18-07-2005, 02:44 AM
STEM CELLS have been on the cover and in text of many journals, magazines and even the National Geographic. We should probably talk about them beginning this week. I have enough material so that we can pretty much discuss the biology of the stem cells. We can do this. We need to do this. I will begin tomorrow with differentiated and undifferentiated stem cells. This will be interesting and I trust educational.
:eek:
1. What are stem cells?
Stem cells are the foundation cells for every organ, tissue and cell in the body. They are like a blank microchip that can ultimately be programmed to perform any number of specialized tasks. Stem cells are undifferentiated, "blank" cells that do not yet have a specific function. Under proper conditions, stem cells begin to develop into specialized tissues and organs. Additionally, stem cells are self-sustaining and can replicate themselves for long periods of time.
These unique characteristics make stem cells very promising for supplying cells to treat debilitating diseases like Alzheimer's disease, cancer, Parkinson's disease, type-1 diabetes, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Today, donated organs and tissues are often used to replace those that are diseased or destroyed. Unfortunately, the number of people needing transplants far exceeds the number of organs available. Stem cells offer the potential for supplying cells and tissues, which can be used to treat these various diseases.
[Retrieved 7/17/05 from the International Society for Stem Cell Research]
Best,
Rob
:eek:
1. What are stem cells?
Stem cells are the foundation cells for every organ, tissue and cell in the body. They are like a blank microchip that can ultimately be programmed to perform any number of specialized tasks. Stem cells are undifferentiated, "blank" cells that do not yet have a specific function. Under proper conditions, stem cells begin to develop into specialized tissues and organs. Additionally, stem cells are self-sustaining and can replicate themselves for long periods of time.
These unique characteristics make stem cells very promising for supplying cells to treat debilitating diseases like Alzheimer's disease, cancer, Parkinson's disease, type-1 diabetes, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Today, donated organs and tissues are often used to replace those that are diseased or destroyed. Unfortunately, the number of people needing transplants far exceeds the number of organs available. Stem cells offer the potential for supplying cells and tissues, which can be used to treat these various diseases.
[Retrieved 7/17/05 from the International Society for Stem Cell Research]
Best,
Rob