New Delhi, March 12 (IANS) The government has renamed the Centre for Liver Research and Diagnostics at Hyderabad as the Centre for Stem Cell Sciences (CSCS) to focus on stem cell research and its development, the Lok Sabha was told Wednesday. The primary objective of this unit is to carry out research in both basic and applied aspects in the area of hepatology (a branch of medicine that incorporates the study of liver and gallbladder) and digestive sciences, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Panabaka Lakshmi told the house.

She said the CSCS would now focus on stem cell research and development, stem cell production, stem cell therapies and stem cell based cord blood bank.

It will also be involved in advanced education and expanding scientific knowledge in the field, the minister added.