There are cells that have the ability to renew themselves through miotic cell division and differentiate into a diverse range of specialized cell types. These cells are called stem cells. They have the potential to regenerate tissue over a lifetime. Stem cells are present in all multi cellular organisms. The usual sources include umbilical cord blood and bone marrow.

Medical researchers believe in the potential of stem cells to dramatically change the treatment of human diseases. As of now adult stem cell therapies are already being practiced. Bone marrow transplants are being used to treat leukemia. Medical practitioners are hopeful that further research will result in treatments to a wider variety of diseases including cancer, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and many more. However there are serious social and scientific issues that are impending advances in this area of research.