Exciting medical advancements followed the discovery of stem cells. While research progresses, scientists discover more applications for these incredible cellular reserves. While stem cells exist in your body, they were historically difficult to harvest. Things have changed. The discovery of dental stem cells makes capitalizing on the powerful abilities of these cells easier, promising exciting new applications in medicine.
Flexible Cellular Reproduction
Stem cells are master cells with the incredible ability to replicate cells other than their own. While normal cells can only reproduce cells of the same type, stem cells can reproduce cells of many different types. For example, normal blood cell can only make new blood cells, but a stem cell may reproduce blood, kidney, heart, or bone cells. Scientists can use stem cells to regenerate skin, bone, and entire organs.
There are two types of stem cells: embryonic and adult. Embryonic stem cells come loaded with controversy and public outcry. Adult stem cells, on the other hand, are free from these ethical concerns, and scientists use them in current medical research. Dental stem cells hold exciting promise for scientists, because of their easy access and high potency. (more…)