http://www.lifecellinternational.com/power-of-stem-cells-and-cord-blood/what-are-stem-cells
What are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are the primal cells of the body. The different cell types within the body are all derived from such cells- and hence the name. Stem cells are undifferentiated, "blank" cells that do not yet have a specific function. Characteristically, stem cells have a high capacity for self-renewal. This feature permits their continuous culture under laboratory conditions.
Stem cells have the unique ability to differentiate into a variety of 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 muscle cell, a red blood cell or a nerve cell.
Given the right environment, stem cells can give rise to a number of tissues that constitute the different organs. Also serving as a kind of repair system for the body, stem cells can divide repeatedly and then differentiate and replenish cells within the body. These unique characteristics are the reason why stem cells are considered a breakthrough in regenerative medicine. They have the potential for providing cells and tissues to treat various debilitating, life-threatening diseases.
Stem cells can be derived from various sources such as the bone marrow, embryos obtained by in vitro fertilization, amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood.
There are three broad categories of stem cells, which can be derived from various sources such as the bone marrow, embryonic tissue, amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood.
Why is Cord Blood so Valuable? Cord blood is the blood left over in the umbilical cord and placenta after the birth of a baby. This blood has been found to be an extremely rich source of stem cells. These stem cells can now be used as an alternative to embryonic, bone marrow and other stem cell types. There are no ethical controversies surrounding stem cells derived from the umbilical cord as the umbilical cord and placenta are usually discarded after birth.
Your baby's cord blood is a valuable source of stem cells that could be used to treat many life-threatening diseases and medical conditions. The value and benefits of umbilical cord blood stem cells are great as stem cells have saved many lives so far, and medical researchers are exploring new uses for umbilical cord blood stem cells in treating diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Banking your baby's cord blood means that should a need arise, your child will have a source of stem cells that is an exact match, with almost no risk of rejection.
Diseases Treated with Stem Cell Therapy Across the world, stem cell transplants have been used since the 1960s to treat a variety of diseases such as:
Acute Leukemia
Chronic Leukemia
Histiocytic Disorders
Inherited Erythrocyte Abnormalities
Inherited Immune System Disorders
Inherited Metabolic Disorders
Inherited Platelet Abnormalities
Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Myeloproliferative Disorders
Other Inherited Disorders
Other Malignancies
Phagocyte Disorders
Plasma Cell Disorders
Stem Cell Disorders
Future Stem Cell Applications
Research is currently on for the following diseases
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