What is stem cell research?

Answer 1

Stem cell research: There are two basic types:

Definition of a stem cell

A stem cell is a "generic" cell that can make exact copies of itself indefinitely. In addition, a stem cell has the ability to produce specialized cells for various tissues in the body -- such as heart muscle, brain tissue, and liver tissue. Scientists are able to maintain stem cells forever, developing them into specialized cells as needed.

There are two basic types:

Embryonic stem cells - these are obtained from either aborted fetuses or fertilized eggs that are left over from in vitro fertilization (IVF). They are useful for medical and research purposes because they can produce cells for almost every tissue in the body.

Adult stem cells - these are not as versatile for research purposes because they are specific to certain cell types, such as blood, intestines, skin, and muscle. The term "adult stem cell" may be misleading because both children and adults have them.

In August 2001, President George W. Bush approved limited federal funding for stem cell research. While stem cell research has the potential to provide major medical advances, including cures for many diseases, stem cell research is controversial.

Potential uses for stem cells

There are many areas in medicine where stem cell research could have a significant impact. For example, there are a variety of diseases and injuries in which a patient's cells or tissues are destroyed and must be replaced by tissue or organ transplants. Stem cells may be able to generate brand new tissue in these cases, and even cure diseases for which currently there is no adequate therapy. Diseases that could see revolutionary advances include Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, diabetes, spinal cord injury, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, cancer, and burns.

Stem cells could also be used to gain a better understanding of how genetics work in the early stages of cell development. This can help scientists understand why some cells develop abnormally and lead to medical problems such as birth defects and cancer. By understanding the genetic basis for cell development, scientists may learn how to prevent some of these diseases.

Finally, stem cells may be useful in the testing and development of drugs. Because stem cells can be used to create unlimited amounts of specialized tissue, such as heart tissue, it may be possible to test how drugs react on these specialized tissues before trying the drugs on animals and human subjects. Drugs could be tested for effectiveness and side effects more rapidly.

Answer 2

Stem cell research explores the mysteries of human genetics. Since our body grew from a few cells, a few healthy cells should help us to grow new healthy cells where our body needs them, thus we could return to youth and health again and again. This is a modern medicine's dream, but also a nightmare for anyone concerned with preservation of humanity and life on earth as we know it. For detailed description of types of cells and the recent findings resulting from the genetic research please refer to the encyclopedia--Wikipedia--stem cell. Because the research is carried simultaneously by many institutions world wide, there are many Web sites devoted to this topic. Good luck!

Answer 3

A stem cell is the precursor of all differentiated cells in human or animal body. A fertilised ovum for example can differentiate into all types of cells in the body. Cells in bone marrow or umbilical cord also can change to any part or tissue. In humans and animals certain diseases need such fresh cells to correct degenerative and malignant diseases. A research in this process is needed.This is stem cell research.

Answer 4

Go to www.ask.com and ask there..you will be led to several links that have to do with stem cell research..

Good Luck!

Answer 5

It is where doctors & scientists research how cells from a baby's umbilical cord can differentiate into cells of any other body part & thus use these cells to heal people with a variety of illnesses.

Answer 6

MURDER!