Why not just use adult stem cells instead of using embryonic stem cells in research?
Adult stem cells are generally limited to producing the cells that are present in the tissue of origin. For example, blood-forming stem cells are able to make blood and immune system cells, but not cells of other tissues. Scientists in Michigan are studying adult stem cells, and this research is yielding important discoveries. However, embryonic stem cells have unique and important features that adult stem cells do not have. Embryonic stem cells can divide indefinitely, while adult stem cells are typically limited in their ability to divide. Embryonic stem cells can make any cell type in the body, while adult stem cells are limited in the types of cells they can produce. Whether we are trying to generate cells that will be used therapeutically, or cells that will be used to screen for new drugs, the ability to make indefinite quantities of any cell type in the body is potentially very important. The overwhelming majority of stem cell researchers believe that, to make the most rapid pro
