A scientist says new research may show promise for creating stem cells without destroying embryos, but, he says, it’s "not ready for prime time right now."

Harvard scientists announced Monday that they've found a way to fuse adult cells with embryonic cells.

The advance could enable scientists to create useful stem cells without destroying embryos.

A summary of the research on the Science journal Web site says the process could enable doctors to make cells "tailored to individual patients."

But researcher Kevin Eggan says the discovery isn't replacing current stem cell techniques.

He says it's "the first step down a long and uncertain road."

Eggan says it could be ten years before scientiists overcome "fundamental biological hurdles" to make the technology work in people.

The House has passed a bill to pay for research using the cells from human embryos.

The Senate appears likely to pass it as well.