Viewpoints and Background Information on Stem Cell Research
Fast developments in cell and molecular biology lead to unanswered questions in many areas. The DFG seeks to inform the public and suitably advise policymakers through its publications. In this section you will find DFG decisions and statements, as well as scientific, legal and ethical background information on this sensitive field.
According to its statutes, the DFG is responsible for advising policymakers and the public on issues relating to science and research. In three statements (from 2006, 2001 and 1999) it has drawn attention to research on human embryonic stem cells, a field that has been rapidly developing since 1998.
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A stem cell is a primitive type of cell that has the ability to reproduce itself infinitely and it can form all cell types of the body (for example, muscle cells, nerve cells, and blood cells). This ability of the stem cell is called pluripotency.
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