May 16, 2008
Stem Cell Research
![[Post to Twitter]](http://www.sciencebase.com/science-blog/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-twitter-big2.png){kind=icon}
Lots of visitors are hitting the Sciencebase site look for information on stem cell research. It is a subject I’ve written about before, both on this site and elsewhere, but I thought it might be useful, given that my alma mater is at the forefront of stem cell research in the UK, to provide a FAQ on the subject of stem cells. Just to be clear, usually when the media uses the phrase stem cells, they really mean human embryonic stem cells, but that occasionally takes print journalists over the wordcount, so it’s commonly abbreviated to stem cells, so for the sake of brevity, I’ll do the same here.
- What are stem cells?
Stem cells are primordial cells that can divide without limit and differentiate into the various types of cell used to build our livers, hearts, bones, brains, skin, and other organs, blood cells, nerves etc. More details.
- Where are stem cells found?
Pluripotent stem cells, which can form any cell type, can be harvested from human embryos that are just a few days old.
- What do researchers do with harvested stem cells?
Harvested pluripotent stem cells can be cultured in the laboratory to create “stem cell lines” for research and development.
- What can be done with cultured stem cells?
A cultured stem cell line can multiply indefinitely in the lab, so once produced researchers can use the same line without having to harvest new stem cells.
- What might stem cells be used for?
Cultured stem cell lines can be “engineered” to differentiate into specific cell types, which researchers are hoping can be transplanted into a patient to treat a wide range of problems, including cancer, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes, birth defects and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Have researchers cured diseases with stem cells?
Not yet, stem cell research is little more than a decade old and is very much in the experimental stages. Legal, funding, and ethical issues in the US, UK and elsewhere have slowed stem cell advances during this time to some degree.
- Aren’t bone marrow transplants using stem cells?
The well-known bone marrow transplant uses the blood stem cells found in bone marrow and has been used to treat a range of diseases, such as leukaemia, for four decades.
- Do embryos have to be used to harvest stem cells?
Not necessarily, the umbilical cord is being researched as an alternative source of stem cells that would sidestep some of the ethical issues associated with embryonic stem cells. There is also research into using tissue-specific stem cells from adult donors.
A much more detailed FAQ on stem cell research can be found on the ISSCR site, while the US National Academy of Sciences has lots of info too. Additional resources may be found on the Applied Biosystems site and at the Stem Cell Companies site.
David Bradley
Site FAQ
Contact me
Follow me on Twitter
Join my LinkedIn network
Connect on StumbleUpon
Poke me on Facebook
My Flickr gallery
Be my Feed Friend
Copyright 
Sciencebase 
April 29th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
I am currently writing an essay for my english class on stem cell research. Someone elses opinion on embryonic stem cells versus adult stem cell and i was wondering if i could interview you? I’d be a huge help! Thanks
February 27th, 2009 at 5:29 am
The National Institutes for Health seem to think regenerating human muscle and bone using a person’s own adult stem cells is nearly ready for prime time.
http://repairstemcell.wordpress.com/2009/02/26/nih-says-adult-stem-cells-are-ready-for-the-prime-time-yah-baby/
January 7th, 2009 at 1:31 am
Casey Nabavi and Cellulogix Biosciences recently opened their headquarters in Montreal, Canada. With treatment centers in Zona Rio, Mexico and Istanbul, Turkey. Coming soon are treatment centers in Germany and Russia, as well as Cabo San Lucas
July 4th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Hope, I kind of get the feeling from a quick web search that you’ve pasted the same quote elsewhere on blogs that mention stem cells, but it’s in a good cause apparently, so I’ve let the comment through. If anyone has additional information on this person, Betty Helm, I’d be pleased to learn about her.
July 4th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Betty Helm, 57, was diagnosed with MS in 2000. She traveled to China in May, she was experiencing numbness on the right side of her body, severe double vision and a lack of balance and stamina.
“We were so enthused when we were there,” Helm said. “We saw miracles happening.”
“After my first stem cell treatment, my double vision was gone and I could feel the right side of my face and the right side of my body,” Helm said. “It was almost immediate for me. I just kept feeling better and better.”
Helm was so pleased with the treatment that she formed Stem Cells for Hope, a nonprofit organization aimed at educating people about stem cell treatment.
The website for the Stem Cells for Hope organization has been launched with a discussion forum. Please visit the Stem Cell Therapy Education website & Discussion forums.
June 26th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
We are two high school students dedicated to raising funds and awareness for stem cell research. We created a non-profit organization called Living Free for Research a couple of years ago. Our foundation really focuses on celebrating the quality of life and the potential that stem cell research holds – not the political aspects of the research. We really appreciate your blog… it’s so informative! Thanks!
May 17th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Thanks for your supportive comments Peter. I’d appreciate an update from you on the energy question if you fancy writing one for http://www.sciscoop.com
db
May 17th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Dear David,
Bravissimo for your initiative- as I understand it- to tell your
readers about the great open questions of the science and technology
of today. In- and outside the boarders of chemistry.
We well know that “It is not the answer that enlightens but the question”
(Eugene Ionesco). Your approach is very useful.
Perhaps, in the near future you will look with fresh eyes to the questions
of hydrinos and BlackLightPower too.
The energy crisis is worsening all the time and we need a few Solutions
to not get in really deep…trouble.
Peter