Stem Cell Research - The Future Of Medicine
Stem cells may be the next penicillin. Scientists say that continuing with stem cell research can help find the cure for some of the deadliest diseases that have been plaguing the world. It is true that there are many ethical controversies linked with the research, but the main goal of such research is to help humanity. To learn more about stem cells and the developments in its research, here is some significant information.
The beginning of stem cell research
Stem cells were discovered by two Canadian cellular biologists named Ernest McCulloch and James Till.
During the early 1960s, both Till and McCulloch conducted a series of experiments where they injected bone marrow cells in mice. Soon after, nodules started to appear in the spleen these mice. The number of these nodules was directly proportional to the number of marrow cells injected to them. Till and McCulloch termed these nodules as “spleen colonies” and they assumed that these nodules were the products of a single marrow cell.
In later years, the two were joined by Andy Becker in their research. Andy Becker was able to prove that each nodule did come from a single cell. With the help of another scientist named Lou Siminovitch, they were able to find hard evidence that proved that these cells had the ability of self-renewal. They published their finds in a reputable medical journal called Nature , and their findings immediately drew the attention of millions.
The two soon separated paths in the 1980s when Till decided to focus more on the benefits of stem cell research on cancer patients, while McCulloch used the information to research more on leukemia. In 2005, both men were awarded the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research.
Stem cells today
The development in the research of stem cells has grown over the years. Today there are now three forms of stem cell therapies, all of which have shown great results. These therapies are bone marrow stem cells, peripheral blood stem cells, and umbilical cord blood stem cel l transplant.
Bone marrow stem cell transplant
This is probably the most popular stem cell therapy today. Bone marrow stem cell transplants are used in treating leukemia, certain forms of cancer, and other blood disorders. Usually, leukemia is treated by conducting chemotherapy on the patient. However, if chemotherapy cannot eliminate all the cancer cells at once, doctors will make use of bone marrow transplants. The transplant begins with the doctor eliminating the cancer cells through chemotherapy or other types of radiation. A new marrow is then transplanted into the patient's body which will produce new and healthy cells. If the procedure takes hold, then the patient may be guaranteed a new life.
Peripheral blood stem cell transplant
Just like bone marrow transplants, the peripheral blood stem cell transplants or (PBSC) can cure certain blood disorders such as leukemia. However, PBSC is more induced to the blood stream of a person rather than the marrow. Stem cells are easier to obtain compared to getting bone marrow, but this stem cell therapy needs larger doses of blood to effectively treat a patient.
Umbilical cord blood stem cell transplant
Previously, umbilical cords were discarded after the birthing process. But now, research has shown that umbilical cord blood contains large amounts of stems cells that can be used to cure blood disorders. Umbilical cord blood stem cells may be more effective than adult stem cells because they are still in a very early stage of development. This will prevent the body from rejecting these cells.