LiveScience Topics: Stem Cells

Embryonic stem cells are stem cells that can transform into any of the cell types needed to make all the tissue in the body, from bone to muscle or blood. Stem cell research is controversial because some think it immoral to use human embryos for scientific study. Researchers say embryonic stem cells have the potential to unlock secrets of diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimers, possibly leading to cures. A federal ban exists on funding some types of stem cell research.

Explore Stem Cells

Disgraced Cloning Scientist Convicted

Hwang Woo-suk, who falsely claimed to have cloned human embryos, was convicted in South Korea.
Human Sperm Created in Lab

Sperm created from embryonic stem cells in a technique that could lead to better understanding of male infertility.
Discarded Embryos to Generate Blood for Transfusions

Researchers plan to make blood for transfusions from discarded human embryos.

More Stem Cells News and Information

Obama Could Lift Stem Cell Funding Ban

A federal ban on funding research into embryonic stem cells could be lifted.
Stem Cells Might Cause Cancer

Some research is pointing to stem cells as the entry point for cancer.
Stem Cell Research Goes Beyond Biology

Engineer delves into biology to investigate stem cell differentiation.
Scientists Say Bush Stifles Science and Lets Global Leadership Slip

Interviews with 21 researchers find discontent high.
Stem Cell Breakthrough Could Stifle Research

The recent advance is great news. Maybe.
Stem Cells: Best Shaken, Not Stirred

Like a James Bond martini, embryonic stem cells might be better when shaken a little.
'Dolly' Scientist: Make Human Stem Cells From Animal Eggs

Leading geneticist asks scientists to create stem cells with animal eggs.
Scientists Make Stem Cells Without Harming Embryos

By using single cells plucked from human embryos, scientists have grown human embryonic stem cells, which can turn into any other kind of cell in the body, while leaving the original embryo intact.
Healthy Offspring Born From Lab-Grown Sperm

Scientists have fertilized mouse eggs with sperm created from embryonic stem cells in the lab, a new study reports.
Stem Cells Help Repair Rats' Paralysis

Scientists have used stem cells and a soup of nerve-friendly chemicals to not just bridge a damaged spinal cord but actually regrow the circuitry needed to move a muscle, helping partially paralyzed rats walk.