Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are adult cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell–like state by being forced to express genes and factors important for maintaining the defining properties of embryonic stem cells. Although these cells meet the defining criteria for pluripotent stem cells, it is not known if iPSCs and [...]
What Is A Stem Cell bank
June 13, 2009 By Leave a Comment
A cell bank in its simplest form is a collection of containers of cryopreserved cells that are intgral part of a homogenous cell suspension derived from a single culture of cells.Cells are stored at ultra-low temperature and in this state the cells remain viable indefinitely. On thawing they are able to divide again. A cryopreserved [...]
Link Between Stem Cells and Regenerative medicine
June 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Regenerative medicine was the term coined by William A. Haseltine in 2000. This tries to heal the body by stimulation of endogenous cells to repair damaged tissues, or transplantation of cells or engineered tissues to replace diseased or injured. Tissue injuries are normally repaired by formation of fibrous scar tissue in humans. But a number [...]
Embryonic Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine
June 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Under appropriate culture conditions, embryonic have demonstrated a remarkable ability to self-renew continuously, that is, to produce more cells like themselves that are multipotent. Human embryonic stem cells that have been propagated for more than two years also demonstrate a stable and normal complement of chromosomes. This is in contrast to the unstable and abnormal [...]
Hematopoietic Stem Cells – An Alternative?
June 4, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Role of bone marrow transplants in increasing the survival of patients with leukemia and other cancers, inherited blood disorders, and diseases of the immune system and it is an inspiration to stem cell research. Hematopoietic stem cells are used in bone marrow transplant and have the ability to self renew in the marrow and to [...]
Controversis Around Embryonic Stem Cell Research – Are Adult Cells An option
June 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Adult stem cell is cited as possible and viable alternative when a ban on embryonic stem cell is asked. It is true that re adult stem cells have the potential and area morally less problematic alternative. But there are a lot of possible problems. First is that human adult stem cells are rare, of few [...]
Controversies Surrounding Embryonic Stem Cell Research
June 1, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Embryonic stem cells have been center of controversies. The issue s involved are legal, ethical, religious and moral. As it involves area surrounding human reproduction, it is natural to get much attention and opinion from all authorities and fields just like contraception, abortion, and in vitro fertilization. Actually it is the way society takes this [...]
What Are Risks Associated with the Use of Embryonic Stem Cells?
May 31, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Every new breakthrough in research also brings in new potential dangers and side effects. Same is the case with embryonic stem cell research. To make an effective outcome, we need to demonstrate the effectiveness and also identify and minimize the risks . TIll now two major risks which have been identified are Tumor formation Immune [...]
What Are Different Types of Fetal Stem Cells
May 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Research with fetal tissue so far has been limited to only a few cell types: neural stem cells, including neural crest cells; hematopoietic stem cells; and pancreatic islet progenitors. Neural stem cells, which are numerous in the fetal brain, can be isolated and grown in an undifferentiated form in culture, and they have been shown [...]
Stem Cells Research – We Need To Monitor
May 29, 2009 By Leave a Comment
It is evident now that studies with human stem cells are essential to make progress in the development of treatments for human disease, and this research should continue. Recently US president lifted the ban on this research and paved a way for new inventions and discoveries. It must be understood that we are still in [...]