Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are normal adult body (somatic) cells that have been genetically manipulated to exhibit the unique characteristics associated with ES cells. Although iPS cells share these properties of uninhibited self-renewal and pluripotency with ES cells, research is yet to show whether or not these cells differ in clinically significant ways. 

Thus far, these cells have proven invaluable in drug discovery and research since their discovery in 2007, which led to a Nobel Prize awarded to Dr Yamanaka. The discovery of iPS cells addresses the ethical issues surrounding using fertilised embryos as a source of embryonic stem cells. It could be used in regenerating complex tissues in future.