspect of this research is that it does not involve the use of fertilized embryos - a topic that has been the source of a significant ethical debate.

Dick Ahlstrom is Science Editor with The Irish Times. He told Breakfast here on Newstalk that the researchers came up with the idea to use caffeine in the process and it worked.

Watch the process below:

Video of the cell manipulation process filmed using a microscope equipped with a video camera from OHSU Video on Vimeo.