Information On Adult Stem Cell Research
Adult stem cell research has provided a lot of information that has surprised scientist over the last several years. Adult stem cells are referred to as “undifferentiated cells” because they can multiply by cell division. They are found throughout the body. They regenerate damaged tissue and they can help to replenish dying cells. In fact, this is the whole purpose of the adult stem cell and this has made adult stem cell research boom in the last decade.
Research on the adult stem cell started about fifty years ago when scientists discovered that bone marrow contained stem cells. The two types of stem cells first discovered are called hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells. The non-hematopoietic stem cells were found to be able to generate cartilage, bone fibrous connective tissue and even the cells that support blood formation. In the 90’s it was discovered that the adult brain contains stem cells that can generate three of the major cells located within the brain. Scientists are excited about the information being revealed by the research being done on these cells. Stem cell facts are changing almost everyday. For one thing, they have discovered that adult stem cells are located in more tissues than they originally expected. Since this discovery, researchers are wondering if the adult stem cell can be used for transplants other than the bone marrow transplants that have been taking place over the last forty years.
Adult stem cell research helps scientists to understand these cells and how they can be used to treat a number of different medical conditions. This research has made it possible for adult stem cells to be used to help leukemia survivors and patients with other types of autoimmune or blood disorders to repair their immune system. These cells are even being used to treat advanced kidney cancer and diabetes; although these treatments are very limited at this time. This is why scientists need to continue doing research on the stem cells they obtain. It’s the only way to discover all the different ways they can be used to help treat and cure some of the more serious medical conditions that exist today.
So how are stem cells obtained?
The adult stem cells are taken from tissues that are already developed to some degree. They can be obtained from adults, newborn babies, children, and even from the fetus. They are called adult stem cells because they have already fully developed, not because they are only found in adults. They are most often obtained from the umbilical cord (called umbilical cord stem cells) or from bone marrow. Obtaining adult stem cells is not controversial because it’s only done with the consent of the person or legal guardian and it doesn’t involve the killing of an embryo or person. It’s hoped that more adult stem cell research will lead to ways to repair the heart after someone has a heart attack along with the regeneration of bones using bone marrow and so much more.
However, more stem cell study is needed in order to determine just how beneficial the adult stem cell will be when it comes to treating or curing diseases but the outlook is bright. It’s believed that adult stem cell research will reveal many more benefits than what has already been discovered.
