In a society where faster means better and technology has rapidly taken over people's lives, the means of ensuring human health have changed. Progress in medical research has led to the development of using existing cells in the body and placenta of humans to heal critical injuries that usually take years to fully return to normal (Boniello). The cells are commonly called stem cells and can transform into different types of cells depending on the injury, location and what the body requires. Scientists understand the importance of stem cells and the power they have: “In the beginning, one cell becomes two and two becomes four. Being fruitful, they multiply into a ball of many cells, a glittering sphere of human potential” (Weiss). The extraction of these cells, however, arouses much controversy from religious groups. This is because the stem cells that scientists prefer to use for best results come from human embryos and placentas. Experts in stem cell research may use different methods to acquire stem cells, but all agree that how the world decides on the use of embryonic stem cells will say a lot about our character and what becomes of the human race ( Weiss). Ralph Fariello, director of Cedar Knolls, states: “Researchers can obtain 10 times more stem cells by processing a placenta than by simply taking blood from the umbilical cord alone” (Boniello). Although stem cells derived from embryos, placentas and umbilical cords are very difficult to obtain, adult stem cells are equally useful. Stem cell research is a major breakthrough in the history of medicine because it repairs the human body with existing cells, rapid recovery times and can lead to new discoveries. Stem cells begin in a basic way and transform when... middle of paper... ....the placenta is a key to research." New York Post. NYPOST.com, January 2, 2011. Web. 26 October 2011. Heger, Monica. “#4: Stem Cell Science Takes Off | Stem cell research | DISCOVER Magazine."Science and Technology News, Scientific Articles | Discover Magazine. Discover Magazine, January 26, 2010. Web. October 28, 2011.Longley, Robert. "Recovery Act Funds Expanding Stem Cell Research." About the US Government - Resources. About.com Guide, November 4, 2009. Web. October 28, 2011. Odele, Teresa "Stem Cell Transplant." New York Post, January 2, 2011. Print.Stein, Rob. “Microbes may play a crucial role in human health, researchers are discovering.” Washington Post. Azcentral.com, October 9, 2011. Web. October 26, 2011. Weiss, Rick. “The power of dividing stem cells.” National Geographic, July 2005. Web. 2011.