What is the goal of stem cell research?
One basic aim of stem cell research is to improve understanding of the process of human development (i.e. how age affects different cells, natural replacement of damaged cells, spreading of cancer and other diseases, etc.). Another important reason that stem cell research is insteresting is because many diseases such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease are the result of cell loss or cell damage. Embryonic stem cells may be used to create and replace damaged, dead or aged tissues. This is known as cell-based regenerative therapy. Although the majority of cellular therapies are still in the experimental stage, certain techniques are already practiced, such as bone marrow replacements or skin grafts, or used to treat leukemia, lymphoma and burns. Another potential use of stem cells arises in the context of drug testing. This consists of developing stem cells into specialized cells to test the effect of medications on these cells. This entails certain benefits, including: improve
