Stem cells and their use in regenerative medicine have been in the media a lot lately. But, what exactly does it mean? Physicians and researchers in the Center for Regenerative Medicine at Mayo Clinic say it has to do with developing completely new ways to treat and manage chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart failure, or even degenerative nerve, bone and joint conditions. Experts worldwide will meet this December for the World Stem Cell Summit, where they'll explore and share ideas about regenerative medicine. Here are the basics of how this research benefits patients.