Our body is build up with innumerable number of cells performing several functions like taking nutrients, provide energy or reproduction.

Several types of cells also present in the body to perform a specific type of job like nerve cells, heart cells, sperm and egg cells. These cells even though are doing different life activities originate from basic simpler cells which are not specialised. These cells which are unspecialised are referred as ‘Stem cells’. Our body develops from embryonic cells derived by fertilisation oocyte and the sperm cells.

The stem cells are unique unspecialised cells which can proliferate and maintain their number and ability to differentiate into specialised cells situated in the several organs of the body.

Classification of Stem Cells:

Stem cells are classified into:

1.Embryonic stem cells which are present in the embryos which are most potential.

2.Adult stem cells present in the bone marrow, Brain and blood.

3. Cord blood stem cells recovered from the cord of the foetus which is also a potential source for stem cells used now a day and these are preserved in specialised stem cell banks for future use.

Latest Research on Stem Cells:

Research work is going on since a long time to use these stem cells for regenerating new tissues and in treatment of diseases like Leukaemia, Parkinson’s disease, Type I diabetes and burn victims etc.

In the latest research done on mice the scientists found a method to stimulate the adult bone marrow to release stem cells into the blood stream for repair of damaged cells in the body.

Scientists have also identified pathways in movement of these cells into the blood stream but however it is necessary to develop a suitable drug to interfere these pathways to treat a specific organ in the body with required type of cell and in required numbers.

  Fundamentals of Health and Life