Stem Cells part 14

Pluripotent

The ability to differentiate into almost all cell types. Examples include embryonic stem cells and cells that are derived from the mesoderm, endoderm, and ectoderm germ layers that are formed in the beginning stages of embryonic stem cell differentiation.

Stem Cells part 13

Totipotent

The ability to differentiate into all possible cell types. Examples are the zygote formed at egg fertilization and the first few cells that result from the division of the zygote.

Stem Cells part 12

Classification of stem cells on the basis of potency

Stem cells can be classified by the extent to which they can differentiate into different cell types. These four main classification are totipotent, pluripotent, multipotent, or unipotent

Stem Cells part 11

Laboratory studies of stem cells enable scientists to learn about the cells essential properties and what makes them different from specialized cell types.  Scientists are already using stem cells in the laboratory to screen new drugs and to develop model systems  to study normal growth and identify the causes of birth defects. Research on stem cells continues to advance knowledge about how an organism develop from a single cell and how healthy  cells replace damaged cells in adult organisms. Stem cell research is one of the most  fascinating areas of contemporary biology, but, as with many expanding fields of scientific inquiry, research on stem cells raises scientific questions as rapidly as it generates  new discoveries. Over the past year, adult stem cells have been used either exclusively or in combination with other treatments to achieve significant "healthcare benefits" for sufferers of the every tissue of human body.

Stem Cells part 10

A stem cell is a non-specialized, generic cell which can make exact copies of itself indefinetely and can differentiate and produce specialized cells for the various tissues of the body. Stem cells are cells found in most, if not all, multi-cellular organisms. They are characterized by self renewal and potency i.e. - the ability to renew themselves through mitotic cell division and differentiating  into a diverse range of specialized cell types. They are vital to the development, growth, maintenance and repair of our brains, bones, muscles, nerves, blood, skin and other organ.

Stem Cells part 9

Over the last few years, national policies and debate among the public as well as religious groups, government officials and scientists have led to various laws and procedures regarding stem cell harvesting, development and treatment for research or diseases purposes.  The goals of such policies are to safeguard the public from unethical stem cell research and use while still supporting new advancements in the field.

Stem Cells part 8

The first published study of successful cartilage regeneration in the human knee using autologous  adult mesenchymal stem cells is published by clinicians from Regenerative Sciences in 2008. Embryonic stem cell isolated from a single human hair was was reported in 2008. Australian scientists (2009) found a way to improve chemotherapy of mouse muscle stem cells, Kim et al, 2009. Announced that they had devised a way to manipulate  skin cells to create patient specific "induced pluripotent stem cells", claiming it to be the "ultimate stem cell solution". For the first time, human embryonic stem cells have been cultured under chemically controlled conditions without the use of animal substances, which is essential for future clinical uses in 2010.