Most of the people who were copied are somehow linked to the biotech industry, and many are linked to the especially controversial field of embryonic stem cell research.

FORBES: Social Media

It is Sir Martin's role, however, that is of most interest, for he discovered what are now known as embryonic stem cells and thus opened a field of endeavour that has had political as well as medical ramifications.

ECONOMIST: The 2007 Nobel science prizes

To the shock of the hundreds of researchers who now work with embryonic stem cells, the judge agreed and plunged the field into confusion.

FORBES: The Scientist Who Helped Stall Stem Cell Research

Even saying that two-dozen of them are embryonic stem cells seems overly optimistic to some scientists in the field.

FORBES: Stem-Cell Numbers Game

And progress has been glacial in this field, partly because of all the political controversy about embryonic stem cells and partly because the science is very very difficult and the Food and Drug Administration has been cautious about letting studies start.

FORBES: Don't Get Too Excited About The First Embryonic Stem Cell Patient