Iran is becoming a stem cell powerhouse, even though its scientists have to obtain some of their equipment on the black market because of political and economical sanctions. According to a recent survey of Iranian stem cell science published by two researchers at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, scientists at theRoyan Institute have cloned a sheep, developed stem cell lines and differentiated them into pancreatic, heart and liver cells.

Although the government has banned human cloning, there is broad support for embryonic stem cell research. Shi'ite clerics argue that this is permissible under Islamic law because the foetus is given a soul at 120 days. AyatollahKhamenei often cites the Koran's emphasis on preventing human illness and suffering as evidence that stem cell research and Islam are compatible. "In 2002, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei , publicly supported human embryo research, suggesting Iran's goal should be to become the 'leader of science' in the Middle East in the next 20 years," says the report.

A major problem faced by stem cell researchers is the brain drain of talent to Western countries. However, the report argues that Iran's lack of moral and ethical objections to the research gives it a comparative advantage which the government should exploit. ~ Washington Times, Apr 15