Here's one finding that could sidestep the political and ethical obstacles associated with the use of embryonic stem cells: European researchers were able to figure out how to make sperm-producing testicular cells into producing embryonic-like stem cells.

Thomas Skutella of the University of Tubingen in Germany and his colleagues used testicular tissue from 22 men to create what they call "germline stem cells." Essentially, they collected these tissues, isolated the cells that give rise to sperm cells, and then cultured them in growth media containing factors that support the development of human embryonic stem cells. Within a few weeks, the cells took on many of the genetic and growth characteristics of embryonic stem cells.

One other source of stem cells that's been gathering attention is the bone marrow. Now the testicular cells in adult men is really something else.

The above research findings was published online Oct. 8 in the journal Nature.