The existence of
umbilical cord stem cells.

Stem cell research in the future.

While it is plainly obvious that stem cells and the continuation of stem cell research holds the key to future medical science and the curing of hundreds of diseases it is also true that finding a rich source may prove difficult and current findings indicate that umbilical cord stem cells could be at least part of the answer we have been looking for. Previously bone marrow has been considered the sole usable source of stem cells for transfusion but the lack of donors compared to the number of patients requiring operations has meant that only a few patients receive the marrow they require. Stem cells are also evident in the bloodstream but there are so few of them that taking enough blood to provide a reasonable amount of stem cells is highly unlikely.

Tissue rejection.

Tissue rejection in embryonic stem cells and blood cord stem cells is actually very unlikely. A much greater rate of success is certainly associated when compared to bone marrow or blood stem cells. It is believed that this is because the stem cells have yet to take on any form of cell, tissue or organ and so still have a very high level of both potency and elasticity. In tests carried out by Dr A Murdoch, stem cells from embryonic donations and surplus embryos have proven to be very beneficial indeed with incredibly potent and plastic stem cells being produced.

Examples of the uses of stem cells.

People all over the world are already realizing the potential benefits that stem cells and the transfusion of them could create. You may have seen the adverts yourself on television. In one a set of twins are seen discussing their story. To Ben Kaplan stem cells could be the key to the future. He has cerebral palsy and both he and his brother understand the importance of continuing research into this potentially very beneficial treatment.

The argument of using embryonic stem cells.

While cord blood comes under little resistance or protest the use of embryonic stem cells certainly does from people who believe that an embryo is a life that need protecting. Keith Plummer stem cells arguments evolve around this theory and he is one of many that believes embryos should not be used, whether they are donated or they are surplus from IVF treatment, to further the ongoing research into the potential viability of stem cells.

A final word on cord blood cells.

Towards the end of 2004 scientists in Korea managed to help a 39 year old woman had been unable to walk for 19 years. By transplanting blood from an umbilical cord donation, the woman is now able to walk with the help of a walker whereas previously she had been entirely unable to use the muscles in her legs. This was just another breakthrough for the scientists that have been pushing the benefits of stem cell transplants.

Cord blood cells hold advantages even over embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are multipotent which means they can transform into absolutely any cell, but this can also include tumor cells. Cord blood stem cells have developed enough to make it highly unlikely that this would be case. Cord blood looks to be the most effective and most viable source of stem cells currently available to us and research will continue into ways to store the blood for longer periods of time and the many ways in which it can effectively be used to cure disease.

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