| The human body consists of more than 200 mature cell types; each has a distinct and specialised function. Whether it’s the heart muscle cells that beat rhythmically or red blood cells that deliver oxygen to every part of our body, all specialised, “working cells” have their role to play. Stem cells are different to our mature working cells: they have an amazing ability to not only make more of themselves, but also to create new tissues when they divide and develop. This is how we make all the functioning cells of the body. | | The discovery of stem cells was one of the greatest achievements of modern medicine. With this ability, stem cells play an essential role during the development of the human body after fertilisation. However, stem cells do not all disappear after the body is fully developed. Some remain in our body as a “reserve”, and are crucial in the recovery of damaged or older tissues. Their ability to produce different kinds of specialized cells makes them so unique and powerful for medical therapy. |
