Embryonic Stem Cells

As the name implies, embryonic stem cells are stem cells extracted from embryo’s which are developed form eggs. These eggs are usually donated by well informed females who are happy to help the scientific community use them for scientific research purposes.

Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells, which means they have the ability, if programed to do so, to form into any one of the more than 200 cell types contained in the human body. This is very different to adult stem cells which have only the ability to form a certain amount of other cell types. In the field of stem cells research embryonic stem cells are most attractive to researches as they have the ability, if in ideal conditions, to reproduce themselves indefinitely, making them a great tool for the study of regenerative medicine. Because of this ability to self renew indefinitely, embryonic stem cells are a real possibility in the treatment of injuries and disease. For if they can renew tissue cells then they could potentially change the way we treat these ailments.

Embryonic Stem Cells are a controversial branch of stem cells research that could change the way we treat disease and other medical conditions that are at this moment in time, considered life threatening. The list of diseases and disorders that could possibly be treated by embryonic stem cells is long. Blood and immune-system related genetic diseases, cancers, and other disorders; juvenile diabetes, Parkinson’s, blindness and potentially, spinal cord injuries.