What are stem cells and what are they used for?
Stem cells are unprogrammed cells in the human body that can be described as “shape shifters.” These cells have the ability to change into other types of cells. Stem cells are at the center of a new field of science called regenerative medicine . Because stem cells can become bone, muscle, cartilage and other specialized types of cells, they have the potential to treat many diseases, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and cancer . Eventually, they may also be used to regenerate organs, reducing the need for organ transplants and related surgeries. “Stem cells are like little kids who, when they grow up, can enter a variety of professions,” Dr. Marc Hedrick of the UCLA School of Medicine says. “A child might become a fireman, a doctor or a plumber, depending on the influences in their life — or environment. In the same way, these stem cells can become many tissues by making certain changes in their environment.” Stem cells can typically be broken into four types: • Embryonic
