What are Stem Cells For

What is a Stem Cell

A stem cell is a type of cell with the potential to develop and differentiate into many different types of other cells. They are at the beginning of their development pathway and at this point have no particular function. Nevertheless, they are the building block of all cell replenishment and every cell in our body started life as a stem cell.

Stem cells are like the children of our bodies. If our society didn't have enough doctors to look after our population, then stem cells are students training to become the future doctors and fill that gap.

The most popular understanding of a stem cell, is that they grow in our bone marrow; this is true, but stem cells are present in many different areas of the body and there are various different types of stem cells.

Where to find Stem Cells: Other than bone marrow, stem cells can be found in adipose tissue (fat), hair follicles, the brain, the derma (skin), heart, and even our teeth.

Types of Stem Cells: Stem cells come as different types and have specific functions. A blood stem cell would not support tooth regeneration, an epithelial stem cell would do nothing to improve neural functionality, and a neural stem cell would not heal a diabetic wound.

Using Stem Cells for Treatment

Knowing the power of these cells to treat illnesses, means scientists have been searching for techniques that concentrate stem cells, whilst keeping their viability. A well-known example could be in the field of Oncology. Blood cancer is often treated with stem cells gathered from bone marrow; either the patients or a donor sharing the same blood type.

Likewise, stem cells from bone marrow are used to treat serious injuries