Stem cells are typified by their ability to differentiate into a
wide range of specific cell types, including nerve cells, brain
cells, and other cells that do not typically regenerate in the
human body. This pluripotency holds great promise for
regenerative medecine, possibly enabling the repair of damaged
or mis-developed tissues in adults and children. A great promise
for stem cells is the production of very large quantities
replacement heart muscle, skin cells, nerve cells, or other
types of cells that are needed to repair these tissues.
Controlling into what type of cells stem cells differentiate,
and separating those that have differentiated, from those that
have not differentiated, are a key elements in using stem cells
as therapeutic elements. Control is presently being explored
using a wide range of different chemical and physical
environments, and is proving a highly complex and challenging
area of research. Distinguishing and purifying the results of
these control experiments, both in research and