Stem Cells Show Promise

Of all the therapies being researched, none offers the nearly infinite potential of stem cells. These are cells that have the ability to change into different types of cells, becoming new brain, lung, skin and heart cells, among other body parts. The process by which that is achieved is called differentiation, and it is the focus of billions of dollars in medical research because it can unlock the potential of expanding life far beyond current parameters as new clinical treatments are developed.

The science is not without controversy. There are several types of stem cells, but the most common are those derived from embryos (called embryonic stem cells) and those taken from adults. The embryonic stem cells are taken from undeveloped fetuses because it was believed that adult stem cells did not have the same reproductive capabilities. Naturally, that raised concerns among religious and other communities who believe that a human life starts at conception and that using embryonic stem cells is the equivalent of harvesting humans.

Fortunately, new research has uncovered the possibility that adult stem cells -- formerly thought incapable of reproducing -- can be viable in certain circumstances. As research continues, it may be possible to eliminate the use of embryonic materials, therefore eliminating much of the controversy.

Another type of stem cell that shows promise are progenitor stem cells, which are found in umbilical cord blood, considered among the best cells to harvest by medical researchers and the reason why some parents freeze their children’s umbilical cords. There are also cells that are bioengineered, called induced pluripotent stem cells, that hope to mimic those that are naturally harvested.