Embryonic stem cells are cells developed from embryos. It might be of humans or of animals, but the simple fact is that they originate from the embryo of the organism.

The embryos are developed by a process called in-vitro fertilization i.e., a fusion of the egg and the seed in a glass container in the laboratory, and not in an organism's body. Embryonic stem cells are grown in containers by a process called cell culture.

Stem cells culture has been going on for the past forty years or so to cure many serious illnesses and ailments. Scientists have done bone marrow cell culture to helped heal and cure ailments that required repair after accidents, damage and surgery. Stem cell culture progress has also led the way to what is now a highly controversial topic, human embryonic stem cell culture (hESC) and cloning. Like any field of science it has its pros and cons, but for the most part, we will discuss how embryonic stem cells can be used to cure diseases, hopefully.

#1. Spinal Cord Injury:

This study (involving embryonic stem cells to be cultured for spinal cord injuries) is done to give patients the hope and chance to regain at least some control over their lower extremities which have otherwise been paralyzed.

# 2. Diabetes :

ESC culture in mice showed these cells were able to be insulin-producing, and blood sugar controlling. These experiments were done on diabetic mice which showed positive results. The forecast or probability of this test is to be able to work hESC for treating type 1 diabetes in humans.

# 3. Parkinson's Disease:

Experiments done on mice showed that embryonic stem cells, when cultured for specific properties was able to generate dopamine rich neurons that mice with Parkinson's-like disease suffered from. There is a possibility that when hESC are also cultured similarly, certain features of the disease can be treated, altered and cured.

# 4. Alzheimer's Disease:

Although this is under skepticism, many scientists believe that hESC can cure features of the brain cells that cause memory loss, behavioral problems and cognitive decline.

# 5. Heart Attack:

Again, as in many experiments done on mice, scientists hope to generate or culture hESC to use against damaged heart muscles and to repair cardiac tissue.

# 6. Arthritis:

Arthritis is a condition where the tissue and cartilage around the joints wear away and are lost for good. Scientists believe that hESC culture will be able to develop cells that can trigger tissue and cartilage re-growth of the affected areas. Arthritis is also known as a degenerative joint disease.

http://health.usnews.com/artic les/health/diabetes/2009/03/13 /stem-cells-10-diseases-they-m ay-or-m ay-not-cure.html

http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/ health.asp

http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/ basics/basics3.asp

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