There is surprising confusion surrounding the concept of biological totipotency, both within
the scientific community and in society at large. Increasingly, ethical objections to scientific
research have both practical and political implications. Ethical controversy surrounding an
area of research can have a chilling effect on investors and industry, which in turn slows the
development of novel medical therapies. In this context, clarifying precisely what is meant by
“totipotency” and how it is experimentally determined will both avoid unnecessary …

There is surprising confusion surrounding the concept of biological totipotency, both within
the scientific community and in society at large. Increasingly, ethical objections to scientific
research have both practical and political implications. Ethical controversy surrounding an
area of research can have a chilling effect on investors and industry, which in turn slows the
development of novel medical therapies. In this context, clarifying precisely what is meant by
“totipotency” and how it is experimentally determined will both avoid unnecessary …