Stem cells: science, policy, and ethics
Gerald D. Fischbach, Ruth L. Fischbach
Gerald D. Fischbach, Ruth L. Fischbach
Published November 15, 2004
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2004;114(10):1364-1370. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI23549.
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Science and Society

Stem cells: science, policy, and ethics

Abstract

Human embryonic stem cells offer the promise of a new regenerative medicine in which damaged adult cells can be replaced with new cells. Research is needed to determine the most viable stem cell lines and reliable ways to promote the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into specific cell types (neurons, muscle cells, etc.). To create new cell lines, it is necessary to destroy preimplantation blastocysts. This has led to an intense debate that threatens to limit embryonic stem cell research. The profound ethical issues raised call for informed, dispassionate debate.

Authors

Gerald D. Fischbach, Ruth L. Fischbach

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Figure 1

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From zygote to blastula: the early stages of human development. Shortly ...
From zygote to blastula: the early stages of human development. Shortly after fertilization, the zygote repeatedly divides to form a solid mass of cells known as the morula. Two to three days after fertilization, the morula enters into the uterine cavity and forms a hollow sphere: the blastocyst. The surface cells form the trophoblast and give rise to extraembryonic tissues, while the inner cell mass is the source of embryonic stem cells and ultimately gives rise to the embryo, following implantation in the uterine wall.