In the first accomplishment of its kind, scientists have demonstrated that cloning mammals from adult cells could be accomplished repeatedly in mice. This extraordinary advance will enable researchers to answer many basic questions about how cells are programmed during normal and abnormal development. These newest cloning techniques can have a variety of applications. They can improve the breeds of livestock, eventually help derive therapeutic products, and may also help preserve rare and endangered species. The beginning of a new century is also a time to look forward to new scientific frontiers.
Urinary incontinence affects millions of adults and nearly twice as many women as men.
This condition often occurs in women due to a weakening of the muscles during pregnancy or childbirth, or after a woman enters menopause. A recent discovery holds tremendous promise for restoring independence and improving the quality of life for millions of women. Using DNA technology, scientists injected special polymers around the urethra and effectively strengthened the damaged muscles found in patients with stress incontinence. Incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse are the most common conditions. The major factor for the development of these disorders in women is vaginal delivery.