The announcement Tuesday of a major breakthrough in the field of stem-cell research was promising on several fronts.

First, news that researchers had discovered a way to take human skin cells and program them to mimic embryonic stem cells brought sighs of relief in Washington.

The discovery, many surmised, would finally depoliticize the emotionally charged debate centered on the moral objection to using human embryos. That debate has resulted in the White House's decision to curb funding and further exploration of stem-cell studies.

Second, and most important, was the medical promise of having an abundant supply of the stem cells to pave the way for therapies for debilitating diseases — from Parkinson's to Alzheimer's to multiple sclerosis and more.

All this is indeed cause for celebration. But it must not take away from the resolve to continue to fully explore traditional embryonic stem-cell research.

For starters, there are still significant hurdles surrounding the new discovery. Chief among them: The viruses used to cause the skin cell genes to mutate and act like embryonic cells also cause cancer and tumors. Scientists are working on solutions to this problem.

And researchers say key questions remain on the efficacy of the new process.

"My guess is that we'll find that there are significant differences," Dr. Robert Lanza of Advanced Cell Technology, which has been researching stem-cell production, told The Associated Press. "I'd be surprised if these cells can do all the same tricks as well as stem cells derived from embryos."

Stem cells are recognized and prized internationally for their ability to grow into any type of cell or tissue, and the corresponding potential to treat a variety of diseases.

To be sure, we should embrace this breakthrough and the promise that it holds.

But we should also recognize that researchers must continue their work on traditional embryonic stem cells as well. Both efforts — designed to aid those with debilitating diseases — should be recognized as worthy humanitarian efforts.