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.
View: Text | PDF | Corrigendum
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

×

Figure 3

Options: View larger image (or click on image) Download as PowerPoint
Integration of transplanted mouse embryonic cell–derived motor neurons i...
Integration of transplanted mouse embryonic cell–derived motor neurons into the spinal cord in vivo. Transverse section through the lumbar region of the spinal cord reveals that enhanced GFP+ axons exit the spinal cord via the ventral root and project along nerve branches that supply dorsal and ventral limb muscles. The pathway of axons is detected by neurofilament (NF) expression. Reprinted with permission from Cell Press (5).