Stem cells are the small multicellular organism that has the capability to expand and multiply infinitely. With this ability to multiply, stem cells can be used to regenerate bone marrow, ligaments, muscles, skin, arteries, and potentially organs. When used correctly the cells can repair injuries and one day scientists may be able to repurpose stem cells to regrow limbs and appendages. Stem cells can one day be used to accelerate the healing process from injuries and surgery, or potentially eliminate the need for surgery.
Stem cells are distinguished from other cell types by two important characteristics. First, they are unspecialized cells capable of renewing themselves through cell division, sometimes after long periods of inactivity. Second, under certain physiologic or experimental conditions, they can be induced to become tissue- or organ-specific cells with special functions. In some organs,
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Arguably the largest drawback is that there are very few methods of treatment that have been deemed safe by the FDA. This means that almost any stem cell therapy that is used is experimental. This is due to the fact that although stem cell research is not new the ue of the research in the form of therapy is a very new medical practice. Just like any other relatively new medical practice the long term effects of stem cell therapy are completely unknown. Another major drawback to using stem cell therapy was found in patients that received therapy for heart disease. Some of these patients were found to have their coronary arteries narrowed. When coronary arteries narrow blood flood to the heart muscle is restricted. This can result in a lack of oxygen to the heart. The narrowing of the coronary arteries is due to plaque build up in the arteries. If this plaque ruptures it will cause a heart attack and in some cases will cause cardiac