Stem cells could be miracle cure
Published: October 27, 2005
STEM cells, which have the potential to become many different types of cell, have been used in medicine for many years, for example in bone marrow transplants for children with leukaemia and deficient immune systems.
They also offer the hope of a cure for many types of disease including Parkinson’s, insulindependent diabetes and tissue damage suffered by spinal trauma victims.
The stem cells found in embryos are thought to have the greatest ability to become different tissues, but research into the field is controversial.
Pro-life groups are outspoken critics of techniques that create embryos specifically to harvest their stem cells and the production of “designer babies” to produce stem cells for their sick siblings is also contentious.
But the research also has some high-profile supporters.
Before his death in 2004, Superman actor Christopher Reeve called for more research to be done into the potential of stem cells to treat spinal injuries after he was paralysed in a horse-riding accident.
As well as studies into the potential of embryonic and cord blood stem cells, research is also continuing into how the cells from an adult’s own bone marrow could be used.
Scientists in London are currently researching whether they can repair damaged heart muscle.
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