Stem cells are cells with the ability to develop into a variety of different types cells, serving as a repair system in the body. Embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells are the two main types of stem cells. “Embryonic stem cells come from embryos that are three to five days old. At this stage, an embryo is called a blastocyst and has about 150 cells. These are pluripotent stem cells, meaning they can divide into more stem cells or can become any type of cell in the body”. ("Stem cells: FAQs about stem cell research") After gaining more knowledge on the subject I found that stem cell research is a much needed factor in medicine today. With it doctors and scientists can get an increased understanding of how diseases occur, generate healthy …show more content…
Even though this was true, scientists and doctors have discovered several other sources for healthy, useable stem cells. According to "Stem cells: FAQs about stem cell research" researchers have found the presence of stem cells in amniotic fluid along with stem cells in umbilical cord blood. These stem cells also have the ability to change into specialized cells. Stem cells have also been found in adult cells along with transformed out of adult cells. “By altering the genes in the adult cells, researchers can reprogram the cells to act similarly to embryonic stem cells.This new technique may allow researchers to use these reprogrammed cells instead of embryonic stem cells and prevent immune system rejection of the new stem cells.” (‘Stem cells: FAQs about stem cell research’) Stem cells have also been found in other parts of adult tissues. These stem cells are known as multipotent stem cells and can be found in adult bone marrow, adipose tissue (fat), and umbilical cord blood. Along with that, other areas of the body, for example the brain, that had not previously thought to have stem cells, have in recent years been discovered to contain these self-renewing cells. ("Where Do Stem Cells Come