Journal Article on the Current State of Stem Cell Research

March 13, 2006

(via Journal of Investigative Medicine [PDF])
The January issue of the Journal of Investigative Medicine has an overview of the current state of stem cell research. The brief article is heavily referenced—devoting almost equal space to the text of the article itself and the endnotes—and examines both embryonic stem cell research and adult stem cell research. While slightly technical (it’s a journal article after all), it’s worth your time to read if you’re interested in the subject of stem cell research.

Abstract

Regenerative medicine with stem cells holds great hope for the treatment of degenerative disease. The medical potential of embryonic stem cells remains relatively untapped at this point, and significant scientific hurdles remain to be overcome before these cells might be considered safe and effective for uses in patients. Meanwhile, adult stem cells have begun to show significant capabilities of their own in repair of damaged tissues, in both animal models and early patient trials.