The Potential Benefits of Stem Cell Research

Discuss what you feel are the potential benefits of stem cell research for Alzheimer’s patients and their families.

To answer this question, consider that stem cells are undifferentiated, primitive cells with the ability both to multiply and differentiate into specific kinds of cells. Stem cells hold the promise of allowing researchers to grow specialized cells or tissue, which could be used to treat injuries or diseases. Share your perspective on the stem cell debate regarding the donation of surplus embryos to couples for “embryo adoption.” Why is the task of disposing of unused frozen human embryos different from disposing of other medical tissue? Discuss why you think embryonic stem cell research “crosses a moral boundary.”