The Latest Research Behind Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cells first became a point of medical research in 1998 when a medical paper suggested they could be sourced from human umbilical cords. As research continued, it became clear these umbilical cells can evolve into more advanced cells. Now, medical professionals and researchers are gaining a clearer understanding of the many ways stem cells can be used to heal the human body.
While there is still some ethical debate around stem cell research, continued advancements in technology have demonstrated the powerful influence of these stem cells in healthcare practice. If you’re hesitant about undergoing the revolutionary stem cell therapy, it’s understandable. Stem cell research doesn’t have much public attention, and it can be hard to differentiate myth from fact.
Is Stem Cell Therapy Ethical?
Much of the confusion about stem cell therapy is around whether or not this research is ethical. Umbilical cord stem cells are harvested with parental permission from umbilical cords after birth. The stem cells found in the umbilical cord are similar to those found in bone marrow, and they are used to regenerate many types of specialized cells. Harvesting these cells does not harm the baby or the mother in any way and would have otherwise been a biological waste. There are other types of stem cells like multipotent cells which are found in adult tissue like fat and embryonic stem cells which are from human embryos. As of right now, umbilical cord stem cells are the only legal option for stem cell treatment.
Understanding Stem Cells
Many leading research centers and health organizations have conducted research on stem cell therapy. The key to deciding if this treatment is right for you understanding how stem cell technology works. Review our Frequently Asked Questions about stem cells to have all your questions answered! Below are useful resources on stem cells to enlighten your understanding of stem cell therapy.
- Where Do Stem Cells Come From? (Columbia University)
- Stem Cell Basics (National Institutes of Health)
- Stem Cell Myths (California’s Stem Cell Agency)