Potential Uses

Potential Uses of Embryonic Stem Cell Research

The potential for curing diseases is huge with embryonic stem cell research. Scientists hope to be able to control the process of differentiation so that they can ultimately control the type of cell they want an embryonic stem cell to turn into. The reason behind as to why the potential with embryonic stem cells is so great lies within the cell itself. Since the stem cells are from embryos, the cells in the embryos have not been differentiated; therefore, they can "become virtually any of the body's cell types." This is called being pluripotent. This is an advantage that embryonic stem cells have over other kinds of stem cells. Listed below are a few potential uses that embryonic stem cells can be put to with a description of each. (28)

Spinal Cord Injuries
The Food and Drug Administration approved the first ever human study of a treatment deriving from human embryonic stem cells. They are hoping to at least help paralyzed patients have the capability to regain some feeling and/or control. (28)

(click image for source)

Parkinson's Disease
Those who suffer from Parkinson's disease, a neuro-degenerative disorder that can cause tremors, stiffness and other movement/speech problems, are hopeful that studies are to be proven right. Embryonic stem cells can give rise to the dopamine making neurons that Parkinson's patients lack. In an experiment, these neurons were injected into rodents with Parkinson's-like disorder and resulted in improving their motor function. (28) Michael J. Fox is a huge advocate for embryonic stem cell research. He is an actor who suffers from Parkinson's disease, and he believes that embryonic stem cell research can potentially find a cure for Parkinson's. Listen to his thoughts in the video to the right.

(click image for source)

Diabetes
Many of those in America who have Type 1 Diabetes are in luck. Researchers may have found the answer to the cure. Scientists have been able to coax human embryonic stem cells into becoming insulin producing, blood sugar-regulating cells in diabetic mice. They are hoping to do the same for humans someday. (28)

Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's is a progressive and deadly disorder that degrades and kills brain cells that can lead to memory loss, cognitive decline and behavioral problems. Embryonic stem cells have the potential to treat or even cure this disease. (28)

Background History Issues Innovators |Potential Uses|

Potential Uses Of Embryonic Stem Cell Research