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ANIMATION: Types of stem cells here!

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are the master cells of the human body. They can divide to produce copies of themselves and many other types of cell. They are found in various parts of the human body at every stage of development from embryo to adult. Stem cells taken from embryos that are just a few days old, can turn into any of the 300 different types of cell that make up the adult body.

Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body. Serving as a sort of repair system for the body, they can theoretically divide without limit to replenish other cells. 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 specialized function, such as a blood cell, muscle cell, nerve cell, brain cell, bone cell etc.

There are four sources where stem cells can be found. They can be found in embryonic stem cells (4-5 day old human embryo), adult stem cells (bone marrow, placenta, umbilical cords), embryonic germ cells (areas in embryo designed to become sex organs), and amniotic fluid stem cells (fluid in the sac that protects the fetus).

IN SHORT: A stem cell can do many wonderful things! Stem cells have been successfully used in the treatment and improvement of patients suffering from Ataxia, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Strokes, Brain Injuries and many other illnesses.

What are stem cells?

What are they used for?

More information about stem cells

An in depth look at stem cells.

David Granovsky's stem cell blog