Embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent. This means they are able to differentiate into all derivatives of the three primary germ layers: ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm.

"Scientists have discovered a new type of mouse embryonic stem cell that is the closest counterpart yet to human ES cells, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced today. The cells are expected to serve as an improved model for human ES cells in studies of regeneration, disease pathology and basic stem cell biology."

On August 23, 2006, the online edition of Nature scientific journal published a letter by Dr. Robert Lanza stating that his team had found a way to extract embryonic stem cells without destroying the actual embryo.

Perhaps now, June 28, 2007, doctors will be able to make use of the stem cells from mice to do their research. I don't like the thought of cruelty towards animals, but if it gets more people open to this research since a human embryo won't be used...well. I can understand having moral concerns, but I am one of the people that stem cell research could help. I have Multiple Sclerosis and there is so little none about this disease.

Stem cells may be able to repair or replace damaged tissue, thereby reversing disease and injury. According to the scientists studying these diseases, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, autoimmune disease, burn victims, blood diseases, leukemia, and spinal injuries could all benefit from stem cell research.

Learn more about this author, Christy Mannering.
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