How are stem cells being used in medicine today?
Stem cells are unprogrammed cells in the human body. These remarkable, new, ready-to-develop 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 blood cells, bone, muscle, cartilage and other specialized types of cells, they have the potential to treat many diseases, including leukemias, anemias, heart disease and a host of other diseases currently numbering more than 75 stem cell treatable disorders. Future scientific discoveries hold the promise of potential stem cell treatment help for stroke, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, cancer, multiple sclerosis, lupus, neurodegenerative disorders and many other medical problems. Eventually, they may also be used to regenerate organs, reducing the need for organ transplants and related surgeries.
