• a technology that could make it possible to replace worn out or damaged organs with no fear of tissue rejection
• a technology that may enable people who are paralysed as a result of spinal injuries to walk again
• a technology that may allow us to use cells that already exist in our own bodies to repair and restore the damage done by ageing

These are the prospects that research into stem cells offers us – although the reality is some way off yet.

	Copies of a poster on stem cell research have been distributed to all secondary schools in the UK. Download a copy of the poster (you will need Adobe Acrobat reader to view it).
	What is stem cell research, and what does it involve? Further details to supplement the information on the poster.
	Embryonic stem cells are the focus of one of the three major avenues of research. Such cells have the potential to develop into many different types of specialised cells – information about the how and why of this research.
	Research into adult stem cells is a second avenue of approach. Whilst stem cells in bone marrow have been used in medicine for about thirty years, the wider potential of such cells is only now becoming apparent, as this page shows.
	The third avenue of research involves therapeutic stem cell cloning. The information here describes how two techniques are combined to produce healthy tissue that will not be rejected when implanted into a human being.
	There are as yet few examples of successful use of stem cells in medical therapies, as opposed to research settings. There are some, however – as these stories show.
	People's views about stem cell technology are shaped by many factors, including what they hear on the radio. Can you prepare a radio item to explain stem cell research and its possible benefits to listeners with little scientific background?
	The implications of stem cell research and its applications raise many ethical issues. Explore these using the resources here to set up a committee of enquiry into the use of stem cells in research and medicine.
	The poster and Web pages contain a wealth of information about stem cell research. When you think you know it all, try this simple quiz to test your knowledge.
	The world of science is constantly changing - and this is especially true for the science of DNA and genetics. Keep up to date with the hottest ideas in DNA technology here.
	The world of biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry depend on thousands of people in a whole range of different jobs. Find out here about some of these life enhancing careers.