Why are doctors and scientists so excited about embryonic stem cells?
Embryonic stem cells have potential in many different areas of health and medical research. To start with, studying embryonic stem cells will help us understand how they transform into the broad array of specialized cells that make us what we are. Some of the most serious medical conditions, such as cancer and birth defects, are due to problems that occur somewhere during development. A better understanding of normal cell development will allow us to understand and perhaps correct the errors that cause these medical conditions. Another potential application of stem cells is making cells and tissues for medical therapies. Today, donated organs and tissues are often used to replace those that are diseased or destroyed. Unfortunately, the number of people needing a transplant far exceeds the number of organs available for transplantation. Pluripotent stem cells offer the possibility of a renewable source of replacement cells and tissues to treat a wide range of diseases, conditions, and d
