The research of stem cell biology has introduced possibilities of cellular replacement strategies, which, if successful, could create effective treatments for diseases such as Parkinson's Disease and Diabetes (type 1), as well as repairs to severe spinal cord injuries that were previously untreatable. The medical value of these stem cells is their potential to give rise to any tissues in the human body. There are currently two sources of stem cells used for research: adult or mature stem cells and embryonic stem cells. However, there is much debate over the use of embryonic stem cells in that some believe it to be a moral equivalent to the killing of one person to benefit another. As discussed further, in the case of Parkinson's Disease, researchers hope that the necessary stem cells will become fully functional dopamine neurons through various methods. Where diabetes is concerned, it's the hope that the stem cells will develop into the insulin-producing islet cells of the pancreas, therefore allowing for the control of the blood glucose levels. For spinal cord injuries, the stem cells develop into the neurons that carry messages between the brain and the remainder of the body in hopes of overcoming paralysis. Even though stem cell research is still very much in infancy, it's essential to build upon past discoveries in hopes of finding relief for those plagued by these conditions.
             Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder that usually occurs in people over the age of 50; however, there are many cases in which it happens before this age. The symptoms of Parkinson's disease results from the death of neurons in the brain; these neurons connect a structure in the brain called the substantia nigra to another system called the striatum. These nigrostriatal neurons release the chemical transmitter dopamine onto their target neurons in the striatum. One of dopamine's roles is to regulate the nerves that control body movement. As...