For years now, this revolutionary medical treatment has faced much controversy on whether to use stem cells for research. But what many people don’t realize is not all research uses embryonic stem cells.
Let’s clear the air about stem cells, shall we?
What are Stem Cells?
According to the National Institutes of Health, a stem cell is an organism that can develop into many different types of cells during early life and growth. They also serve as a repair system and can divide to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is alive. When a stem cell divides, it can either stay a stem cell or become another type of a cell, such as a blood cell or a brain cell. The fantastic thing about stem cells is that, unlike muscle or nerve cells, they are capable of dividing and renewing for long periods of time.
Since stem cells have this ability to regenerate into just about anything, there is much potential for using these cells in treatment. Scientists believe they can be used to treat diseases such as diabetes, repair damaged tissue, and in organs such as the pancreas and heart, can divide under special conditions.