Before going deep into the article, let me give you a brief idea about stem cells. Stem cells are cells found in most, if not all, multi-cellular organisms. They are characterized by the ability to renew themselves through mitotic cell division and differentiating into a diverse range of specialized cell types. The two broad types of mammalian stem cells are: embryonic stem cells that are isolated from the inner cell mass of blast cysts, and adult stem cells that are found in adult tissues.
Though no embryonic stem cells have yet undergone clinical trials---due to the ethical backlash against extracting cells from living embryos---adult stem cells are widely in use. There are very few stem-cell surgeries, but animal trials using stem cells have been largely successful. Though the technology remains imperfect, more scientists are participating in stem cell research to realize its life-saving potential.
There are various goals of stem cell research. Firstly, to obtain essential scientific information regarding embryonic development and its use to related fields. To cure diseases that cause debilitation, e.g., Alzheimer's, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's, stroke, bone diseases, etc. Treatment of innumerable kinds of diseases - Pain medications - Cloning - Exotic therapies - Miracle drugs.
Stem cells can be engineered to replicate various specialized cells---those in the brain, liver and skin---and have the potential to treat vast numbers of illnesses. There is a strong likelihood that stem cells can generate healthy organs in a laboratory, to be transplanted into people needing them.
Stem cell research is especially exciting because it gives new hope to people who have terminal or incurable conditions. For instance, while Parkinson's patients take drugs that slow or lessen their symptoms, the drugs are incapable of curing the diseased tissue in the brain. This is where stem cell research comes in, because it has the capability to generate disease-free tissue. Parkinson's is just one of many diseases poised to benefit from stem cell treatment.
Though no embryonic stem cells have yet undergone clinical trials---due to the ethical backlash against extracting cells from living embryos---adult stem cells are widely in use. There are very few stem-cell surgeries, but animal trials using stem cells have been largely successful. Though the technology remains imperfect, more scientists are participating in stem cell research to realize its life-saving potential.
There are various goals of stem cell research. Firstly, to obtain essential scientific information regarding embryonic development and its use to related fields. To cure diseases that cause debilitation, e.g., Alzheimer's, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's, stroke, bone diseases, etc. Treatment of innumerable kinds of diseases - Pain medications - Cloning - Exotic therapies - Miracle drugs.
Stem cells can be engineered to replicate various specialized cells---those in the brain, liver and skin---and have the potential to treat vast numbers of illnesses. There is a strong likelihood that stem cells can generate healthy organs in a laboratory, to be transplanted into people needing them.
Stem cell research is especially exciting because it gives new hope to people who have terminal or incurable conditions. For instance, while Parkinson's patients take drugs that slow or lessen their symptoms, the drugs are incapable of curing the diseased tissue in the brain. This is where stem cell research comes in, because it has the capability to generate disease-free tissue. Parkinson's is just one of many diseases poised to benefit from stem cell treatment.
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