By Science News
![Embryonic stem cells are revealed in this artist's interpretation of an early developing embryo.](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/8644.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
Stem cell efforts take steps
Resetting no longer requires DNA-altering viruses
After the landmark achievement in late 2007 of reverting human adult skin cells to an embryonic stem cell–like state — a technique that does not involve creating or destroying human embryos — stem cell researchers have a new focus. In 2008 they worked on improvements to this technique that could make the cells safe for medical therapies.