embryonic stem cell

Cultural  

1. Cells obtained from an embryo in the blastula phase, when they are still only a few days old. Because they have only begun to differentiate, these cells have the capability of developing into any cell in the human body, a fact which makes them potentially important in medicine. (See stem cell.)

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Example Sentences

The policy was based on a misunderstanding of embryonic stem cell science, which made it, in Mooney’s words, “a policy based on science fiction.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2025

They started with a human embryonic stem cell, editing its TKTL1 gene so that it no longer had the human mutation.

From New York Times • Sep. 8, 2022

Human embryonic stem cell research is controversial because the arguments for it and against it both involve ethical issues of life and death.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2018

Additionally, consent form language clearly stated that genetic testing would be conducted in addition to creation of preimplantation embryos and embryonic stem cell lines for in vitro analyses and stored for future use.

From Nature • Aug. 1, 2017

Surgeons in London have carried out a pioneering human embryonic stem cell operation in an ongoing trial to find a cure for blindness for many patients.

From BBC • Sep. 28, 2015