Stem cell biology: a view toward the future.

In this essay I have attempted to provide clues relating to novel research avenues that are likely to have a broad impact on the field of stem cell biology. The specific examples, drawn from other areas, are meant to be instructive and are representative of many more similar efforts. I have suggested that the new areas of systems and synthetic biology may provide a truly deep level of understanding for many aspects of how stem cells make fate choices. Successful application of new avenues will require an integrative approach that combines experimental and computational techniques.