Recently at the
University of Adelaide, researchers have discovered that the stem cells found in teeth pose a possible treatment for people who have suffered a stroke. They have found that the stem cells can develop into brain-like cells. Researchers have not been able to develop them into full neurons quite yet, but expect that, with the right conditions, it may be possible. This discovery is very important since it may offer a treatment for strokes that can be administered even years after the stroke has occurred. Currently the only treatment for stroke has to be administered within a few hours of the stroke, which causes it to be very limiting. The stem cells from teeth could be the answer to other various brain disorders. Dr. Ellis, one of the researchers from Adelaide, said that another benefit would be that the cells used to treat the patient's brain disorder would be able to come from the patient. This would prevent host rejection of the new cells.
NOS Themes:
- science is collaborative
- science is credible
- role of motivation and curiosity
- science is based on evidence
Link: http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2014/04/30/stem_cells_from_teeth_can_make_brainlike_cells.html
I think the topic of stem cells is really interesting because it sounds almost too good to create any type of cell from these undifferentiated cells. However, there is controversy surrounding this issue. Scientists, in 1998, discovered how to remove stem cells from human embryos, but in order to do that, they had to destroy the embryo. Nevertheless, these stem cells have the potential to cure human diseases.
ReplyDeleteFortunately, in 2006, scientists have found other methods of producing stem cells other than using actual human embryos. This will hopefully lead to the curing of more and more human diseases.
To find out more about the debate concerning stem cells, go to this website: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/stemcells/scissues/