Stem Cells are
Transforming
the Future of Medicine
Stem cells are ushering in an age of regenerative medicine.
They are all over the news, because they will transform the next 50 years of medicine in ways that are now inconceivable.
In coming decades, stem cells will be reversing diseases ranging from Alzheimer’s to autism, re-growing organs and tissues, and potentially allowing the first modern humans to reach the age of 200.
Benefits of Stem Cells
With all the controversy surrounding stem cells you may have missed hearing about many of the benefits for the health and medical fields. You may not even be aware that stem cells already have many applications for treating diseases. Their potential to treat even more diseases in the future means that scientists are working hard to learn about how stem cells function and how they can treat some of the more serious diseases affecting the world.
Stem Cells and Human Development
Stem cells have enormous potential in health and medical research but to fully harness this potential, scientists are studying how stem cells transform, or differentiate, into the diverse range of specialized cells that make humans what they are today. Because diseases such as cancer or conditions such as birth defects are thought to occur because of problems in the differentiation process, an understanding of the development that happens in normal cells will help scientists treat the developmental errors that can occur.
Stem Cells and Cell-Based Therapies
Another potential application of stem cells is to form cells and tissues for medical therapies. Currently, it is donated organs and tissues that are substituted for damaged or dysfunctional ones. Sadly, the number of people awaiting a transplant is much higher than the number of available organs. Transplant waiting lists are enormous and many people die awaiting transplants. Stem cells offer a viable source of replacement cells to treat diseases and can potentially reduce the morbidity and mortality for those awaiting transplants.
Some of the areas that stem cells can benefit include:
• Parkinson's Disease
• Diabetes
• Anti aging and Cosmetology
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Neuro-Developmental Diseases (CP, Autism, RP)
• Neuro-Degenerative Diseases (MND, Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Muscular Dystrophy, Cognitive Dysfunction, Stroke)
• Sports Injuries
• Arthritis
• Burn Victims
• Cardiovascular Diseases