Stem Cell Research

An explanation of stem cells and their potential to treat HD

In the last few years, stem cell research has become the latest buzz in the popular media as well as the scientific world. It was the subject of President George W. Bush’s first prime-time television address. It is continuously on the cover of popular news magazines. So what is all the fuss about?

Stem cells hold the potential to treat or even cure many of the diseases that continue to mystify scientists today, such as Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, diabetes, and Huntington’s Disease (HD). However, stem cell research is controversial, as most of the stem cell lines available today are derived from embryos or fetuses.

The following chapter aims to explain the science behind stem cells and their potential to treat HD.

I. Stem Cell Basics

• What is a stem cell?
• What are the different kinds of stem cells?

II. Stem Cell Research

• What kind of research is being conducted?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of using embryonic stem cells, embryonic germ cells, and adult stem cells for research?
• Which are better -- pluripotent stem cells or adult stem cells?
• What challenges are researchers facing?

III. Stem Cell Research and Huntington's Disease

• What is the potential for using stem cells to treat HD?
• What is fetal neural transplantation? What does this have to do with HD and stem cells?
• Will stem cell research provide a cure for HD?

Last Modified: 7-5-03

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