What is stem cell research

Stem cells are unspecialsed cells that are pluripotent- have the potential to make other cells.

There are two types adult and embryonic (from embryos). The embryonic stem cells are more pluripotent.

Stem cells are used in medical research to udnerstand early human development and with the aim of curing degenartive diseases (whcih get worse over time) whcih are the result of cells cells not working correctly. Therefore stem cells are used to create pro[er;y funtioning cells to replace ones which are not working coorectly. Example stem cells are being used to try and cure  parkinsons disease.

Embryonic stem cells are taken from embryos left over from IVF which could otherwise become medical waste.