Stem cell therapy and stem cell research have been a hotly debated topic over recent years. Most of us may have a general understanding of the controversy, but we may be unaware of the specific issues surrounding stem cell therapy and its research. There are many advantages and disadvantages to stem cell therapy and research, but what are these advantages and disadvantages?

Stem Cell Research, for some, is the stuff of Science fiction movies while for others, this research has advantages and holds the promise of a new chance at life. Imagine a world where transplants could be done without another person losing an organ. This could be possible with the advancements in stem cell research.

What is Stem Cell Research?
Stem Cell Research is directed at the potential that certain types of cells, called stem cells, have for regenerating damaged tissue in the body. A stem cell is capable of developing into other types of cells, like kidney cells, liver cells, heart cells, etc. Stem cells circulate and function to replace dysfunctional cells, naturally maintaining optimal health. Current medical research is focused on two particular types of stem cells, adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells.

Out of the three types of stem cells, two are able to develop into any type of cell within the human body. These two are called totipotent and pluripotent respectively. Stem cells that are pluripotent have the capability of forming virtually all of the possible tissue types found in human beings. These stem cells can only be found in a particular stage (a blastocyst) in human embryos. Multipotent stem cells are partially differentiated, so that they can form a restricted number of tissue types. Multipotent stem cells can be found in the fetus, in numerous adult tissues and umbilical cord blood. The third type of stem cells has less regenerative potential and can only develop into a limited number of other types of cells.

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