理論上,幹細胞能發展成不同類型的專門細胞,它們可取代有缺陷的細胞,也可修復細胞,幹細胞現在成了對抗不治之症的一大希望,不過,此類治療有風險,也牽扯到倫理問題。
Stem cells are cells that can in principle differentiate into other specialized kinds of cells: For example, they can be used to replace damaged blood cells or repair organs. A great deal of hope is being pinned on stem cells in the fight against many so far incurable diseases. But it is still difficult to contain the risks of such therapies, and their application throws up ethical questions.