2007-06-11 13:02:43 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Stem cells are the undifferentiated cells found in all animals that later turn itno the various specialized tissues. They're kind of like baby cells that haven't decided yet what they're going to be when they grow up. There are lots of injuries and diseases that could be treated if we can figure out how to get stem cells to grow new nerves, new skin, new kidneys, etc. It's been really controversial so far, because most stem cells came from human embryos that were aborted or left over from in vitro fertilization. Fortunately, scientists are finding new sources.
2007-06-11 13:10:52 · answer #1 · answered by Candy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stem cells are cells that haven't become specialized into any particular type of body cell. Stem cells can become any kind of cell.
Stem cell research is trying to find ways to cause stem cells to become new nerve cells to repair spinal cord injuries. Other research is described in this paragraph from the website listed below.
"Perhaps the most important potential application of human stem cells is the generation of cells and tissues that could be used for cell-based therapies. Today, donated organs and tissues are often used to replace ailing or destroyed tissue, but the need for transplantable tissues and organs far outweighs the available supply. Stem cells, directed to differentiate into specific cell types, offer the possibility of a renewable source of replacement cells and tissues to treat diseases including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis."
2007-06-11 13:09:42 · answer #2 · answered by ecolink 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A highly controversial topic because the best ways to get Stem Cells are taken from Embryos and Umbilical Cords and as a result many Fetuses where terminated in order to get said cells but the good news is scientists have been able to replicate the effects of stem cells using skin cells therefore i doubt you'd find anyone willing to object as no one would get hurt.
2007-06-11 13:08:03 · answer #3 · answered by Krayden 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
stem cell is the undifferentiated cells that are produced in our bone marrow. The cells then can be artificially differentiated (specialized) then be used to "fix" any genetic diseases.
2007-06-11 13:12:07 · answer #4 · answered by Bored-In-Lab 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stem_cell_research
http://stemcells.nih.gov/
http://www.stemcellresearchnews.com/
http://www.stemcellresearchfoundation.org/About/FAQ.htm
2007-06-11 13:11:50 · answer #5 · answered by John Silver 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋