Tag Archives: stem cells

Embryo Adoption, Part Two

My last blog was on a relatively new type of adoption, embryo adoption. The visibility of embryo adoption will, I predict, increase quite a bit for three reasons. The increased debate about stem cells will impact people’s awareness of and beliefs about frozen embryos, which are a main source of embryonic stem cells. Some scientists say that embryonic stem cells, which have not yet differentiated into different types of tissues, will be the most useful for treating diseases (although non-embryonic stem cells, obtained from blood, umbilical cords or other tissue, have already been used to treat aplastic anemia, and other … Continue reading →

All About Stem Cells

There’s been a lot of talk (and debate) about stem cells. But what are they? Stem cells are cells with the potential to develop into many different kinds of cell. Normal cells in the body have only one specialized function; stem cells work like a repair system, dividing to replenish other cells and taking the function of whatever type of cell is needed. When a stem cell divides, the two new cells can take on a special function or remain as stem cells. There are three types of stem cells. Totipotent: with the potential to create all the types of … Continue reading →

A New Source For Stem Cells

The debate over stem cells may be nearing an end. Scientists reported earlier in January that they found a new source for human stem cells — stem cells that are easier to collect AND come without the ethical issues we’ve seen concerning embryonic stem cells. So where do these new stem cells come from? They are found in amniotic fluid — the liquid that surrounds a baby in the womb. Stem cells found in amniotic fluid can be collected at the same time amniocentesis is done, with very little risk to mother or child. And the cells can theoretically be … Continue reading →