What are stem cells?
Stem cells are unspecialized cells that are able to renew themselves over periods of time through cell division. Under certain physiologic or experimental conditions, these cells can be induced to form specialized cells with specific functions.

Stem cells may be classified into 2 broad categories; Embryonic stem cells and Adult stem cells. The ‘strength’ or ability of stem cells to specialize into other forms can be described as totipotent, pluripotent or multipotent. Embryonic stem cells are generally termed totipotent or pluripotent as these cells have the ability to differentiate into any other cells in the body. Adult stem cells are termed multipotent because of their ability to differentiate into selected forms.

Cord lining stem cells have been found to fall between pluripotent and multipotent as these cells are adult stem cells with strong embryonic-like properties.

What are stem cells’ applications?
The potential applications of stem cells are far reaching. One of the active researches going on around the world is the study of stem cells and how they can be converted or differentiated. Researchers are looking at making cells and tissue from stem cells for medical and clinical therapies.

What are Epithelial Stem Cells?
Epithelial stem cells are covering cells that line the body as skin, or are lining cells that form the innermost layer of hollow structures as the intestines.

What are Mesenchymal Stem Cells?
Mesenchymal stem cells make up the bulk of organs.

What diseases can be cured?
As research is ever on-going and new discoveries are made ever so often, the renewable and replacement properties of stem cells hold the possibilities of treating a myriad of diseases, conditions, and disabilities including:
• Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases
• Spinal cord injury
• Stroke
• Burns
• Heart diseases
• Diabetes
• Osteo-arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Cancers

What is the difference between cord blood and bone marrow stem cells versus cord lining stem cells?
Cord blood and bone marrow stem cells form hematopoietic stem cells which forms all the blood cells in the body. These stem cells have the potential to treat blood-related disorders.

Cord lining stem cells have the ability to obtain both mesenchymal and epithelial stem cells. These cells have the potential to forms all cell types in the body, thus providing opportunities for treatment of many more disorders than hematopoietic stem cells. Currently, cord lining stem cells can be expanded in number to form many more cells which is good for medical therapies while hematopoietic stem cells have limitations.

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