S0metimes we get so involved with what we are doing, we forget that there are people who are just tuning in now with no frame of reference for what the hell we are talking about. SO here it is…Stem Cells for Newbies!
I’m a stem cell newbie!
The world of stem cells is changing all the time but the big 3 are:
ESC = embryonic stem cell
•can currently treat zero diseases
•lotsa problems (tumors, rejection, controversy, etc)
•comes from embryos
ASC = adult stem cell
•used in bone marrow transplants for 40 years
•can currently treat 130+ diseases
•~zero problems (virtually zero side effects)
•comes from blood, umbilical cords, marrow, fat, nose, breast milk, menstruation, etc etc etc
iPSC = induced pluripotent stem cell
•fairly new
•lotsa potential (needs more research)
•may be the best of both worlds
•comes from regular skin cells that are then magically transformed by scientists into stem cells
Now…if you have any follow up questions, feel free to ask. You have been fed info about stem cells for 6-8 years that has been mostly incorrect so no question is stupid. Ask away!
Regards-
David
Well…children’s teeth are adult stem cells….as are umbillical cord cells and placenta derived stem cells. Like most adult or repair stem cells, dental pulp derived stem cells from milk teethhave the potential to do an amazing number of things.
Scientifically, the bottom line is that RSC/ASC are proven effective + safe in over 1500 FDA approved clinical trials + somewhat chameleon-like in that RSC from here can be used to treat an organ or tissue there. Many RSC CAN treat many tissues + organs but what treats what BEST, only time will tell. In time, we may find that fat derived stem cells are the best to treat your head, while dental pulp stem cells are the best to treat your shoulders + bone marrow derived are the best to treat your knees + toes.
I’ve heard that you can also get stem cells from children’s teeth which can be used widely and with less problems with adult stem cells. Could you shed some light on this?
Thanks.