Stem cells in animals are primal undifferentiated cells that retain the ability to divide and differentiate into other cell types. In higher plants this function is the defining property of the meristematic cells. Stem cells have the ability to act as a repair system for the body, because they can divide and differentiate, replenishing other cells as long as the host organism is alive.
Medical researchers believe stem cell research has the potential to change the face of human disease by being used to repair specific tissues or to grow organs. Yet there is general agreement that, "significant technical hurdles remain that will only be overcome through years of intensive research."National Institutes of Health, "Stem Cell Basics," July 19, 2004.
The study of stem cells is attributed as beginning in the 1960s after research by Canadian scientists Ernest A. McCulloch and James E. Till.
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Do No Harm - The Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics - Dedicated to the promotion of scientific research and health care which does no harm to human life. Opposes research on embryos.
Guidelines - Links to policy statements and guidelines on federally funded stem cell research provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
AAAS Policy Brief: Stem Cell Research - A summary of recent issues and events related to human embryonic stem cell research, and an extensive collection of links.
Background and Legal Issues Related to Stem Cell Research - Recent legislative, administrative and judicial actions concerning stem cell research.
BBC News - UK to Extend Embryo Research - Parliament votes to allow controversial embryo research that will also involve limited human cloning, a move attacked by conservative groups.
Meta Description: [ MPs vote to allow controversial embryo research that will also involve limited human cloning, a move attacked by pro-life groups. ]
Bionet - Created by 8 European science centers and museums, and presented in nine different languages to explore the science, ethical issues, and laws in different countries, play games and express opinions.
Meta Description: [ Welcome to Bionet - the site that lets you explore and debate the latest discoveries in life sciences. Should we clone human embryos to cure disease? Would you choose your child's genes? Would you eat genetically modified food? Will new drugs keep you healthy and make you live forever? This websi... ]
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CBC News: Stem Cells - Includes facts, news reports and videos on stem cells.
Cures Now - A non-profit organization devoted to the advancement of ethical scientific research in the advancement of regenerative medicine. Endorses the use of embryonic stem cells and somatic cell nuclear trasfer (also known as therapeutic cloning) while opposing cloning.
EpiStem - epithelial stem cell experts - An independent contract research company providing pre-clinical research services to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
Meta Description: [ Epithelial Tissue, Tumour and Adult Stem Cell responses - pre-clinical solutions to assist development of novel therapies for proliferative disease. ]
Fetal Tissue and Embryo Stem Cell Research - A conservative Christian's argument against stem cell research on human embryos.
Harvesting the Unborn: The Ethics of Embryo Stem Cell Research - Argues that funding research that deliberately destroys an embryo is a moral wrong and unnecessary. From Stand to Reason, a conservative Christian organization.
National Review - The Truth About Stem Cells - Interview with professor opposed to using embryos, and advocates research done on adult stem cells.
Spinning Stem Cells - Alleges media bias in the coverage of stem cell research. From the National Review, a conservative magazine.
Stem Cell Debate - Presentation from CNN covers the pros and cons of the stem cell debate from the ethical, political, and scientific points of view.
Stem Cell Lawsuit - The Christian Medical Association joins in suing HHS and NIH to stop funding of human embryo research.
Meta Description: [ CMDA provides educational resources and networking opportunities, medical missions, and a public voice for Christian doctors, healthcare professionals and students ]
Stem Cell Network - The Stem Cell Network is a Canadian venture that brings together over 50 leading scientists to investigate the potential of stem cells.
Meta Description: [ The Stem Cell Network is a Canadian venture that brings together more than 50 leading scientists, clinicians, and ethicists to investigate the therapeutic potential of stem cells., The Stem Cell Network is a bold new venture for Canada that brings together more than 50 leading scientists, clinici... ]
Stem Cell News - The latest in stem cell news, information, and issues on one of the hottest topics in bio-tech.
Meta Description: [ Stem cell news about treatments and sources, including cord blood stem cells. ]
Stem Cell Research - Stem cells as possible building blocks for regenerating tissue of damaged organs.
Meta Description: [ Scientists are looking for cells that could be the building blocks leading to the regeneration of tissue for damaged and malfunctioning organs.
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Stem Cell Research - Articles on the ethical issues surrounding stem cell research-from The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity.
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Stem Cell Research Foundation - Supports innovative research into the development of cell therapies.
Meta Description: [ It is the goal of the Stem Cell Research Foundation to support innovative basic and clinical research using stem cells in an effort to help find treatments and cures for a wide range of human disorders. ]
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Stem Cells in Biomedicine... with a Flavor of Bioethics - An introduction to stem cell research from both a biomedical and bioethic point of view.
Meta Description: [ An introduction to stem cells research from both biomedicine 's and bioethics 's points of view. ]
Texans for Advancement of Medical Research (TAMR) - An organization of scientists, physicians, ethicists, leading health groups, and individuals who support biomedical research in Regenerative Medicine for the express purpose of curing diseases and alleviating suffering.
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The Catholic Church and Stem Cell Research - Explains why the Catholic Church is against stem cell research and the destruction of human embryos, and why stem cell research is related to abortion and assisted suicide.
Meta Description: [ The Catholic Church is against embryonic stem-cell research because it destroys human embryos. ]
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Washington Post - Nobel Laureates Back Stem Cell Research - Group of 80 recipients sends letter asking President Bush not to block U.S. funding for studies.
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