Description: After all the hype, now is the time to find out whether we can understand stem cells well enough to use them for medical benefit. Stem cells are currently fascinating the world of research. But what are they and why are scientists so interested in them? Scientists are excited about the potential uses of stem cells in many different areas of research. Stem cells have the ability to replace damaged cells in the body that would otherwise not be replenished. The use of embryonic stem cells for research purposes, however, raises many ethical issues. These and other topics will be considered by Prof. Austin Smith, Director of The Institute of Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh and Co-ordinator of the EuroStemCellinitiative.

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