Archive for October, 2009

What is a stem cell?

Saturday, October 10th, 2009

Stem cells are the master cells of the human body.  They are simply the building block and foundation from which every organ and tissue in our body is formed. 

A stem cell is a cell that has the ability to duplicate itself endlessly and to become cells of virtually any organ and tissue of the body.  Healthy stem cells are able to repair or replace damaged tissue, therefore assisting with the reversal of disease and injuries, improving and maintaining optimal health. 

More recent technological advancements have enabled scientists to discover a great deal more about stem cells.  This recent research has generated a great deal of excitement as scientists have found adult stem cells in many more tissues than they once thought possible.  They have also realised stem cells can be stimulated and increased from the bone marrow.  It has also been realised that stem cells are linked to age. 

Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body. They can theoretically divide without limit to replenish other cells as long as a person is still alive.  When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialised function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell. 

By enabling more stem cells into the blood stream people will not age as quickly, will sustain growth and well being for a much longer period of time and will fight disease much more effectively and aggressively.  This new found technology is providing hope to millions of people of all ages, whether they are already fit and healthy and wanting to maintain optimal levels of health and well being or if they have a degenerative disease that requires improvement, stabilisation and hope.