Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into any type of cell and offer great potential for treating conditions ranging from physical trauma to degenerative diseases and illnesses caused by genetics. Einstein is dedicated to stem cell research and regenerative medicine as well as studying the bioethics of that research. Einstein opened an NIH-supported Center for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research in 2005, one of the first such centers in the U.S., and the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine in 2008. In addition, stem cell and related research have been ongoing within the multidisciplinary Einstein Centers of Liver Diseases, Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Developmental Disabilities.