First stem-cell bank opens

The world's first human stem-cell bank is set to open in Britain today, raising hopes of new treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer's and heart disease.

Experts claim that, if used correctly, stem cells can be grown into any part of the human body.

The bank will hold embryonic, foetal and adult stem-cell lines taken from patients at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital's assisted conception unit, to be used in research by King's College, London.

Dr Stephen Minger, head of the stem-cell laboratory at King ' s College, said: "The stem cells we are banking will be a crucial resource for future research into diseases-such as Type 1 diabetes-Parkinson's and Alzheimer's."

Professor Peter Braude, clinical head of the preimplantation genetic programme at Guy's and St Thomas', said: "We are grateful to our patients for helping us develop a national resource for research and therapy."

The stem-cell bank is funded by the Medical Research Council.