In order to create new embryonic stem-cell lines, scientists at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) are using controversial cloning techniques. Renee Reiijo Pera, the UCSF Human Embryonic Stem Cell Center's co-director, is leading the project. Pera is also an associate professor of reproductive sciences, obstetrics, and gynecology at UCSF. All human eggs being used in the research project are acquired through UCSF's In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) Clinic. The human eggs themselves are ones that have failed to fertilize normally during previous IVF attempts. The egg donors, who are not receiving any compensation for their participation, are also providing researchers with adult-cell DNA samples via cheek scrapings. Private donors are funding the first stage of the experimental project, which received approval from the university's bioethics committee. The experimental cloning technique uses somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). The procedure involves injecting DNA from adult skin cells into human eggs that have had their DNA removed. The adult skin cells will be harvested by gently scraping the inside of the IVF volunteers' cheeks. The injected DNA acts as a new cell nucleus, becoming a cloned embryo. The embryo will only be allowed to develop into the blastocyst stage, which occurs within four to five days. Each blastocyst will contain between 200 and 250 cells, which will then be cultivated into embryonic stem cell lines.