Stem Cells
Stem cells have dominated medical headlines for years because of their tremendous potential to help cure illness, and because of the ethical questions surrounding their use. Read the Stem Cells Web Guide to learn more about stem cells, explore the stem cell debate and stay current on stem cell research.
Expand All Guide SectionsStem Cell Basics
Learn some stem cell basics, including what they are and how they are different from other cells.
Top Sites for Stem Cell Basics
The Library of Congress
provides some quick facts about stem cells to explain what they are, how they are formed and how they differ from regular cells.
MedlinePlus
offers a helpful overview of stem cells, including information on stem cell transplants, a glossary of stem cell lingo and more.
Dolan DNA Learning Center
has a slide show animation that illustrates how embryonic stem cell lines are made. Click on “continue” to advance the slides.
Stem Cell Research
Scientists are interested in stem cells because they could potentially treat several medical conditions. Learn more about stem cell research with the sites in this section.
Top Sites for Stem Cell Research
International Society for Stem Cell Research
explains the basic concepts of stem cell research and has videos and images on the subject.
The University of Kansas Medical Center
discusses the fundamentals of stem cells, and then delves into issues like the promise of stem cell research, research ethics and state and federal public policy.
Mayo Clinic
reviews some of the ethical issues regarding stem cell research, how stem cells are used to treat diseases and what the future holds for stem cell therapy.
ClinicalTrials.gov
is a clearinghouse operated by the U.S. National Institutes of Health that provides a list of clinical trials currently underway to research stem cells. To learn more about clinical trials, speak to your doctor, and read the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s guide.
Stem Cell Debate
Stem cells have been a hotly debated religious and scientific issue. The sites below explore both sides of the stem cell debate.
Top Sites for the Stem Cell Debate
American Association for the Advancement of Science
discusses several aspects of the stem cell controversy, including political viewpoints. Note, however, that the site was last updated on Nov. 11, 2008, and focuses on decisions made during the Bush Administration.
NPR
chronicles key moments in the stem cell debate from 1981 through 2007. In some cases, links to additional stories about stem cells are provided.
The Accidental Advocate
is a documentary by a surgeon paralyzed after a bicycle accident. Watch a trailer of the film and explore the political, scientific, religious and ethical issues involved in the stem cell debate.
PBS
addresses the debate over whether stem cells should be used for cloning, and explains the cloning process, presents alternatives and examines opinions on cloning.
Stem Cell News
In the fast-paced world of stem cells, news happens quickly. Use the Web sites recommended below to track current developments in stem cell news.
Insights for Stem Cell News
- Universities like UC Irvine and organizations like the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation offer news about stem cell research.
- Blogs such as Ben’s Stem Cell News and The Niche can also be great places to read about stem cell news and gather opinions.
Top Sites for Stem Cell News
Medical News Today
offers several articles about stem cell research. Headlines are easy to browse, and RSS feeds are available.
Stem Cells
, presented by AlphaMed Press, is the oldest journal about stem cells and regenerative medicine. Read news updates and access abstracts of research articles.
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