A lot of hopes rest on stem cells. These are the unspecified cells that lurk in adult tissues and in embryos. They have the ability to replicate themselves extensively and the potential to become all other cell types. Just ten years ago scientists learnt how to take stem cells from human embryos (created by IVF and donated to scientific research) and grow cell cultures from them. It is hoped that by controlling the differentiation of the cells, scientists will be able to transplant cells to treat conditions such as Parkinson’s, heart disease and diabetes.

Minger was recently in the news when the Government gave the go-ahead for his team and another to create hybrid embryos by injecting human DNA into cow eggs. The controversial move was necessary, Minger says, to secure a plentiful supply of human embryonic stem cells for research. A key goal is to learn more about abnormal cell division and differentiation, which could aid understanding of how cancers and other serious diseases develop. This could pave the way for new drugs and other treatments.

The prospect of treating the underlying causes of disease, such as growing replacement cardiac muscle or a pancreas from stem cells, excites scientists, even if there are numerous technical and regulatory hurdles to overcome first.

Minger is convinced that stem cell research will contribute to increased longevity, which is already rising. But the cost may be prohibitive and it is hard to see how such treatment will be available to all. At least one of his peers believes that there are babies being born who could have no limit on their life expectancy. Minger thinks it is more likely that in 50 years, if we improve our slothful lifestyles and invest more in preventive care, people will routinely live to 100. But he worries about the conditions that those people will have to endure. “Living to 120 and being demented for 50 years is no quality of life.”

Science: Big questions, small answers

With leading scientists, we set out to answer some of the fundamental questions of life, the universe and everything

BACKGROUND

• Jodrell Bank founder condemns closure plan

• Britain’s window on the stars faces closure

• Turning a blind eye to marvellous things

BACKGROUND

• Clouds of acid make sky bright but eat the ozone

• Encyclopedia of Life to be published online

• Branson calls for hydrogen filling stations

BACKGROUND

• Biofuels cannot save the planet

• Biofuels rush threatens starvation

• Forget biofuels — we need our daily bread

Times Recommends

• Alex Rider exclusive: Incident in Nice
• Green & confused: do energy-saving bulbs work?
• Let’s skip lunch, say the hungry generation