Stem Cells and Genetic Disorders
Unfortunate hereditary genetic disorders have plagued millions of people over the course of our history. Some disorders, such as Sickle Cell Disease and various types of Leukemia, have taken many lives due to lack of a cure. For years scientists have searched for ways to improve treatment and save lives. The revolutionary discovery in the medical use of human stem cells has changed the world of science forever. Stem cells were at first difficult to use, but over the years as research went on, scientists become more and more familiar with these cells and how exactly to get them to work. However, naturally there are still many complications, such as when these stem cells fail to treat a person with a disease, but with more research scientists are confident that they will find the way to fix these complications.
Stem cells have opened the door to a whole new world of possibilities in medical advancements, specifically in regenerative medicine. Therefore, although faced with much controversy, scientists continue to push the limits that have been put on stem cell research and fight for the chance to advance further into their full potential.
Reference: <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stem_cell>.
First Stem Cells Found in Cord Blood
The first report of stem cells in human cord blood was recorded in 1974, however it was not recognized as a substance that could be used for regenerative purposes until the 1980's when the first successful cord blood transplant was performed in Paris, France to regenerate blood and immune cells.
Since its uses have been discovered, cord blood has made many medical advances. Cord blood stem cells can be used to replace the blood cells in any individual who has leukemia or any other type of blood disease/disorder. Cord blood is taken by syringing samples of the substance out of the placenta through the umbilical cord after the cord has been detatched from a newborn infant directly after birth.
Some challenges scientists have faces in thier efforts to advance in their research are the many controversies often related to the storage of cord blood. However, research still continues and proves how helpful these stem cells truly are.
Reference: <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cord_blood>.
