This document provides an overview of stem cell research. It begins with a brief history of stem cell research from 1998-2004. It then defines stem cells as unspecialized cells that can continuously divide and differentiate. There are three main types of stem cells: embryonic, which come from 5-6 day embryos; embryonic germ cells from embryos/fetuses; and adult stem cells found in tissues after birth. Stem cell research aims to understand development, aging, and disease through experimental models to develop cell-based therapies and pharmaceuticals for treating injuries and diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and spinal cord injuries. The importance of stem cell research is that stem cells can replace diseased cells, allow study of development and genetics,