“Stem cell research saved my life!” For some this is true, for others it is a moral violation. For many religious groups this was a very controversial and immoral way for scientists to commit murder in the name of science. On the contrary, for those suffering from illnesses it is an opportunity for a new life. Scientists have come so far in their research in recent decades that if we stopped researching stem cell therapy now, it would mean a weakening of medical technology. It is very important to find a middle ground for both sides of this controversial issue so that we can continue to explore treatment options. Many wonder: How can regenerative stem therapies help heal patients? Has Japanese scientist Haruko Obokata found the answer to ethical stem cell replication (Connor)? And how can we satisfy religious communities on this topic? Some may ask “What are stem cells?” Lack of knowledge about this form of cell therapy is why it is commonly misunderstood. In short, the historical timeline of stem cell research is very progressive. Since the early 1800s, stem cells were considered the building blocks of human life and have been shown to reproduce other cells. Stem cell therapy is the process of regenerating human cells and restoring normal organ function (“Regenerative”). Stem cell research dates back to the early 1920s. In 1928 doctors made several failed attempts to transplant fetal pancreas cells into diabetic patients, but the research still continued (Stem). According to the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, there are approximately 800 stem cell lines worldwide (Interlandi). Stem cells are classified based on their ability to differentiate into other cell types. The classifications are as follows: Totipotent: the ability... center of paper... em cell basics: Introduction." NIH. National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2002 Web. February 12, 2014. Watson, Stephanie and Craig Freudenrich. “Stem Cell Controversy.” Discovery and Web. February 12, 2014. Murnaghan, “History of Stem Cell Research.” stem cells. MSC, 2014. Web. 12 February 2014. “Regenerative medicine”. Progress of transfusion and cell therapies around the world. AABB, 2014. Web. 19 February 2014. Interlandi, Jeneen ." American Scientific. Np, October 1, 2010. Web. February 23, 2014. “Patient Stories: Hope for Stem Cell Research.” California Stem Cell Agency. CIRM and Web. February 23, 2014. “FRC: commends California, Maryland for shifting focus to ethical stem cell research.” PRNEWSWIRE.PR News Wire Association, LLC, 2014. Web. February 24 2014.