http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009- ... 768238.htm

Could be NT like a few other things chinese Scientists claimed, but if it were true, It would be a major step forward for cloning-technology.

It is true. Proof: http://www.cell.com/cell-stem-cell/abst ... 34-5909(09)00335-X

It's the article where they explain how they did it.

Basically it's tetraploid complementation assay, which means that they inject pluripotent stem cells into tetraploid embryos that can't normally produce living organism. In this case the induced pluripotent stem cells, made from skin cells, replace the defective tetraploid cells and produce a living mouse.

I consider that cheating.

Good on them.

Well, the point of that article was to show that induced pluripotent stem cells are comparable to embryonic stem cells in their developmental potential. Earlier tetraploid complementation assay had only been done succesfully with embryonic stem cells, but even ES cells can't by themselves produce a whole organism. Only cells capable of producing a full organism are zygotes, but ES cells aren't that far from that. ES cells just can't make the extraembryonic structures required by the embryo.

But as it is now possible to turn skin cells back to pluripotent state, I don't believe it is a big step to turn them totipotent, it's basically jut a case of correct epigenetic state and combination of transcription factors.

Also some more of induced pluripotent stem cells here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Induced_Pl ... _Stem_Cell

Good point, I didn't even think of that.

Well, even if governments won't let us do anything new with the technology, finding a way to combine those steps would make IVF and the pathetically small amount of research we're allowed to to now a whole lot easier.

Just found this article today.
There is about 10 min video on the site showing how the stem cells are induced.

http://www.jove.com/index/Details.stp?ID=1447

where is a place u can buy pluripotent stemcells?

...

Nowhere. If you're with a lab, go through the normal channels; if you want them for personal use, there's absolutely no way you'll get them legally. Governments get really touchy about that.