Stem cells are “non specialized cells which have the potential to create other types of specific cells, such as blood-, brain-, tissue- or muscle-cells” (Stem Cell Research) while still retaining the ability to regenerate through cell division. This is exceptionally important, because it introduces the potential to regenerate and repair damaged tissue, as well as lower the risk of organ transplants. The regenerative uses of stem cells are explained in “Embryonic Stem Cell Research Ethical and Legal Controversies”:
Stem cell technology is speedily increasing within the field of regenerative medicine, granting [new] production of functional tissue and providing for brand new diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities that will surpass the risk benefit ratio of typical existing reparative treatment modalities e.g. organ transplantation, rejuvenation of tissues. (Embryonic Stem Cell Research Ethical and Legal