What are stem cells?

[perfecttreatment01]

Stem cells are cells with the potential to develop different types of cells in the body. They are characterized by the ability to renew themselves through mitotic cell division and differentiating into a diverse range of specialized cell types. Studying stem cells may help explain how serious conditions such as cancer appear.

There are types of stem cells determined by their functional capabilities. Totipotent stem cells, meaning their potential is total, have the capacity to give rise to every cell type of the body and to form an entire organism. Pluripotent stem cells, such as embryonic stem cells, are capable of generating virtually all cell types of the body but are unable to form a functioning organism. Multipotent stem cells can give rise only to a limited number of cell types. For example, adult stem cells, also called organ- or tissue-specific stem cells, are multipotent stem cells found in specialized organs and tissues after birth. Their primary function is to replenish cells lost from normal turnover or disease in the specific organs and tissues in which they are found.

Stem cells have amazing promise as a medical treatment, but there are still huge obstacles to overcome. It may fulfill this promise but it always needs lot efforts to gain possible real results.

[Rosina]

I read a lot of Dr. Aubrey de Grey's work (and beliefs) about human stem cells and their incredible potential. All very fascinating! He talks about harvesting them from our own bodies, not embryos...

http://www.middle-ageless.com

[Visas]

What are Stem Cells?
Scientist examining cells

Stem cells are a class of undifferentiated cells that are able to differentiate into specialized cell types. Commonly, stem cells come from two main sources:

1. Embryos formed during the blastocyst phase of embryological development (embryonic stem cells) and
2. Adult tissue (adult stem cells).

Both types are generally characterized by their potency, or potential to differentiate into different cell types (such as skin, muscle, bone, etc.).

[Jimmy Eriksson]

Stem Cell is the Buzz of Modern Bio-molecular Science – But what is it really?

There are specialized cells and non-specialized cells. Stem cells are considered as non-specialized cells that have the potential to grow into any particular cells or act as a repair system to replenish damaged cells. For instance, in the process of cell division new cells are either aimed for specialized functions such as brain cells, muscle cells and or red cells while a non-specialised group of cells is called stem cells.

Distinguished Factors of Stem Cells
1. Stem Cells are unspecialized – can be renewed via cell division
2. Stem cell can change into special function cells such as organ-specific.
3. In Bone marrow or the gut – Stem cells tend to divide to help to repair damaged tissues.

The main types of stem cells available are:
1. Embryonic Stem Cells
2. Non-Embryonic stem cells (Adult or somatic stem cells)

Evolution of Stem Cell Research
- In 1998 the Human embryonic stem cell was used to grow cells in laboratory
- In 2006 – Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) were discovered

The remarkable regenerative potential of stem cells interests’ scientists as it is a potential cure for various diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Yet, there is lots of work that needs to be done to understand how these cells can be used in a safe and healthy way. This is one of the prime areas of research in regenerative medicine.


Human Embryonic Stem Cells

[Tithonus]

Stem cell can very soon become the cure for all diseases.

The most predominating theories of extreme longevity, as provided by Aubrey de Grey or any other life-extension researchers, is suggesting that cell generation hold the key for eternal life.

Recent research has been emphasising on how to cure sick cells. Our body does currently have the power to heal itself through messages by the brain. The brain communicates to various organs to create special reaction having chemical impacts on our brain. For instance, after an injury, the brain instructs the regeneration system in our body to provide the necessary stem cells for the sick organ to be healed.

If in the near future, scientists will be able to manipulate stem cell than falling sick, suffering from diseases might become a past nightmare.

[Andrews]

Some tips on how to cure cold :-

- Drink green tea.
- Do not eat sugar if you are suffering from cold.
- You can apply vicks on your nose and on your head.
- Add 1tsp of turmeric powder to hot milk and drink it for at least three-five days.

[Dodon]

Cloning has proven cure for aging, but does not solve the problem of ageing in our body treatments.
I am the inventor. Some say that the drugs in a garage not exclusively, this happens.

But (experiments on birds from 1993, Saidov D.S.) when restoring the body, use sulfur does not mean lack of sulphur!

The brain, the intellect of the evolution of an instinct, the instinct of the evolution of the nervous system
Cells are updated, originate from roots, since before the birth of the human species.

Aging is a disease, human evolution, it is necessary to treat the disease rather than scraping in symptoms, not a cycle in symptoms. I am the inventor. Some say that the drugs in a garage not exclusively, this happens. Invented a cure for aging in 1993, seat experiments in the henhouse of chickens.

Further development requires financial support for the development of treatment of aging and for many human ageing resistance of checks. Thou wilt not leave us here in the financial embarrassment?

[Lisa]

Hi Dodon,

I find your explanation very interesting – but I would also like to know what you mean by you are the ‘inventor’.

[kumar125]

What are Stem Cells?
Scientist examining cells

Stem cells are a class of undifferentiated cells that are able to differentiate into specialized cell types. Commonly, stem cells come from two main sources:

1. Embryos formed during the blastocyst phase of embryological development (embryonic stem cells) and
2. Adult tissue (adult stem cells).

Both types are generally characterized by their potency, or potential to differentiate into different cell types (such as skin, muscle, bone, etc.).

[Valentino]

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class="bbcode_postedby"> Originally Posted by kumar125

class="message">What are Stem Cells?
Scientist examining cells

Stem cells are a class of undifferentiated cells that are able to differentiate into specialized cell types. Commonly, stem cells come from two main sources:

1. Embryos formed during the blastocyst phase of embryological development (embryonic stem cells) and
2. Adult tissue (adult stem cells).

Both types are generally characterized by their potency, or potential to differentiate into different cell types (such as skin, muscle, bone, etc.).

Hi,,, thanks for insight... It is really interesting to learn how stem cells - are able to differentiate into whatever cells need to be developed within the body. For instance, jelly fish are able to regenerate their cells eternally and are actually immortal creature on earth.