In recent years, scientists have been studying stem cells and their relationship to helping further medical advancement. Stem cells can be compared to blank slates, or cells that have yet to become specialized. They have the ability to become any type of cell to form skin, bones, organs, or any other body parts. This flexibility makes them extremely interesting to researchers who realized the potential advances in medical treatment in the future. This promising area of science is leading scientists to investigate the possibility of cell-based therapies, which is commonly referred to as regenerative or reparative medicine. .
There are different types of stems cells. Three types are: embryonic stem cells that come from the embryo, embryonic germ cells that come from the testes, and adult stem cells that can come from bone marrow. Embryonic stem cells can become any type of cells, where as adult stem cells are limited. Stem cells ability to become any type of cell makes them perfect for a wide range of medical uses. Recent study has determined that their uses can range from repairing tissue to the treatment of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, to Pneumonia, to Multiple Sclerosis. .
Most of the stem cell studies have been conducted on lab animals. Some of the results are as follows: improved stroke recovery shown in rats, movement was restored in paralyzed mice and rats by injecting the stem cells into the spinal fluid, embryonic stem cells were used to treat a Parkinson's like condition in rats and mice, and scientists caused new brain cells to grow from adult stem cells in birds. Also, Canadian and Italian scientists transplanted adult stem cells from the brains of mice into the bone marrow of other rodents. The stem cells changed behavior and began making blood cells. In one of the few studies done in humans, some people who failed to benefit from cataract surgery, improved when the received corneal stem cell transplants.
