title: Stem cells: research tools and clinical treatments.
abstract: The term 'stem cell' most commonly refers to embryonic stem cells, particularly in the lay media; however, it also describes other cell types. A stem cell represents a cell of multi-lineage potential with the ability for self-renewal. It is now clear that the plasticity and immortality of a given stem cell will depend on what type of stem cell it is, whether an embryonic stem cell, a fetal-placental stem cell or an adult stem cell. Stem cells offer great promise as cell-based therapies for the future. With evolving technology, much of the socio-political debate regarding stem cells can now be avoided.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. michael.fahey@monash.edu
authors.forename: Michael C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Fahey
authors.forename: Euan M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Wallace
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D019976:Cloning, Organism / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D057905:Stem Cell Research / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000941:ethics* / Q000379:methods; D014481:United States